Airline Pilot Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Pilot Recruiting Team, I am writing to express my strong interest in the First Officer position at Delta Air Lines. With an ATP certificate, 4,500 total flight hours, and unwavering commitment to safety, I am eager to contribute to Delta's industry-leading operation. In my current role at Endeavor Air, I have: • Accumulated 2,500 hours in the CRJ-900 as First Officer and Captain • Maintained a perfect safety record with zero incidents or violations • Achieved 99.8% on-time performance through effective crew coordination and decision-making • Mentored 15 new-hire First Officers on company procedures and CRM principles • Volunteered for safety committee contributing to SMS improvements Delta's reputation for operational excellence, pilot development, and industry-leading compensation deeply inspire me. I am particularly drawn to your commitment to safety culture and the opportunity for long-term career growth. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to Delta's continued success. Respectfully, Captain Michael Chen, ATP 4,500 TT | 2,500 CRJ | Type Rated A320

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Widebody Pilot position at United Airlines. With an ATP certificate, 8,000 total flight hours including 3,000 hours of international experience, I am dedicated to providing safe, efficient operations across United's global network. At a major cargo carrier, I have: • Operated Boeing 767 and 777 aircraft on international routes across 6 continents • Logged 3,000+ hours of oceanic, ETOPS, and international flight experience • Maintained Category III autoland currency and special airport qualifications • Served as Line Check Airman providing IOE and proficiency checks • Contributed to fleet transition training as subject matter expert United's global route network and commitment to connecting people and uniting the world deeply resonate with me. I am particularly interested in your Pacific and transatlantic operations. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my widebody experience can benefit United. Respectfully, Captain Sarah Thompson, ATP 8,000 TT | 3,000 B777 | Type Rated B767/B777

Dear Pilot Recruiting, I am writing to apply for the First Officer position at Southwest Airlines. With an ATP certificate, 3,500 flight hours, and passion for Southwest's unique culture, I am eager to contribute to the LUV airline's legendary operation. At a regional airline, I have successfully: • Accumulated 2,000 hours as Captain on the Embraer 175 with perfect safety record • Demonstrated strong CRM skills earning consistent praise from crew members • Maintained flexibility covering open trips and supporting operational needs • Engaged in community volunteer activities aligned with Southwest's values • Completed Boeing 737 type rating preparing for transition to Southwest Southwest's People-first culture, point-to-point network, and single fleet philosophy deeply attract me. I am particularly drawn to your legendary customer service and employee satisfaction. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to sharing why I'm the right fit for the Southwest family. Respectfully, David Park, ATP 3,500 TT | 2,000 E175 PIC | Type Rated B737

Dear Pilot Recruiting Team, I am excited to apply for the First Officer position at American Airlines. With an ATP certificate, 5,000 total flight hours, and extensive Part 121 experience, I am committed to upholding American's legacy of aviation excellence. At a regional partner carrier, I have: • Served as Captain on the CRJ-700/900 accumulating 2,500 hours of PIC time • Maintained impeccable safety record and regulatory compliance • Participated in ASAP and FOQA programs supporting safety culture • Trained as Line Check Airman evaluating pilot performance and procedures • Demonstrated leadership through professional pilot union involvement American's position as the world's largest airline and commitment to pilot career development deeply inspire me. I am particularly interested in your diverse fleet and global network opportunities. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with American's standards. Respectfully, Captain Jennifer Williams, ATP 5,000 TT | 2,500 CRJ PIC | Type Rated CRJ/A320

Dear Pilot Recruiting, I am writing to express my interest in the First Officer position at JetBlue Airways. With an ATP certificate, 4,000 flight hours, and alignment with JetBlue's customer-focused values, I am eager to bring humanity back to air travel. At a regional airline, I have successfully: • Accumulated 2,200 hours as First Officer and Captain on the Embraer E190 • Delivered consistently high customer service earning passenger commendations • Demonstrated operational excellence with 99.5% on-time departure performance • Completed Airbus A320 type rating through self-funded training • Engaged in crewmember-led initiatives improving workplace culture JetBlue's mission to inspire humanity and commitment to crewmember satisfaction deeply resonate with me. I am particularly drawn to your Mint service, Northeast focus, and Airbus fleet. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to JetBlue's continued success. Respectfully, Robert Kim, ATP 4,000 TT | 2,200 E190 | Type Rated A320

Dear Pilot Recruiting Team, I am excited to apply for the First Officer position at Alaska Airlines. With an ATP certificate, 3,800 flight hours, and deep appreciation for Alaska's West Coast roots, I am eager to contribute to your award-winning operation. At a regional carrier, I have: • Served as Captain on the Bombardier Q400 in challenging Pacific Northwest weather • Accumulated extensive experience in mountainous terrain and RNP approaches • Maintained perfect safety record operating into challenging airports • Demonstrated CRM excellence through effective crew coordination • Volunteered for company safety initiatives and procedural improvements Alaska's reputation for operational excellence, employee culture, and West Coast network deeply attract me. I am particularly interested in your sustainability initiatives and integration opportunities. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my Pacific Northwest experience benefits Alaska Airlines. Respectfully, Emily Martinez, ATP 3,800 TT | 1,800 Q400 PIC | Type Rated B737

Dear Pilot Recruiting, I am writing to apply for the First Officer position at FedEx Express. With an ATP certificate, 6,500 flight hours, and extensive cargo and international experience, I am dedicated to supporting FedEx's critical global logistics operation. At a cargo airline, I have successfully: • Operated Boeing 757/767 on domestic and international cargo routes • Accumulated 2,000+ hours of night flying and adverse weather experience • Maintained currency in challenging operations including mountain airports • Demonstrated reliability with industry-leading attendance and availability • Completed special qualification training for demanding international destinations FedEx's position as the world's largest cargo airline and commitment to delivering possibilities deeply inspire me. I am particularly drawn to your widebody fleet and quality-of-life schedule. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to the Purple Promise. Respectfully, Captain Kevin Liu, ATP 6,500 TT | 3,500 B767 | Type Rated B757/B767/B777

Dear Pilot Recruiting Team, I am excited to apply for the First Officer position at Envoy Air. With a newly minted ATP certificate, 1,500 flight hours, and passion for pursuing a career with American Airlines, I am eager to begin my airline pilot journey. As a flight instructor, I have: • Accumulated 1,200 hours of dual given developing the next generation of pilots • Trained 25+ students through private, instrument, and commercial certificates • Maintained perfect safety record and FAA compliance in all training activities • Developed strong ADM and CRM skills through diverse training scenarios • Completed Envoy's Pilot Pathway Program demonstrating commitment to the flow Envoy's position as the largest regional for American Airlines and guaranteed flow-through deeply attract me. I am particularly interested in your training program and career advancement opportunities. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to starting my airline career with Envoy. Respectfully, Amanda Chen, ATP 1,500 TT | 1,200 Dual Given | CFI/CFII/MEI