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5 Pilot Cover Letter Examples Taking Flight in 2024

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Your role as a pilot is all about taking to the skies and ensuring a safe and efficient flight. You’re responsible for your passengers’ lives and each flight’s success.

Your daily tasks are nothing short of remarkable, including pre-flight checks, navigation planning, communication with air traffic control, and handling unforeseen challenges with composure and expertise.

Writing a cover letter to accompany your pilot resume is a totally different kind of challenge, but necessary if you want to level up your career.

We’re here to assist you in creating a cover letter that soars above the competition. Explore our pilot cover letter examples and valuable tips to make this process a breeze.

Pilot Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

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Block Format

Copy this text for your pilot cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Tampa, FL 33601 (123) 456-7890

October 5, 2023

Riley Parker Southwest Airlines 123 Fictional Lane Tampa, FL 33601

Dear Mr. Parker:

I’m delighted by Southwest Airlines’ commitment to superior service and profound excellence in aviation. Your average customer rating of 4.5/5 from over 45,310 reviews on Tripadvisor articulates the trust and satisfaction passengers harbor towards your airline. Your skilled and knowledgeable pilots undoubtedly play a critical role in this achievement, and it would be an honor to join your team, leveraging my comprehensive skills and valid pilot license.

Over the past four years, I have confidently directed over 36 business and pleasure flights as a commercial aviation pilot for Silver Airways. Therein, I anchored my operations around meticulous flight planning and navigation, ensuring optimal operational standards while effectively averting potential risks. By leveraging cutting-edge flight planning software, my diligent planning strategy led to a 17% improvement in overall flight efficiency and reduced flight delays by 12%.

As a flight operations officer at Southern Airways Express, I enhanced radio communication efficiency by 19%. Aided by the Sigma-7 communication system, I resolved approximately 187 instances of potential miscommunication, fostering safer flights.

My career focus has always been providing passengers with dependable service that makes them feel secure and heard. This aligns perfectly with Southwest Airlines’ ethos for imperative safety and stellar service standards. I look forward to further discussing how our objectives are intertwined and how I can contribute to advancing passengers’ trust in Southwest Airlines.

Jacob Cohen

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Pilot License

Why this cover letter works

• Instead of arranging your professional experiences haphazardly, begin with the most recent one, moving backward in time. An example would be a chief pilot role, followed by senior and junior first officer roles. Whichever your narrative, break each experience into specific duties and quantified accomplishments.

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Entry-level Pilot Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level pilot cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Denver, CO 55555 (123) 456-7890

February 27, 2024

George Addison Southwest Airlines 123 Fictional Lane Denver, CO 55555

Dear Mr. Addison:

Jumping into the cockpit for the first time while earning my pilot’s certification was an exhilarating, unforgettable experience fueled by the unending vastness of the open skies and the challenge of mastering an aircraft mid-flight. It ignited my passion to be a part of the aviation sector, and I have been fortunate to weave it into my profession for the past few years. Now, I’m ready to apply my skills and dedication as an entry-level pilot at Southwest Airlines.

The intensive curriculum at Paragon Flight Training School provided me with vital flight expertise, placing a strong emphasis on safety protocols, streamlined aircraft handling, and fostering a secure environment for passengers. These acquired skills served me well during my subsequent internship. A key lesson at Paragon was the significance of thorough aircraft maintenance, demonstrated in my 98% compliance rate regarding maintenance record monitoring at Jet Linx.

Embracing collaboration with air traffic control to identify the most effective flight routes was instilled in me at Paragon. This proficiency helped reduce flight delays by 23% throughout my stint at Jet Linx. Equipped with the ability to adapt and respond to complex weather conditions and fluctuating flight rules, I prioritize airworthiness above all, aligning my capabilities with the essential requirements of this role.

Possessing an FAA Airmen Certificate, an FAA First Class Medical Certificate, and an unrestricted passport verifies my readiness for this position. My flight hours far exceed the 250-hour prerequisite, showcasing my preparedness to contribute immediately.

I’m enthusiastic to explore how my distinctive combination of experience, aptitudes, and pilot training render me an ideal fit for the entry-level pilot position.

Francesca Bell

Enclosures: Resume FAA Airmen Certificate FAA First Class Medical Certificate

• Talk about safety protocols, aircraft handling, fostering a secure environment for passengers, and meeting the minimum flight hours. Then, seal the deal with a mention or attachment of your FAA Airmen and FAA First Class Medical certificates.

Low-Hour Pilot Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your low-hour pilot cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Tampa, FL 48111 (123) 456-7890

February 15, 2024

Nora McDowell Silver Airways 789 Pretend Ave Tampa, FL 48111

Dear Ms. McDowell:

Silver Airways’ commitment to nurturing pilots with a strong foundation and a keenness to grow within the industry is precisely why I’m excited to continue my career with your company. With a background in aviation, demonstrated through roles at Rentokil and Spirit Airlines, I have amassed 400+ flight hours with an exemplary safety record. My tenures as an aerial photography pilot and traffic watch pilot have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in Silver Airways’ dynamic and challenging environment.

My professional journey has been marked by continuous learning and improvement, leveraging advanced flight planning tools such as FitPlan Go, APDB, and Rockwell Collins Flight2 to enhance operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption by up to 19%, and ensure passenger safety. I hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, and my fluent command of the English language, coupled with the ability to work all shifts, aligns perfectly with the qualifications you are seeking.

Notably, my expertise extends beyond flight operations to include strong interpersonal and communication skills, allowing me to successfully team lift and collaborate effectively with crew members and engineering teams to ensure passenger satisfaction. My commitment to aviation safety and operations excellence was recognized through commendations from passengers and colleagues alike.

The prospect of bringing my background, skills, and passion for aviation to your team is thrilling. I look forward to discussing how my experiences and visions for aviation safety and efficiency can help achieve and exceed Silver Airways’ operational goals.

Thank you for your consideration,

Karl Langston

Enclosures: Resume Application Transcripts

• Such praises, whether they applaud your commitment to aviation safety, flight operation excellence, or strong situational awareness, are sure to augment your appeal in the aviation job market. It’s simply about providing a human-centric perspective to your competence, which could set you apart from the competition.

Aviation Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your aviation cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Honolulu, HI (123) 456-7890

Anthony Evans Hawaiian Airlines 123 Fictional Lane Honolulu, HI

Dear Mr. Evans:

When I read about Hawaiian Airlines’ unveiling of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner Cabin Design and the introduction of Leihōkū Suites, I felt my skills as an airline dispatcher are well-aligned with this endeavor. Holding a similar vision with Hawaiian Airlines in offering passengers a unique blend of safety, comfort, and luxury, I find your highly esteemed company an ideal place to contribute from my reservoir of skills in weather interpretation, aircraft performance calculation, and air traffic management.

Your ethos binds strongly with my commitment to safe and seamless flights, irrespective of prevailing circumstances. As an aviation forecaster at the Hawaii Forecast Office for two years, I extensively analyzed meteorological data, ensuring safe and timely flights. Adept in using sophisticated weather forecasting software, I managed to increase the accuracy of my predictions by 18%, resulting in safer flights and approximately 9% less weather-related flight delays.

I spent three years at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport as an aircraft performance engineer, refining my ability to calculate aircraft performance. My timely and accurate performance calculations, along with the practical application of ALR Aerospace’s aircraft performance software, boosted fuel efficiency by 13% and enhanced our punctuality by 17%.

A stint as an air traffic controller at the Honolulu Control Facility saw me manage air traffic for over 48 diverse flights daily. Employing Leidos, an advanced air traffic management software, I reduced potential airspace breaches by 11% and increased overall airspace efficiency by 16%.

Carrying forward my unwavering focus on passenger safety and seamless flight experience, I’m ready to contribute as your airline dispatcher. Managing the logistical ins and outs of Leihōkū Suites, I can channel my knowledge and skills to offer remarkable service on the ground and in the air. Looking forward to a deeper conversation on my qualifications for this role. Thank you.

• There are multiple approaches to company knowledge. You could applaud a recent achievement (cue, Boeing 787 Dreamliner Cabin Design), drop a mention of an impressive customer rating on an industry-pertinent review site like Tripadvisor, or align your aspirations with the company’s mission.

Airline Pilot Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your airline pilot cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Chicago, IL 60601 (123) 456-7890

Aubrey Edwards United Airlines 123 Fictional Lane Chicago, IL 60601

Dear Ms. Edwards:

As United Airlines seeks a proactive and skilled navigator for the skies, I’m excited to apply my notable aircraft operation understanding, expertise in aircraft performance calculation, altitude and airspeed management, and more. My ability to acclimate to varying conditions, competence in making high-stakes decisions, and deep-seated familiarity with the aviation industry render me an excellent fit for the airline pilot role within your esteemed enterprise.

Working as a pilot at Monarch Air Group solidified my understanding of aircraft operation, successfully articulating dispatch procedures and pre-flight checks, resulting in a 38% increase in time efficiency for all flights. My flight simulation expertise led me to use popular tools like X-Plane and Prepar3D, empowering the team with cutting-edge tactics and simulated flight experiences.

My aptitude for aircraft performance calculations found practical application at Jet Linx Chicago. Using ForeFlight software, I enhanced the air traffic routes, saving 17% of fuel compared to previous routes. This not only drove down costs but also significantly diminished our carbon emissions, aligning with the company’s greener operational objectives.

Understanding altitude and airspeed management was crucial during my tenure at Priester Aviation. Here, I helped reduce turbulence experiences by 29%, vastly improving passenger comfort. Leveraging Garmin G1000 and Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics systems also proved instrumental in precision flight planning and control.

My integrated approach to sustainable, efficient flight execution makes me well-suited to refine United Airlines’ operational methodologies. A mix of my technical proficiencies, decision-making capacity, and people skills would ideally position me to excel as an airline pilot, anchored in maintaining passenger safety and satisfaction. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my suitability for this role further. Thank you for considering me to navigate the skies with United Airlines.

Malik Ahmed

• See how Malik takes us through his application of Garmin G1000, ForeFlight, X-plane, and Prepar3D for flight planning, navigation, and flight simulations. Use such narratives to showcase your adaptability and ability to stay on top of the evolving aviation technological landscape.

Related cover letter examples

• Pilot Resume
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• Firefighter
• Police Officer
• Customer Service

How to Write the Perfect Pilot Cover Letter

Your experience as a pilot has honed your attention to detail, a critical skill that will also come in handy when crafting a standout cover letter. To make a compelling case for your suitability, you need to convey your abilities to potential employers. But how do you achieve this in a concise letter?

The key is to skillfully incorporate elements of the job description into your cover letter. For example, if the role emphasizes strong communication skills, demonstrate your ability to liaise effectively with crew members and air traffic control. Tailoring your cover letter in this way demonstrates that you’re not just any pilot; you’re the ideal candidate who’s ready to take the company to new heights.

Starting off right with a solid intro

To kick off your pilot cover letter effectively, always strive for a personalized greeting that addresses the recipient by name. You can do this by researching the company on platforms like LinkedIn, visiting its website, or even making a quick phone call. If you’ve exhausted all other options, a “Dear Hiring Manager” should still do the trick. 

After the greeting, focus on creating an engaging opening paragraph that instantly captures the reader’s attention. Highlight what makes you the ideal fit for the role, whether it’s your unwavering commitment to flight safety, your extensive experience in handling various aircraft, or your exceptional problem-solving skills that ensure smooth flights. 

The same applies if you’re a dispatcher—focus on your ability to work with others and ensure happy outcomes for every flight.

To show you what not to do, here’s a little example. It lacks enthusiasm, doesn’t convey any unique qualifications, and doesn’t engage the reader’s interest. Make sure you do better!

I’m fresh out of pilot school and I need a new job. I hope you can hire me.

Instead, aim to emulate this next example. It’s friendly, passionate, and gets right to the point—showcasing your piloting skills. 

Much better!

As United Airlines seeks a proactive and skilled navigator for the skies, I’m excited to apply my notable aircraft operation understanding, expertise in aircraft performance calculation, altitude and airspeed management, and more. My ability to acclimate to varying conditions, competence in making high-stakes decisions, and deep-seated familiarity with the aviation industry renders me an excellent fit for the airline pilot role within your esteemed enterprise.

Crafting the perfect body paragraphs

The body paragraphs in a cover letter serve as the heart of your application, following up on the strong opening. Here, you should delve into your aviation career and highlight your proudest achievements. 

For pilots, this could include successfully executing complex flight plans, maintaining an impeccable safety record, or demonstrating exceptional leadership in challenging situations. If you’re working in dispatch or another aviation-related role, make sure to adjust your cover letter and resume to match its demands.

To add weight to your claims, back up these achievements with concrete metrics. Share data like the number of flight hours logged, on-time departure records, or the efficiency improvements you’ve brought to flight operations.

Compelling!

Wrapping things up the right way

The closing paragraph is your opportunity to highlight your enthusiasm and show that you’ve researched the company and its values. 

For example, if you’re seeking a role at an airline known for its commitment to safety, express your dedication to upholding and enhancing safety standards in your flying career.

You can also mention how you intend to contribute to the company’s success, such as by leveraging your expertise in advanced aircraft technology to enhance operational efficiency.

Finally, express gratitude for the opportunity to apply and leave the cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely, [Your Name].”

Here’s an example that doesn’t follow this advice. It shows no passion, instead showing that they prioritize their vacation over getting the job.

I’m looking forward to working with you. Keep in mind that I can’t start sooner than next month because I’m going on vacation.

Instead, try to emulate this next example. Reiterating their job skills , this applicant showcases their reliability and the instant value they’ll bring to the team. 

Carrying forward my unwavering focus on passenger safety and seamless flight experience, I’m ready to contribute as your airline dispatcher. Managing the logistical ins and outs of Leihökü Suites, I can channel my knowledge and skills to offer remarkable service on the ground and in the air. Looking forward to a deeper conversation on my qualifications for this role. Thank you.

As a pilot, the ability to convey a message in a few words is pretty crucial, and the same applies to your cover letter. Don’t go above a single page. This includes opening and closing paragraphs and then two or three body paragraphs.

Research the company thoroughly for specific details about its values, mission, or recent achievements. Incorporate this information into your cover letter to demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with the company’s goals.

Emphasize your relevant education, certifications, and transferable skills. For instance, if you’re a certified pilot or hold relevant licenses, highlight them. Discuss any aviation-related coursework or training, and focus on transferable skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork gained from other work experiences . Don’t forget to mention your in-flight hours, as most airlines have strict requirements for that.

How to Write a Pilot Cover Letter

How to structure it and what details to include

If you are looking to put together a professionally written Pilot Covering Letter in support of your application for a flight crew position for an airline, ensure you are familiar with what to include and how to structure it. This guide has been written by a current commercial pilot who has extensive experience in screening initial applications, such as CV & Cover Letters and running pilot selection processes.

Why is a Pilot Cover Letter Important?

It is essential that your pilot CV or application to an airline is accompanied by a high quality, tailored Covering Letter which has been written specifically for the airline to which you are applying. A cover letter is your platform to demonstrate that you are well suited to join the airline and are familiar with its type of operation and values. Many people choose the easy option of producing a generic ‘one size fits all’ cover letter which makes no effort to address the airline you are applying for. This is easy to spot and significantly disadvantages your application.

Why should an airline consider inviting you for an interview for a pilot position if you haven’t shown that you are prepared to spend the extra half hour needed to demonstrate you’ve really researched the airline, its ethos and type of operation, when other candidates have? The excuse of ‘I don’t have the time’ is just not acceptable – you are applying to operate a multi-million-pound aircraft with potentially hundreds of people onboard therefore, airline recruitment teams expect the highest levels of professionalism to be demonstrated right from the initial application stage.

Generic Pilot Cover Letters

A generic pilot Cover Letter is very easy to spot. Simply changing the company name and a couple of sentences around when sending a cover letter out to different airlines is not good practice. More than half of the content within the Cover Letter you send out should have unique content. Think of the differences between easyJet and Virgin Atlantic; each airline has unique challenges, one across a short-haul operation, one over long-haul with both providing a different type of service. Each airline has different values and is probably looking for slightly different attributes from its flight crew. Your covering letter should address these factors.

Whereas a pilot CV showcases your skills, qualification and history, a Covering Letter should set out your motivation for joining a specific airline and how you are well suited for that company and type of operation. It should be limited to a single page (again a recruiter only has a finite amount of time to review each application) unless you have extenuating circumstances to make it longer.

Ensure it adheres to standard letter format which includes your address, date and name. You should address the letter to a specific person within the company if possible, like the recruitment manager of chief pilot.

What Should my Pilot Cover Letter Include?

Your pilot cover letter should include the following points:

• What aircraft type you are applying to operate.
• What operating base you are seeking (or stating you’d be prepared to relocate to any of them).
• Highlight that you meet all of the minimum requirements and emphasising any specific qualifications that might ensure you are looking upon favourably (for example holding an A320 type rating when applying to operate that aircraft).
• Why you want to work for that airline Consider its mission statement, values and ethos. Include a quote from one of these, whether it be a slogan or specific statement. This demonstrates you have extensively researched the airline.
• Include a couple of sentences which demonstrate that you have researched the history of the company such as including its formation date and how it has progressed since then.
• Mention your future aspirations in the company. This might include one day being promoted to the role of Captain or joining the training department. You could also tie this in with acknowledge any orders the airline has on order, and the opportunities associated with this.
• Highlight the type of operation and how this is well suited to your aspirations and attributes. For example, multiple aircraft type fleet with both long and short haul operations or maybe a lost cost carrier with a single aircraft type fleet but operating to many destinations. Both have their own advantages (see the section below).
• Address the skills you possess (particularly non-technical skills), how you acquired these skills (through previous employment etc) and how they are well suited for the type of operation of the airline you are applying for.

When writing the pilot Cover Letter, you might consider some of these points depending on the type of airline you are applying to.

Pilot Cover Letter Tips

Pilot Cover Letter Tips & General Advice

• Double and triple check your spelling and grammar. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes.
• Make sure the letter flows properly. When you re-read it, if you have to go back and re-read a sentence because it doesn’t read right, then change it, so it does flow. Sometimes sentences make sense, but they just don’t read right due to the choice of words or construction of the sentence. If you’ve had to re-read it, so will the recruiter.
• If you aren’t fluent in written English and the application is required to be in the English language, use a specialised service such as our Tailored Covering Letter service to ensure you present a fantastic document.
• Use the ‘ about ‘ or ‘investor relations’ section of the company’s website to find out more about the company’s mission statement, values, vision. Try and incorporate some of these into your letter. For example, if the airline’s website says ‘we are committed to provide the best customer service in the world’, mention that you want to help the airline achieve this and talk about how your previous experience supports your experience in this area. If you haven’t flown before you might talk briefly about a previous customer service role you have been in or what you have done as a pilot to enhance the passenger experience.
• Look specifically at the details of the job description. This can give you some ideas about topics to address. For example, if the airline mentions a very large route network or rapid career development, you can talk about how your non-technical skills would allow you to manage the challenges of this appropriately whilst finding it very rewarding. You could also talk about your career aspirations such as joining the training department.

Want to use our Professional Pilot Cover Letter design service? Our team have experience in designing selection processes, screening applications and selecting candidates for airlines. For more information about how we can support your application, visit our Professional Cover Letter Tailoring page.

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Pilot cover letter example

Cover letter header

Cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter body, cover letter closing .

Time for your career as a pilot to change course? A top-flight pilot cover letter can give your application some added fuel and propel you to higher altitudes.

When your dream job is on the horizon, Resume.io has what you need to get started, including 125+ occupation-specific writing guides and corresponding cover letter examples. This cover letter writing guide, backed by a pilot cover letter example, will cover these topics:

• The best format for structuring a cover letter
• How each cover letter section conveys your excellence as a pilot job candidate: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Writing psychology to persuade hiring managers you’d be an asset to their crew
• Common cover letter mistakes to avoid crashing your chances.

Employment prospects for airline and commercial pilots are soaring into the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Employment Statistics. Job market demand is projected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This partly reflects the rebound in business and leisure travel following the pandemic-induced economic recession that grounded thousands of pilots for prolonged stretches.

Best format for a pilot cover letter

One connection at a time, let’s map out the surest path towards an interview-winning pilot cover letter. It will be consist of these parts:

• Cover letter closing.

Before offering tips for navigating each of these cover letter sections, here are some key guidelines for reader-friendliness. 

• Keep it short — 300 to 350 words is ideal, confined to one page.
• The overall appearance should be neat, clean and streamlined, with ample white space in the margins and between lines.
• Make thoughtful choices of fonts and sparing creative touches.

Here is an adaptable pilot cover letter example that you can customize for the position and employer:

Dear Mr Korthley,  Having worked as a charter pilot in Canada and North America for the past five years (in particular on the New York to Vegas route) and previously flying military cargo planes, the charter pilot position to fly Lear Jets and Gulfstreams with LightAir is an ideal next step.  I have experience across a range of aircraft, including LearJet 35 and 60, Gulfstream 450 and 500 and Hawker 800XP, amongst others. On gaining my pilot’s license with the U.S. Air Force (graduating top 10% in my class), I specialised in flying far larger aircraft, but I enjoy the responsiveness of the smaller corporate jet and would not go back. My certifications include: the ATP, CFI and AGI along with full first aid an emergency preparedness training.  My previous employer was meticulous about measuring the smoothness of their flights and I was rated the best out of 8 pilots for comfort. I can deliver a first-class passenger experience through all but the worst of weather. 55% of my passengers on my Vegas flights were repeat fliers and I regularly enjoyed extra hospitality “bonuses” from my employer whenever there was a stopover. I do not gamble, but I do enjoy the buzz of the city and it is important to be able to share the Vegas magic while chatting with my passengers mid-flight.  During my military postings in the Middle East, I became conversant in Arabic to a good level and this is always something I seek to tap into when I fly the 25% of my passengers who were from that region. I know that this is a demographic that you are particularly keen on targeting.  I would value the opportunity for and interview to discuss my experience in more depth.  Sincerely,  Connie Chang

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Your cover letter header commands the top of the page and is important to:

• Readily establish your identity and contact information so a duly impressed employer can contact you with no hesitation for an interview.
• Set you apart from other pilot applicants with a distinctive visual “brand.”

Make them match Impress hiring managers with the extra attention to detail that goes into a matching cover letter and resume pair— notably in the header. Aligning the visual styles of your two job application documents could improve the chances of both getting more than a passing glance.

Goal of the cover letter header: A visually distinctive header lets you stand out other job candidates and makes it easy for interested recruiters to contact you. Check out our pilot cover letter sample for more ideas on how to make your header stand out.

Science affirms the positive psychological impact of hearing or reading our own name. That’s why your pilot cover letter greeting should address the reader by name whenever possible. Depending on the company’s size and hiring process, the recipient may be your future boss, the chief pilot or an HR manager. If you’re unsure, and no one is named in the job application instructions, try to  find out on the employer’s website or make a phone call.

You can’t go wrong with the traditional salutation “Dear <Mr.> or <Ms.> Surname.” If you’re certain that a less formal greeting would be acceptable, go with “Hello,” “Greetings” or even “Hi,” instead of “Dear.” But a first-name-basis greeting is not recommended unless you and the recipient know each other personally.

If your efforts to come up with a recipient’s name don’t pan out, try a greeting along these lines that fits the situation: “Dear RightFlight Pilot Recruiting Manager” or “Dear UpWays Pilot Hiring Team.” 

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Making a direct personal connection with the cover letter recipient starts your cover letter off on a professional, yet approachable, note.

Dear Mr Korthley,

The introduction is the lift-off point for your pilot cover letter, where hiring managers are intrigued with a sense of anticipation. They will naturally expect these two or three opening statements to launch your most persuasive reasons for being a great pilot. What they might not expect are insights into your motivation to deliver what they need when hired.  If you’ve laid the groundwork by thoroughly informing yourself about the airline and the position needing to filled, your cover letter is on its way with these introductory points: 

• You’re excited about this career opportunity and would be proud to fly for this airline or commercial carrier.
• This company stands to benefit from the experience and achievements you have to offer.

Sound energetic, engaging and respectfully self-assured. Stop short of the details, beyond piquing the reader’s curiosity to learn more. 

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Capture the recruiter’s interest by appealing to what this employer needs to know about your potential and desire to contribute.

Here’s an introduction idea from our pilot cover letter sample:

Having worked as a charter pilot in Canada and North America for the past five years (in particular on the New York to Vegas route) and previously flying military cargo planes, the charter pilot position to fly Lear Jets and Gulfstreams with LightAir is an ideal next step.

The body section of your pilot cover letter should glide smoothly at cruising altitude over a few carefully selected career highlights. Elaborate in relevant and relatable terms that demonstrate what you know about this airline, what it stands for and and how it stands to benefit with you in the pilot’s seat.

Don’t rehash the same information in the same way it appears in your resume. Reframe your past accomplishments as future contributions, citing facts and figures for context. Incorporate a story that illustrates your commitment to continued learning and professional development. 

Goal of the cover letter body: Instill the reader’s confidence by making relevant connections between your pilot background and potential benefits to this hiring company.

This pilot cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part:

I have experience across a range of aircraft, including LearJet 35 and 60, Gulfstream 450 and 500 and Hawker 800XP, amongst others. On gaining my pilot’s license with the U.S. Air Force (graduating top 10% in my class), I specialised in flying far larger aircraft, but I enjoy the responsiveness of the smaller corporate jet and would not go back. My certifications include: the ATP, CFI and AGI along with full first aid an emergency preparedness training.  My previous employer was meticulous about measuring the smoothness of their flights and I was rated the best out of 8 pilots for comfort. I can deliver a first-class passenger experience through all but the worst of weather. 55% of my passengers on my Vegas flights were repeat fliers and I regularly enjoyed extra hospitality “bonuses” from my employer whenever there was a stopover. I do not gamble, but I do enjoy the buzz of the city and it is important to be able to share the Vegas magic while chatting with my passengers mid-flight.  During my military postings in the Middle East, I became conversant in Arabic to a good level and this is always something I seek to tap into when I fly the 25% of my passengers who were from that region. I know that this is a demographic that you are particularly keen on targeting. 

The conclusion of your cover letter should effectively touch down on the job-landing strip by actually leaving something up in the air. A call to action is designed to leave the next move up to the employer. Convey enough eagerness about meeting for an interview that the recruiter will feel uncomfortable to leave your letter unanswered and dismissed. At the very least, end your cover letter by saying you look forward to hearing back soon. 

That’s all. Next, simply sign off with “Sincerely,” Best regards,” or “Best,” above your name. 

Aim of the cover letter closing: An upbeat ending includes a call to action that ideally results in an interview.

Below is the closing section of our pilot cover letter example.

I would value the opportunity for and interview to discuss my experience in more depth.  Sincerely, Connie Chang

Writing psychology: leading with the right traits

What employers need to know about your pilot qualifications — from training hours logged to technical skills and licensing endorsements — can be found in your resume. But the story of who you are and what you would look like on board as an airline hiring prospect is where your cover letter landing lights should aim.

In an Aerocorner.com overview of the people skills every pilot needs, writer Matt Claiborne points out two realities that influence hiring managers: they can train you to do pretty much anything in the plane, but they can’t train you to be likable. 

“Do I want to spend all day in a tiny airplane cockpit with this person? That’s the question that every pilot asks themselves when they meet another pilot,” Claiborne notes. “When you go for a pilot job interview, the chief pilot will be asking themselves just that question. And they’ll probably answer it before they ever fly with you.”

Soft skills figure prominently in this Aerocorner.com top 7 list of pilot attributes : 1. A “command presence”

2. People skills

3. Desire to know how things work

4. Visualize spatial concepts

5. Communicate clearly

6. Time management skills

7. Being honest with yourself

Common cover mistakes to avoid

Avoiding the most common pitfalls will ensure your pilot cover letter stays in the air long enough to give hiring managers the clearest, brightest full picture of your attributes. Any of these mistakes could abort your cover letter’s takeoff. 

• A generic cover letter signals an autopilot job search attitude — that you’re not taking it seriously enough to target this specific career destination.
• Too much talk about yourself and not enough about what you can do for this employer will miss the mark.
• Meaningless clichés and redundant word bloat add excess baggage weight that can keep your cover letter from getting off the ground.
• Without a good sense of your personality and soft skills, hiring managers won’t know whether you are easy to work with and can instill trust and confidence in crew members and passengers.
• Typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical goofs are flashing light indicators of carelessness, which obviously has no place on or off the runway.
• Design and formatting flaws can be perceived as potentially hazardous disregard for procedural details, but are easily avoided with a cover letter template.

Key takeaways for a pilot cover letter

• Blue skies are forecast for pilots in the coming decade, with job growth outpacing the average for all other occupations. An interview-landing cover letter will equip you for the best career opportunities that arise.
• Tailor your persuasive hiring case to what this employer needs and expects from the pilots flying its planes.
• To feel confident that passengers and cargo are in good hands, hiring managers need a sense of your personality and soft skills, not just your flying qualifications and experience.
• Check out our pilot cover letter sample to see why a visually attractive and error-proof cover letter speaks to your professionalism and attention to detail.

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