Smiling airline pilot in uniform standing on a tarmac in front of a United Airlines passenger jet showing windows and part of the fuselage.

Wilfredo Hernandez

First Officer at United Airlines

Guidance from Alum

"Do your research into commute, salary, hours, and fleet for each airline so that you can make the most informed decision."

Academic Program

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics

View Program Details

Success Journey

Enrolled in the bachelor's degree in aeronautics program at CAU

Started as Mesa Airlines Cadet

Hired as CFI at CAU

Graduated from CAU

Hired at Mesa Airlines

Hired at Atlas Air

Hired at United Airlines

Steps to Success

I started as a Mesa Airlines Cadet through CAU before moving up to First Officer, then moved on to Atlas, before ending up at United in my current position.

Future Goals

I would like to fly more wide-body airplanes and work as an instructor at United for new hires eventually.

Certificates Earned

Student Pilot Certificate

Private Pilot Certificate

Commercial Pilot Certificate

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)

**Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

Ratings Earned

Multi-Engine Pilot Rating

Instrument Pilot Rating

**CAU prepares students for the ATP certificate; the ATP itself is issued only by the FAA. Students younger than 23 or who have obtained fewer than 1,500 hours are eligible for the ATP with restrictions (Learn more about the R-ATP).

More CAU Alumni Success

Aaron Hepps

A330 International First Officer at Delta Air Lines

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics
Master of Aviation Science

Blaise Pock

Captain at PlaneSense