Tamu Smith-Kohls

Tamu Smith-Kohls serves as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing for California Aeronautical University. She has worked in the aviation industry in various roles for 24 years. As a United States Air Force retired veteran, she has a unique appreciation for the aviation industry. Tamu has served in Information Systems as a Network Administrator, Aerospace Flight Medicine as a Health Services Manager, and Air Force Recruitment and Marketing. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology; a Master’s in Business Administration and is a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner. Her passion is motivating, training, coaching and serving others to reach their best potential.

Aerobatic Pilot Vicky Benzing Joins All-Female Lineup at Oregon International Air Show

May 21, 2024May 17, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Vicky Benzing Joins All-Female Lineup at Oregon International Air Show - CAU

Teaming up with California Aeronautical University to promote aviation in the face of a global pilot shortage. Vicky Benzing will join the all-female lineup of “She Flies With Her Own Wings,” the Oregon International Air Show at Hillsboro Airport. As a renowned aerobatic pilot, Vicky will dazzle air show visitors in two of her high-performance …

Hometown Heroes in Education: Ismael Castillo

July 22, 2024May 6, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Ismael Castillo - CAU Hometown Heroes in Education

Heroes are ordinary people who take extraordinary and courageous actions. California Aeronautical University would like to celebrate those who take heroic steps to reach their dreams and who serve as role models for their communities. Guided by English teacher, local athlete pursues an aviation education When it came to deciding where to attend college, Ismael …

CAU Graduate and Navy Veteran Aaron Hepps Shares His Journey to Becoming an Airline Pilot

May 29, 2024March 17, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

His military background and aviation education aided him in earning a position at Delta Airlines. He worked his way from the regional airlines to a major airline in under three years! Through resilience, dedication, and discipline, United States Navy veteran Aaron Hepps (opens in a new window) turned his dream of becoming an airline pilot …

CAU Expands Partnership with Sporty’s

May 21, 2024March 7, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Sporty’s Course Offerings Expanded at California Aeronautical University CAU Students Now Training with Sporty’s Private, Instrument, and Commercial Courses California Aeronautical University (CAU), a university flight school training the next generation of aviation professionals, has expanded its training partnership with Sporty’s Pilot Shop, implementing Sporty’s Commercial Pilot Training Course into its curriculum. With the addition …

California Aeronautical University Hosts 4th Annual Aviation Career Day

May 21, 2024February 11, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Promoting aviation careers amidst a global pilot and technician shortage. Join California Aeronautical University as they host the 4th Annual Aviation Career Day on Friday, February 25, 2022. Proudly supported by Meadows Field Airport, this will be a great opportunity for students to learn of the many different fields available in the aviation industry. With …

Searching For a School of Aviation? Here Are 8 Things to Look For

September 18, 2025February 7, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

What to Look for In a School of Aviation - California Aeronautical University

When searching for a school of aviation to launch your aviation career, look for these 8 characteristics. If you are searching for an aviation school, you have probably realized that there are many options to consider. Your choice of aviation university could influence your path into the future. Today we will highlight some things to …

Transitioning from Military to Civilian Aviation Student: 6 Tips for Success

May 24, 2024February 4, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

When transitioning from military to civilian aviation, there are a few things to consider to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible. [lwptoc numeration=”none” skipHeadingText=”Share This:”] For those exiting the armed forces, there are exciting career prospects that await your departure from the military. To get the most out of new opportunities, you will …

California Aeronautical University Adds 6 Brand New Cessna 172S to Fleet

May 21, 2024February 1, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

CAU Adds New Cessnas to Fleet - California Aeronautical University

As the University continues to invest in equipment and resources available to its students, California Aeronautical University (CAU) recently added six 2021 Cessna 172S aircraft to its fleet. Rated as one of the world’s most popular single-engine training aircraft, the brand-new Cessnas are fully loaded and offer the latest technology available, including Garmin G1000 avionics …

CAU Grad Elza Nikita Offers Sage Advice to Future Pilots

May 21, 2024January 24, 2022 Tamu Smith-Kohls

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 …

California Aeronautical University Graduate Finds His True Passion as a Mentor

May 21, 2024October 4, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

RJ CAU Mentor - California Aeronautical Univeristy

Robert (RJ) Rudzitis was in high school when he first caught the aviation bug. He was gifted a discovery flight in a North American SNJ-5 Texan at the Commemorative Air Force in Camarillo, California, and was so enthralled with the experience that he decided he wanted to be a professional pilot. Having researched many colleges …

Partnership Between California Aeronautical University and Sonic Tools Gives Aviation Mechanics of Tomorrow the Tools They Need for Success

May 21, 2024July 1, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Three technicians in a hangar inspecting and repairing a small airplane engine and propeller, one reading a manual at a rolling tool chest.

California Aeronautical University (CAU) recently announced a partnership with Sonic Tools (opens in a new window) that provides aspiring aviation mechanics with the tools needed for them to excel in their future careers. Through the partnership, Sonic Tools will provide students in CAU’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program with professional, precision-crafted hand tools to perfect …

Changing Careers to Work in Aviation: What to Know

May 22, 2024June 16, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Changing Careers to Become a Pilot or Work in The Aviation Industry - California Aeronautical University CAU

Changing careers to become a pilot or work in aviation gives you an opportunity to make your dreams come true, and when it comes to aviation – the sky is the limit. Tired of your current situation? Are you looking for an exciting career where no two days are ever the same? If so, then …

Why Choose an Aviation and Pilot School in Arizona? 9 Top Reasons

May 21, 2024June 9, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Pilot School in Arizona at Falcon Field Airport - California Aeronautical University

There are many benefits of choosing an aviation and pilot school in Arizona – here are the top 9. When you think about flight training, what does the picture in your head look like? Is it sitting in a cockpit with a crisp white shirt and a pair of sunglasses on as a warm breeze …

Aviation Museum and University Join Forces to Promote Aviation with Flag Day Flyover

May 21, 2024June 7, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

CAU Flag Day Flyover 2021 - California Aeronautical University

The Golden Age Flight Museum and California Aeronautical University (CAU) will join forces to promote aviation and commemorate this year’s Flag Day with a local flyover. The University will sponsor the Museum’s aircraft in the flyover, which includes a 1944 Convair BT-13 World War II aircraft trainer. Beginning at the Museum’s hangar at Meadows Field, …

California Aeronautical University to Award 100 $10,000 Tuition Reductions

October 25, 2022May 24, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

California Aeronautical University - CAU Aviation School and Flight Training

California Aeronautical University to Award 100 $10,000 Tuition Reductions Reaching New Heights Tuition Reduction Program to benefit students pursuing aviation degree California Aeronautical University (CAU) is committed to assisting students with financial resources to pursue their dreams of a career in aviation. With great enthusiasm, CAU is proud to announce the ‘Reaching New Heights Tuition …

From High School to Flight School

May 21, 2024May 18, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

High School to Flight School - California Aeronautical University CAU

Transitioning from high school to flight school is an exciting chapter in your life and choosing an aeronautical university over a traditional flight school comes with many advantages. [lwptoc numerationSuffix=”dot” skipHeadingLevel=”h3″ skipHeadingText=””] You are about to finish high school… What comes next? There are some big decisions to be made, but with a bit of …

CAU Expands to Arizona, New Phoenix Area Campus Located in Mesa, AZ at Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ)

May 21, 2024April 19, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

California Aeronautical University (CAU) announced their growing aviation university has officially opened the doors of its newest Campus located in the greater Phoenix area at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona. CAU has been working diligently to expand its offerings into new markets to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals with its specialized aviation …

What Exactly is the FAA 1500 Hour Rule?

February 12, 2025March 16, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

FAA 1500 Hour Rule - California Aeronautical University

What exactly is the FAA 1500 hour rule? In very simple terms, the FAA 1500 hour rule specifies a time limit before pilots are granted an ATP License. The introduction of the FAA 1500 hour rule was introduced in 2013 and has caused controversy ever since, and you are about to find out why. What …

What Does the Job of an Airline Captain Look Like?

August 30, 2024March 9, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Airline Captain - California Aeronautical University

How does one become an airline captain? What is the fastest and best way to get there?What does it look like? Learn all about becoming an airline captain. [lwptoc] When most people think of working as a pilot, the image of an airline captain usually comes to mind. It is one of many ways to …

Beyond the Cockpit: Aviation Maintenance Technology School

September 23, 2024March 4, 2021 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Aviation Maintenance Technology - California Aeronautical University

Do you find aircraft and airplanes interesting? For those who love aviation and get a real sense of reward from solving problems, there are careers in aviation that offer more than simply flying. Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics are as crucial to successful flight as the pilots. They are the ones who keep airplanes in …