California Aeronautical University - The Nation's Preferred Flight School

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

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

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Tradition of Excellence

World-Class Flight Training Center

Financial Aid & Scholarship 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 school apart from other aviation schools. Contact us today to learn more.APPLY TODAY

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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Financial Aid & Scholarship 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 scholarship opportunities including our Reaching New Heights' Scholarship. With this scholarship, we are proud to award 100-$10,000 scholarships. We are committed to assisting students with financial resources to pursue their dreams of a career in the aviation industry.

FINANCIAL AID REACHING NEW HEIGHTS' SCHOLARSHIP

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.APPLY TODAY

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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CAU grad Elza Nikita offers Sage Advice to future Pilots

Tamu Smith-Kohls January 25, 2022January 24, 2022 Latest News

Elza Nikita Continues to Soar post California Aeronautical University and she has some great Sage Advice! Elza was selected for Air Wisconsin’s cadet program in August 2019 and has been living her dream as a first officer with the airline. What do you get when you mix intense passion, with determination and discipline? Elza Nikita …

Understanding Airport Classification: A Beginner’s Guide

Matthew Johnston January 20, 2022 education

It’s important to understand the different types of airports and how they’re defined. Here’s what you need to know about airport classification. It should come as no surprise to you that there are a lot of different airports. They actually have official designations. Understanding airport classification does not need to be complicated. Today we will …

Private Pilot License Requirements - California Aeronautical University

Private Pilot License Requirements to Know

Matthew Johnston December 20, 2021 education

When starting your journey towards a PPL certificate, it’s important to understand the private pilot license requirements needed to do so. Here’s what to know. Every journey starts with a single step. Or when becoming a pilot, your first take-off! The first step on your journey to becoming a commercial pilot is to complete your …

What Are NAVAIDS And Why Are They Important for Flying?

Matthew Johnston December 13, 2021November 23, 2021 Aviation

Aviation has come a long way since its invention at the start of the 20th century. In the early days of flying, pilots used a map, a compass, and little else. While this was often reliable, it was not always safe. Nowadays, we use something called NAVAIDS that can guide us to our destination easily. …

What Education is Needed to Become an Aircraft Mechanic?

Matthew Johnston December 13, 2021November 10, 2021 Aviation, education

If you are looking for an exciting and diverse role, becoming an aircraft mechanic could be for you. Without aircraft mechanics, also called A&P (airframe and powerplant) technicians, aircraft simply cannot get off the ground. What education is needed to become an aircraft mechanic? How Do You Become an Aircraft Mechanic? The first step will …

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Tradition of Excellence

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Recent Articles

CAU grad Elza Nikita offers Sage Advice to future Pilots

Understanding Airport Classification: A Beginner’s Guide

Private Pilot License Requirements to Know

What Are NAVAIDS And Why Are They Important for Flying?

What Education is Needed to Become an Aircraft Mechanic?