Celebrating 10 Years in 2026
Ten years ago, California Aeronautical University was founded with a clear purpose: to open doors to aviation careers and prepare the next generation of professionals. What began as a vision to make aviation education more accessible has grown into a University recognized for its commitment to student success, safety, and industry relevance.
Over the past decade, CAU has trained aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and aviation professionals—many of whom are now building careers across the aviation industry. Along the way, we’ve expanded our programs, strengthened partnerships, earned national recognition, and built a dedicated community of faculty, staff, and students who live and breathe aviation every day.
As we celebrate 10 years, we’re honoring the people and milestones that shaped our journey while keeping our eyes firmly on the future. With innovation, integrity, and opportunity at the core of everything we do, CAU remains committed to preparing aviation professionals who are ready to lead, adapt, and keep the world flying for the next decade and beyond.
Our Mission & Purpose
CAU's mission is to serve as a leader in educating future aviation professionals. California Aeronautical University is intentionally driven to provide a world-class experience that inspires personal and professional growth in aviation. Our focus on innovative educational delivery methods and a desire for professional relationships in the aviation community is compelled by a passionate commitment to serving individuals and their professional needs.
Objectives of CAU
- To provide safe, relevant, and quality educational programs.
- To provide a rigorous, value driven, honest and trusted education.
- To position graduates for gainful employment.
- To employ exceptional and professional talent who support and believe in others.
Accreditation
California Aeronautical University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) to award diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. ACCSC is a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition to institutional accreditation, CAU maintains the following approvals:
FAA Part 141 approval for flight training
FAA Part 147 approval for aircraft maintenance technician training
California Aeronautical University is approved to operate in the State of California as a private postsecondary institution under the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009, administered by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). The University’s approval is valid through March 1, 2028, by operation of law.
California Aeronautical University’s Mesa, Arizona campus operates as a branch campus of the Bakersfield, California campus and is approved by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
History
California Aeronautical University was born out of an educational group that has been educating college students in California for over 125 years. Founded with aviation passion, educational experience, and aviation community support, the University offers programs of study with aviation emphasis designed to be delivered with quality outcomes that lead
to gainful employment.
The University maintains its focus on aviation-related programs of study and is committed to serving its mission, purpose, and objectives. Through its experienced resources of dedicated staff and faculty, the University continues to innovate in its delivery and offerings of aviation-focused careers to meet the demands of the aviation community. Through partnerships and collaborative working relationships, the University continues to grow and provide solutions needed to serve aviation professions in high demand.
Proud of its main campus expanding approximately 22 acres of purpose built educational and student-oriented facilities and our local community serving flight centers, students experience highly immersive educational environments.
Locations & Facilities
California Aeronautical University Bakersfield, California
California Aeronautical University is located at Meadows Field Airport (KBFL) in Bakersfield. This modern facility maintains
a Residence Hall, dining facility, recreation center with basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, and pool, educational
flight training and administrative buildings, and a large five bay aircraft hangar including a covered aircraft-parking ramp.
All regular class sessions are held on campus with the exception of courses that are online or have off-site practical
requirements. The facility address is 1450 Boughton Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308 and is also listed on the back cover
of this catalog.
The University is structured to provide air-conditioned classrooms, a student lounge area, faculty and staff lounges, and
full administrative facilities. The University’s facilities and the equipment it utilizes fully comply with all state and local
ordinances and regulations, including those requirements for fire safety, building safety and health safety. All University
campus facilities meet federal requirements for handicap accessibility.
California Aeronautical University Bakersfield, California is recognized by the University’s accreditor, the State of
California, and the U.S. Department of Education as a main campus location.
The University also operates Flight Training Centers at airports other than its main location in Bakersfield (KBFL). These
Centers exist to support flight coursework delivered under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 and/or Part 61.
Flight Training Centers do NOT offer programs of study or provide any student services to matriculating California
Aeronautical University students. Federal or State Financial Aid is not available at the Flight Training Centers. Flight
Training Centers are recognized by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) as satellite
locations of California Aeronautical University Bakersfield, California. The University operates flight lab courses at the
following Centers:
Ventura County Flight Training Center
California Aeronautical University operates a Flight Training Center in Ventura County. This Center operates under FAA
regulation Part 61 and Part 141, as appropriate. This Center does not provide admissions, financial services, graduate
services, or student services support. The Center offers a flight training environment that includes flight instruction
space, general classroom space and administrative space associated only with flight training as necessary to satisfy any
FAA regulations. The Center is located at Oxnard Airport (KOXR).
2025 California Aeronautical University Catalog –January 1, 2025 8
San Diego County Flight Training Center
California Aeronautical University operates a Flight Training Center in San Diego County. This Center operates under FAA
regulation Part 61 and Part 141, as appropriate. This Center does not provide admissions, financial services, graduate
services, or student services support. The Center offers a flight training environment that includes flight instruction
space, general classroom space and administrative space associated only with flight training as necessary to satisfy any
FAA regulations. The Center is located at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF).
California Aeronautical University Mesa, Arizona
California Aeronautical University’s branch campus is located at Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ). The facility address is 4517
E. Mallory Circle, Suite 115, Mesa, Arizona 85215.
The campus is structured to provide air-conditioned classrooms, a lounge area, and administrative offices. The
University’s facilities and the equipment it utilizes fully comply with all state and local ordinances and regulations,
including those requirements for fire safety, building safety and health safety. All facilities meet federal requirements for
handicap accessibility.
California Aeronautical University Mesa, Arizona is recognized by the University’s accreditor, the State of Arizona, and the
U.S. Department of Education as a branch campus location of California Aeronautical University Bakersfield, California.