Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
What Is an MEI? A Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) is a flight instructor certified to teach pilots how to operate aircraft with more than one engine. Multi-engine flying introduces more complexity, …
Balloon Pilot
What Does a Balloon Pilot Do? Balloon pilots operate hot air balloons for recreational flights, tourism experiences, competitions, festivals, and private events. Unlike airplane pilots, balloon pilots rely on wind …
Flight Simulator Instructor (FSI)
What Is a Flight Simulator Instructor? A Flight Simulator Instructor (FSI) trains pilots using advanced flight simulators instead of real aircraft. These simulators replicate aircraft systems, emergencies, weather conditions, and …
Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)
What Is a CFII? A Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) is a flight instructor specially certified to teach pilots how to fly using instruments in low-visibility conditions. Instrument flying …
Skydive / Jump Pilot
What Does a Skydive Pilot Do? Skydive pilots, also called jump pilots, fly aircraft that carry skydivers to altitude before parachute jumps. These pilots are essential to the skydiving industry …
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
What Is a Certified Flight Instructor? A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a professional pilot authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to teach students how to fly aircraft. CFIs …
Air Racer
What Does an Air Racer Do? Air racers compete in aviation racing events that test speed, precision, and flying skill. These pilots fly high-performance aircraft through timed courses, often at …
California Aeronautical University Expands Reach Flight Center Network with Aviation Adventures in Virginia
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 …
Tour Pilot
What Does a Tour Pilot Do? Tour pilots fly sightseeing flights for tourists and travelers. These pilots give passengers a unique aerial view of famous destinations such as mountains, coastlines, …
Aerobatic Pilot / Airshow Performer
What Does an Aerobatic Pilot Do? Aerobatic pilots perform advanced flying maneuvers for audiences at airshows, aviation events, competitions, and demonstrations. These pilots fly highly maneuverable aircraft capable of loops, …
CAU and Kern High School District Launch Second Year of “Take Flight” Aviation Program
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 …
Read More CAU and Kern High School District Launch Second Year of “Take Flight” Aviation Program
Space Pilot Career Guide
What Is a Space Pilot? Space Pilots operate spacecraft or advanced aerospace vehicles capable of traveling beyond Earth’s atmosphere. This career combines aviation, astronautics, engineering, and advanced technology. Modern Space …
Experimental Aircraft Test Pilot Career Guide
What Is an Experimental Aircraft Test Pilot? Experimental Aircraft Test Pilots evaluate new aircraft, systems, and technologies before they enter commercial or military service. These pilots fly prototypes and conduct …
Environmental & Conservation Pilot Career Guide
What Is an Environmental & Conservation Pilot? Environmental and Conservation Pilots use aircraft to support wildlife protection, environmental research, conservation efforts, and natural resource management. These pilots help scientists, researchers, …
Weather Pilot Career Guide
What Is a Weather Pilot? Weather Pilots fly directly into or around severe weather systems to collect scientific data that helps meteorologists better understand storms, hurricanes, climate systems, and atmospheric …
Aerial Operations Pilot Career Guide
What Is an Aerial Operations Pilot? An Aerial Operations Pilot flies aircraft in support of highly specialized missions that go far beyond traditional airline transportation. These pilots may work in …
Aerial Stunt Pilot
What Is an Aerial Stunt Pilot? Aerial Stunt Pilots are highly skilled pilots who perform advanced maneuvers for movies, airshows, television productions, and aviation demonstrations. This is one of the …
Aerial Advertising Pilot
What Is an Aerial Advertising Pilot? An Aerial Advertising Pilot flies aircraft that display advertising messages to people on the ground. These advertisements may include: Banner towing Skywriting LED aerial …
Aerial Photography and Filming Pilot
What Is an Aerial Photography and Filming Pilot? Aerial Photography and Filming Pilots specialize in flying aircraft that capture images and video from the sky. Their work appears in movies, …
News & Traffic Reporting Pilot
What Is a News & Traffic Reporting Pilot? If you have ever watched a morning news broadcast and seen live helicopter footage of traffic jams, breaking news events, severe weather, …