Matthew Johnston

Mr. Matthew A. Johnston has over 23 years of experience serving various roles in education and is currently serving as the President of California Aeronautical University. He maintains memberships and is a supporting participant with several aviation promoting and advocacy associations including University Aviation Association (UAA), Regional Airline Association (RAA), AOPA, NBAA, and EAA with the Young Eagles program. He is proud of his collaboration with airlines, aviation businesses and individual aviation professionals who are working with him to develop California Aeronautical University as a leader in educating aviation professionals.

Just Plane Different: The Types of Planes You Can Fly With Each Certificate

May 21, 2024July 27, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Cessna CE 525 and Different Types of Planes - California Aeronautical University

In the aviation industry, there are many certifications and ratings available to pilots. Here is a list of the different types of planes you can fly with each certificate. Here is an interesting bit of knowledge from the Federal Aviation Administration (opens in a new window) (FAA) to share with your next airline seatmate: You …

Which Type of Aviation License Is Right For You?

May 21, 2024July 21, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Bachelor of Science In Aeronautics Degree - Aviation License - California Aeronautical University

When you are excited about becoming a pilot, it can be challenging to decide your goals and which type of aviation license is right for you. Many members of the general public use the term “pilot’s license” without understanding what these ratings and certificate truly mean. As you learn more about what is possible in …

Four Ways Our Airline Cadet Program Helps You to Succeed in Your Career

July 22, 2024July 14, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Airline Cadet Program - California Aeronautical University

The California Aeronautical University Airline Cadet Program can help student pilots succeed in a beginning a commercial pilot career; here’s how. It is wise for pilots wanting to fly commercially with an airline to make a relationship with a potential employer before completing their education as airlines create a strong hiring pool. Regional airlines themselves, …

FAR/AIM: What to Know About Federal Aviation Regulations and the Airman’s Information Manual

May 29, 2024July 7, 2020 Matthew Johnston

FAA FAR/AIM - California Aeronautical University

As a flight student, your instructor will spend some time discussing the FAR/AIM, or the Federal Aviation Regulations and Aeronautical Information Manual. When you do so, you will share in the responsibility of every active pilot in the United States, no matter how many hours he or she may have logged. These documents form the …

3 Steps to Begin an Aviation Career (and Why You Should Start Today)

May 22, 2024June 26, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Begin Your Aviation Career With CAU - California Aeronautical University

If you’ve been considering an aviation career, there are many benefits to beginning your journey today. Here’s how. With the aviation industry currently in a state of flux due to COVID-19 (opens in a new window) restrictions and the subsequent shutdown, some might question the wisdom of beginning an aviation career or studying for an …

Becoming A Commercial Pilot

September 8, 2025June 23, 2020 Matthew Johnston

How to Become a Commercial Pilot - California Aeronautical University

When people ask about your career plans and you confidently say you want to be a pilot, you are probably excited about the path you have chosen. However, it can seem overwhelming to choose a flight school, climb into the cockpit for the first time, and begin your commercial pilot career. Here is a step-by-step …

Four Important Changes to FAA Regulations In 2020

May 29, 2024June 12, 2020 Matthew Johnston

FAA Regulations for COVID-19 - California Aeronautical University

In the same way the airline industry underwent many changes after 9/11 and the introduction of the Transportation Security Agency (opens in a new window), it faces major shifts as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds. While rumors in the aviation community have been swirling for weeks about what these updates might look like, in May 2020 …

A Beginner’s Guide to Airplane Winglets

May 23, 2024June 5, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Airplane Winglets - California Aeronautical University

If an airplane has wings, why does it need winglets (opens in a new window)? Airplane winglets are the “baby wings” placed at an angle at the end of airplane wing. Most modern passenger jets have winglets. They became a staple of the aircraft industry the 1980’s when concern about oil prices pushed increased research …

Four Ways Aviation School Helps Advance Your Pilot Career During Times of Uncertainty

May 21, 2024May 22, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Pilot Career - California Aeronautical University

While the aviation industry has been charting the end of the recession-driven “Lost Decade (opens in a new window)” of the 2010’s, pilots were cheering the onset of a personnel shortage that meant a greater choice of jobs, paid training, a living wage for new aviators, and the demise of practices like “pay to play …

What Is The Importance of Aviation Ground School?

May 21, 2024May 18, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Aviation Ground School at CAU - California Aeronautical University

Aviation ground school serves several important purposes for new and long-professional pilots. Even pilots with thousands of hours undergo a form of ground school when working on an additional certificate or type rating in an airplane which is new to them. Whether taken online at the student’s own pace or under the guidance of an …

How to Nail a Short Field Takeoff

May 24, 2024May 5, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Pilot Maneuvering a Short Field Takeoff - California Aeronautical University

Truly understanding how to execute a short field takeoff is one of the markers that separates a beginner pilot from an experienced one. The ability to safely demonstrate a short field takeoff is expected of pilots holding a Commercial certificate, as this indicates that he or she can demonstrate precise control (opens in a new …

Navigating the Skies

July 22, 2024April 30, 2020 Matthew Johnston

On the ground, we are able to make our way from Point A to Point B by knowing where to turn on roads, guided by maps, GPS, or memory. Even while traversing areas in which roads aren’t available, backpackers find their way by using a compass to point them in the right direction. But how …

How the GI Bill Can Help Jump-Start Your Aviation Career

May 22, 2024April 29, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to Begin an Aviation Career - California Aeronautical University

In addition to completing your Private certificate or even becoming a Certified Flight Instructor with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, it is possible for you to complete your training while accomplishing a college degree, which can give you an advantage in any number of workplaces. With the GI Bill, you might be eligible for many more …

What You Need to Know About the Different Types of Pilot Certificates

May 21, 2024April 20, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Pilot Certificates and Licenses - California Aeronautical University

New student pilots in the United States are sometimes surprised to learn that they can earn many different types of pilot certificates. Knowing about these certificates and their requirements can help with financial planning, setting goals, and exploring the many options available to them. Student Pilot Certificate Candidates must be at least 16 years …

Moving From Standard Pilot Training to Specialized Aircraft

April 10, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Specialized Aircraft for Pilots - California Aeronautical University

Image (opens in a new window) After receiving standard pilot training, most pilots will find themselves moving to operating specialized aircraft. One of the goals of initial pilot training is to teach the student how to assess and synthesize information efficiently. In order to earn their private certificate, student pilots must demonstrate that they can …

Mastering Lift: The Design Of Airplane Wings

November 27, 2024March 26, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Design of Airplane Wings - California Aeronautical University

As our understanding of lift and basic aeronautical principals (opens in a new window) has improved and changed, so has the design of airplane wings. Wing design is an incredibly important aspect of aeronautical engineering. Now that computer software and advanced wind tunnel technology are aiding in the development of wing design, we are better …

What Do You Do Once You Earn Your CFI?

August 30, 2024March 24, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor CFI - California Aeronautical University

For many pilots, becoming a flight instructor is an important career goal which allows them to gain experience, build time, and earn money as a pilot. Completing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA (opens in a new window)) requirements for becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) requires commitment, planning, and true dedication to aviation. However, many …

What Does Aviation Culture Entail?

May 5, 2020March 19, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Aviation Culture and Community - California Aeronautical University

The term “aviation culture” is often used in the industry (opens in a new window), but what does it mean? What does it include? Depending on who is asked, you might get different answers. An airport administrator (opens in a new window) might offer one reply and an aircraft mechanic (opens in a new window) …

The World of Private Jets

May 21, 2024March 5, 2020 Matthew Johnston

Private Jets And Commercial Flying - California Aeronautical University

When someone speaks of wanting to make a career as a pilot, the automatic assumption of many is that he or she wishes to become an airline aviator. The bulk of pilots are indeed behind the passenger jets that fill the skies. However, much of the aviation world is populated by pilots who fly for …

Why Is There A Pilot Shortage?

May 21, 2024February 26, 2020 Matthew Johnston

It’s no secret that aviation is currently experiencing the first pangs of a worldwide pilot shortage, one which will deepen as time goes on. It is felt everywhere from the military to corporate aviation, particularly in Asia and the Pacific. The shortage will impact the entire industry for years to come. Not only is the …