How To Become A Pilot
A Free Step-by-Step Guide for High School Students
Not sure where to start your pilot journey? This free downloadable guide gives you a clear, student‑friendly roadmap—from your first discovery flight to launching an aviation career. If you’re serious about becoming a pilot, this is the place to start.
What Makes This Guide Different
Not Just Information—A Clear Plan
This isn’t a generic aviation ebook. It’s built from California Aeronautical University’s complete step‑by‑step guide (opens in a new window), designed to help students move forward with confidence.
Inside, you'll find:
- A simplified version of the complete pilot journey
- Starting points specifically for high school students
- Realistic timelines based on actual student experiences
- Clear action steps you can take right now
What You'll Learn
This guide walks you through every major milestone, including how to:
- Discover if aviation is right career for you
- Choose the right training path (college vs. flight school)
- Earn your pilot certificates and ratings
- Build flight hours strategically
- Start working toward your aviation career
Everything is presented as:
- A checklist
- A visual roadmap
- A student-friendly plan
Download the Free Guide
Fill out the form to download How to Become a Pilot and start mapping your aviation future today.
Choose Your Next Step
Whether you're just starting to explore aviation or you're ready to begin your journey at California Aeronautical University, we have a path for you. Select the option that best fits where you are in your decision process:
Apply Online
Start your application to California Aeronautical University. Applying is the first step in the admissions process. Once submitted, you’ll receive instructions for completing the remaining requirements.
Schedule Admissions Meeting
Admissions representatives are available to answer questions, clarify requirements, and provide guidance at any point in the process. Meetings are optional and not required prior to applying.
Attend Open House
Visit a CAU campus, tour facilities, and see what student life looks like firsthand. Open Houses are scheduled on Saturdays at each of our four locations, every other month.
Request Information
Receive program details, timelines, and general information to help you determine whether CAU aligns with your interests.
Attend Aspiring Pilot Seminar
Learn about aviation careers, training pathways, and how to compare programs before deciding what’s right for you.
Download Pilot Guide
This free, student‑friendly guide outlines what it takes to go from your first discovery flight to launching a career in aviation. If you’re exploring the path to becoming a pilot and want a clear overview before taking next steps, this is a great place to begin..