Best Aviation Resume Examples & Templates

Hiring managers for aviation jobs look for applicants with a mix of soft and hard skills, specifically: 

• Flight hours logged 
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations
• FAA medical certificate
• Navigation data knowledge
• Stamina
• Excellent hand-eye coordination
• FCC operator permit
• Aircraft operating procedures
• Foreign language and level of proficiency
• Cockpit operations
• Collaboration
• Attention to detail

Pilots are required to hold a bachelor’s degree. Mechanics and technicians must have a Federal Aviation Administration-approved trade school degree or military training. In addition, to fly, you must have a valid license by the FAA.

Consider certifications, which can help add value to your skills. Choose one according to your area of interest. For example, an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic (A&P) certification, an ASTM NCAT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET), the NBAA’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), among others.

The salary of an aviation professional varies according to employer, job title and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median pay for airline and commercial pilots is $134,630 per year. BLS also reported the following as median pay for related occupations:

• Air traffic controllers: $129,750 per year
• Flight attendants: $61,640 per year
• Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians: $65,550 per year

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 6% projected growth in this decade. It translates to 18,100 job openings each year until 2031. This is on par with the current projected growth for all occupations from 2021-2031.

Your ideal resume format vary according to your years of experience and career goals. Choose one according to best highlight your skills and experience in aviation. 

• Functional format: Perfect for entry-level candidates. Its layout focuses on skills, allowing you to showcase the abilities you bring to the table. 
• Combination format: Great for those with a few years under the belt, this format balances skills and work experience. 
• Chronological format: Ideal for candidates with 10+ years of experience in aviation. This format highlights your expertise through a detailed work history section.

Some action words for the aviation industry include:

• Pilot
• Maintain
• Coordinate 
• Inspect
• Communicate 
• Supervise 
• Manage 
• Implement 
•  Train
• Conduct 

Using a resume templatefor your aviation resume can be useful for creating a professional and polished document. 

Here are some benefits of using a resume template: 

• Templates can save time and effort in formatting and organizing your information.
• They can provide a professional and consistent appearance to your resume.
• They can structure your resume to highlight your skills and experience.

To tailor your aviation resume to a specific job posting, read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and experiences the employer seeks. Incorporate these keywords and phrases into your resume, highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments and demonstrating your ability to perform the job.

An aviation resume should ideally be one to two pages in length. It should be concise, easy to read, and highlight the candidate’s most relevant skills and experiences.