California Aeronautical University | Launch Your Aviation Career Today

Welcome To CAU

Do you daydream about a future where you’re the one in the cockpit, flying across the world? Maybe you have a knack for engines and love figuring out how they work. Or just maybe you get a thrill at the idea of moving planes and people through the sky as an aviation business professional. If any of these spark your curiosity, a career in aviation might be right for you.

Aviation schools are not all created equally. I’d like to personally invite you to learn about the programs CAU has to offer. Whether you’re interested in our pilot program, aviation maintenance or aviation management, you’ll figure out quickly that we’re different. More than just a pilot school, CAU is an aviation community. Our students don’t just pass tests and get degrees, they get the chance to go after their dream of an aviation career and actually have a lot of fun doing it! Our California and Arizona aviation school campuses and flight school training centers are designed to let students have the best of both worlds – the aviation training you need in a fun, supportive atmosphere that makes you forget this is school. The future doesn’t wait for you! Schedule your tour of our campus today and see why CAU’s flight school is anything but average.

-Matthew Johnston, President, California Aeronautical University

Our Immersive Aviation Campus

CAU’s main aviation school campus is connected to Bakersfield International Airport at Meadows Field in beautiful Southern California. With multiple airports nearby, flight school students get to experience exciting, hands-on training in a variety of flying conditions on a gorgeous, tree-lined campus. Campus features:

39,000 square foot flight center
32 shaded hangar ports
Spacious 32,000 square foot hangar
168-room on-site student housing
Recreation center with pool, gym and athletic courts
On-site dining

Tradition Of Excellence

World-Class Flight Training Center

Cau's
Facilities

Financial Aid & Tuition Reduction Opportunities

Career Advantages

The CAU Culture

Tradition of Excellence

CAU was established from an institution that had been educating students for over 125 years in California. With a long history of helping students build real-world skills and life-long friendships, CAU’s on-airport locations throughout California and in Arizona provide a year-round, fast-paced learning environment that enables students to enter the pipeline for aviation careers in a shorter amount of time. This is the place where a tradition of excellence meets the next generation of aviation professionals. Find out what sets CAU’s flight training university apart from other aviation schools. Contact us today to learn more.

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World-Class Flight Training Center

At CAU, our flight training university features industry-relevant flight school training technology and equipment in a spacious, modern facility. Students receive stimulating hands-on training on flight simulators and aircraft in an exciting, realistic setting. At our California aviation school in Bakersfield, students enjoy an immersive aviation experience, with onsite housing and dining just steps from their flight training. Other amenities include a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, recreation center, and athletic courts. Let’s face it, aviation training at CAU is more than pencils and books. It’s the chance to chase your dream and achieve your career goals, all while enjoying the ride.

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See Flight Training Locations

Locations

Serving students from all over the country, CAU offers on-airport locations throughout California and in Arizona. The University’s main campus in Bakersfield offers an immersive aviation experience, complete with student housing and on-campus dining. To better serve students in the Southwest, CAU also has a flight training campus located in the greater Phoenix area. And for more flexibility, CAU’s Flight Centers in Oxnard and San Diego offer the convenience of online courses and local flying.

See Our Flight School Locations

Financial Aid & Tuition Reduction Opportunities

You've been thinking about enrolling, but the next question on your mind is "How will I afford it?" At CAU, we understand that each student has a unique situation, so finding the right financial aid plan for your aviation degree programs is essential. Financial aid is available to those who qualify and our financial aid coordinators will help you determine the best financial plan for your unique needs.

In addition, CAU offers a variety of tuition reduction opportunities including our Reaching New Heights Tuition Reduction Program. With this program, we are proud to award $10,000 in tuition reduction to eligible students. We are committed to assisting students with financial resources to pursue their dreams of a career in the aviation industry.

FINANCIAL AID TUITION REDUCTION

Career Advantages

Through the University’s strong partnerships with airlines, influential aviation organizations, and leaders in the aviation community, CAU graduates become a part of a larger aviation network and reap the benefits of these relationships, including direct access to several airline cadet programs. Our Graduate Services Department is available to help you find just the right opportunity for your aviation future, including job-placement assistance, job-lead development, and interview preparation. <

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The CAU Culture

The CAU student body is made up of a diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds from around the world, all with a passion for aviation. The fact is, being surrounded by people who share your interest in aviation makes your daily routine at our flight school a lot less ordinary. It’s this shared passion that brings it all together and makes up the CAU culture. A culture that encourages students to become all they can be and to be sure to have fun getting there.

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Do you need a degree to be a pilot?

Sarina Larson April 20, 2025 Flight School

One of the most asked questions from people who want to become pilots is “do I need a degree to be a pilot?” The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics states that “airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree in any field [while] commercial pilots typically complete flight training, and some employers require or prefer that …

Airline Interviews: A Comprehensive Guide

Sarina Larson April 15, 2025 Airline Pilots

Airline Pilot Hiring Process Whether you’re just beginning flight training or completing your last hours toward your Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, it’s time to start preparing for airline interviews! Yes, that’s right. Even if you’re a student pilot in the beginning stages of flight training, the airline pilot interview should be on your mind. The …

In Our Own Words by Courtney Papion

Courtney Papion April 9, 2025April 8, 2025 Alumni

Growing up in Bakersfield, California, I always had a strong support system. My family taught me to work hard and never back down from the challenges of life, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my journey. Whether I was playing sports, tackling AP courses, or chasing new experiences, my family, especially my grandfather, …

California Aeronautical University Instructor Named “Educator of the Year” by Aviation Technician Education Council

Monica Raymond March 31, 2025March 14, 2025 Faculty & Staff

California Aeronautical University (CAU) proudly announces that Omar Aguilera, instructor in the University’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program, has been named “Educator of the Year” by the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC). This prestigious award recognizes Aguilera’s outstanding contributions to aviation maintenance education and his commitment to shaping the next generation of aircraft mechanics. A 25-year …

Taking Flight: Brycen’s Journey from Honolulu to Horizon Air

Monica Raymond March 31, 2025March 5, 2025 Alumni

For many aspiring pilots, the dream of flying for an airline can feel distant. But for Brycen Yamaguchi, a graduate of California Aeronautical University (CAU), that dream became a reality. His journey from flight training in Honolulu to being hired as a commercial pilot at Horizon Air is a testament to his dedication and perseverance, …

California Aeronautical University
Where Careers Take Flight

CAU Academic Programs

School of Aeronautics

School of Business

School of Graduate Studies

CAU Online

Welcome To CAU

Our Immersive Aviation Campus

Why Choose CAU?

Tradition of Excellence

World-Class Flight Training Center

Locations

Financial Aid & Tuition Reduction Opportunities

Career Advantages

The CAU Culture

Recent Articles

Do you need a degree to be a pilot?

Airline Interviews: A Comprehensive Guide

In Our Own Words by Courtney Papion

California Aeronautical University Instructor Named “Educator of the Year” by Aviation Technician Education Council

Taking Flight: Brycen’s Journey from Honolulu to Horizon Air

California Aeronautical University Where Careers Take Flight

CAU Academic Programs

School of Aeronautics

School of Business

School of Graduate Studies

CAU Online

Welcome To CAU

Our Immersive Aviation Campus

Why Choose CAU?

Tradition of Excellence

Recent Articles

California Aeronautical University
Where Careers Take Flight