Aviation Resources - California Aeronautical University

CAU Flight Team Takes Leadership to New Heights on the Future in Flight Podcast

March 27, 2026 Monica Raymond

Vintage comic-style poster showing a small red airplane landing at a desert runway with cliffs and text about a flight podcast.

Leadership in aviation begins long before the cockpit—and California Aeronautical University (CAU) is proud to see its students leading the way. Recently, members of the CAU Flight Team (opens in a new window) were featured on the Future in Flight Podcast, hosted by AviNation and proudly sponsored by Lightspeed Aviation. In the episode, Melissa Johnston …

California Aeronautical University Expands Reach Flight Center Network with Aviation Adventures in Virginia

March 26, 2026March 5, 2026 Monica Raymond

Three white single-engine training planes flying in formation over patchwork farmland, each with shark-mouth nose art and visible tail registration numbers.

Virginia – California Aeronautical University (CAU) is proud to announce the approval of Aviation Adventures as its newest Reach Flight Center, expanding access to university-level aviation education across Virginia. Through the Reach Flight Center initiative, CAU partners with established flight schools nationwide to provide a coordinated pathway in which students complete in-person flight training locally …

CAU and Kern High School District Launch Second Year of “Take Flight” Aviation Program

February 26, 2026 Monica Raymond

Two young men in neon safety vests inspecting and pointing at the flaps of a small airplane wing under an open hangar.

California Aeronautical University (CAU) and the Kern High School District (KHSD) have officially launched the second year of the “Take Flight” collaboration, welcoming a new group of high school juniors and seniors to campus for hands-on aviation experience. Students are on campus this week at CAU, stepping beyond the classroom and into the cockpit as …

CAU Again Named One of the Nation’s Top Online Colleges for 2026

January 26, 2026January 1, 2026 Monica Raymond

California Aeronautical University (CAU) is proud to announce that it has once again been recognized among the nation’s leading online institutions, earning a spot on the Top Online Colleges of 2026 list by Newsweek and Statista. This marks the University’s second consecutive year receiving the prestigious honor, reaffirming CAU’s growing reputation for delivering high-quality education for aspiring aviation professionals. …

5 Things Parents Should Look for in a University Flight Program

January 26, 2026December 15, 2025 Monica Raymond

Smiling graduate in cap and gown holding diploma and flowers surrounded by family in front of a small airplane and hangar

How the right environment supports safety, confidence, and long-term aviation careers Choosing a flight school is one of the most important decisions a future pilot, and their family, will make. With aviation career pathways expanding and demand for commercial pilots forecast to remain strong, parents today are focused not only on safety and training quality, but also on long-term outcomes. …

How One CAU Graduate Found Her Dream Career in Corporate Aviation

December 30, 2025December 15, 2025 Monica Raymond

Woman smiling in front of a small single-engine airplane parked on a sunlit tarmac, close-up selfie showing propeller and nose gear.

As students at California Aeronautical University (CAU) consider their career options, one graduate returned to campus to share her perspective on an aviation path pilots might overlook: corporate flying. CAU graduate Gelsey Lozano, now a Captain at Wonderful Aviation, knew she wanted the stability and convenience of coming home every night — and that the airline track never quite fit …

AOPA President Darren Pleasance Visits California Aeronautical University for Exclusive Pilot Town Hall

December 17, 2025October 14, 2025 Monica Raymond

Two smiling middle-aged men standing outdoors in front of a beige university building and flagpoles, one in a black polo and the other in a blue shirt.

California Aeronautical University (CAU) was honored to welcome Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President Darren Pleasance to campus for an exclusive Pilot Town Hall with CAU students, staff, and members of the local aviation community. The event, held as part of Darren’s nationwide AOPA President’s Tour, gave attendees a unique opportunity to hear directly …

California Aeronautical University Launches First Reach Flight Center in Partnership with Air Fleet Training Systems

December 17, 2025October 1, 2025 Monica Raymond

Single-engine Cessna light aircraft flying over forested hills with CAU and Beach Flight Center logos and Air Fleet Training Systems badge.

Fairfield, NJ – California Aeronautical University (CAU) is proud to announce the launch of its first Reach Flight Center in partnership with Air Fleet Training Systems, expanding access to university-level aviation education for aspiring pilots in the Northeast. Through the Reach Flight Center initiative, CAU partners with established flight schools across the country to deliver a unique …

Behind the Blimp: How a CAU Graduate Became a Goodyear Pilot

July 25, 2025July 20, 2025 Monica Raymond

Man in a suit and sunglasses standing beside a large blue-and-yellow Goodyear sign with a Goodyear blimp parked on grass behind.

As aviation enthusiasts from around the world gather in Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture, one of the most iconic aircraft in attendance isn’t just turning heads in the sky — it’s also featured on the event poster. The Goodyear Blimp, a beloved airshow staple and rare sight in the skies, will be making a special appearance …

California Aeronautical University Celebrates Class of 2025

July 25, 2025July 2, 2025 Monica Raymond

Group of graduates in caps and gowns standing in rows in front of a large California Aeronautical University hangar sign.

California Aeronautical University (CAU) honored its 2025 graduating class during a commencement ceremony held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the University’s campus in Bakersfield, California. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of graduates entering the aviation industry, many of whom have already secured opportunities with prominent organizations such as Endeavor Air, Robinson Helicopters, SkyWest Airlines, …

How to Become a Commercial Pilot: The Step-by-Step Career Guide

September 8, 2025June 15, 2025 Sarina Larson

In our recent guide, we outlined steps to becoming a pilot in general aviation and if you’re still deciding whether you want to become a pilot or not, we urge you to read our first guide before jumping into this one. If you have already read that guide and / or you have definitely decided …

How To Become An Airline Pilot

June 10, 2025June 5, 2025 Sarina Larson

Pilot standing beside a jet engine on wet runway at sunrise, aircraft fuselage and wing visible behind him

CAU Flight Team Earns National Recognition at Prestigious Flight Competition

June 3, 2025June 1, 2025 Monica Raymond

Small red single-engine propeller airplane taking off with landing gear extended over a runway, blue sky and hangars in background.

Demonstrating their skill, professionalism, and sportsmanship on a national stage, the California Aeronautical University (CAU) Flight Team recently competed at the 2025 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) SAFECON flight competition, earning national honors among the country’s top collegiate aviation programs. Competing May 12-17, 2025 in Oshkosh Wisconsin, the CAU Flight Team proudly placed 14th overall, …

From Dream to Delta: Miguel Diaz’s Journey from CAU to the Majors

May 2, 2025April 30, 2025 Monica Raymond

Smiling pilot in uniform and cap standing in front of a large jet engine intake on an airport tarmac.

From Dream to Delta: Miguel Diaz’s Journey from CAU to the Majors For Miguel Diaz, the dream of becoming a pilot wasn’t just his—it was his father’s too. Growing up in Ontario, California, Diaz always liked airplanes. His father had wanted to be a pilot but never had the opportunity. That dream, passed down, became …

Do you need a degree to be a pilot?

January 26, 2026April 20, 2025 Sarina Larson

One of the most asked questions from people who want to become pilots is “do I need a degree to be a pilot?” The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics states that “airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree in any field [while] commercial pilots typically complete flight training, and some employers require or prefer that …

Airline Interviews: A Comprehensive Guide

January 26, 2026April 15, 2025 Sarina Larson

Airline Pilot Hiring Process Whether you’re just beginning flight training or completing your last hours toward your Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, it’s time to start preparing for airline interviews! Yes, that’s right. Even if you’re a student pilot in the beginning stages of flight training, the airline pilot interview should be on your mind. The …

In Our Own Words by Courtney Papion

April 9, 2025April 8, 2025 Courtney Papion

Woman wearing sunglasses sitting in the open cockpit of a white-and-red military jet with canopy raised against blue sky

Growing up in Bakersfield, California, I always had a strong support system. My family taught me to work hard and never back down from the challenges of life, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my journey. Whether I was playing sports, tackling AP courses, or chasing new experiences, my family, especially my grandfather, …

California Aeronautical University Instructor Named “Educator of the Year” by Aviation Technician Education Council

March 31, 2025March 14, 2025 Monica Raymond

Man in red CAU aviation maintenance shirt standing in an aircraft hangar with a small plane and engine parts behind him

California Aeronautical University (CAU) proudly announces that Omar Aguilera, instructor in the University’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program, has been named “Educator of the Year” by the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC). This prestigious award recognizes Aguilera’s outstanding contributions to aviation maintenance education and his commitment to shaping the next generation of aircraft mechanics. A 25-year …

Taking Flight: Brycen’s Journey from Honolulu to Horizon Air

March 31, 2025March 5, 2025 Monica Raymond

Young person smiling and holding a tablet showing "1000" standing in front of a small California Aeronautical University airplane under a hangar at sunset

For many aspiring pilots, the dream of flying for an airline can feel distant. But for Brycen Yamaguchi, a graduate of California Aeronautical University (CAU), that dream became a reality. His journey from flight training in Honolulu to being hired as a commercial pilot at Horizon Air is a testament to his dedication and perseverance, …

Restricted ATP: Everything You Want To Know

March 19, 2025February 25, 2025 Sarina Larson

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

If you’re aspiring to become a commercial or airline pilot and you’ve been doing your research, you’ve likely come across references to the ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) and Restricted ATP (R-ATP) certificates in job descriptions and requirements. In this guide, we’ll breakdown what an R-ATP is, the associated benefits and limitations, and the the process …