School of Aeronautics
“The best pilots fly more than the others; that's why they're the best.” ― Chuck Yaeger
The Journey Begins
When you begin CAU’s aviation and flight training degree programs, it’s pretty clear from the start that you’re beginning an exciting journey. You may be flying the blue skies of Southern California or Arizona aboard California Aeronautical University aircraft during your very first term of training. Or if you prefer working on the planes instead of flying them, you could be ready for your aircraft maintenance career in about 17 months.
With on-airport locations throughout California and in Arizona that provide an ideal learning environment, CAU courses are delivered in a year-round, fast-paced schedule that enables students to enter the pipeline for aviation careers in a shorter amount of time. CAU instructors can introduce you to realistic scenarios on flight simulators and aircraft, help develop your skills with hands-on, practical demonstrations and more.
Choose Your Flight Plan
Whether you’re interested in becoming a professional pilot, managing maintenance on a fleet of aircraft, or want to know how to become an airline pilot, California Aeronautical University offers training to help you launch your aviation career.
Our Aviation Programs Include:
B.S. IN AERONAUTICS A.S. AVIATION STUDIES - Fixed-Wing
A.S. AVIATION STUDIES - Helicopter AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
CAU Aircraft
CAU flight training students are trained on the University’s own fleet. The fleet currently consists of Cessna 172S, Cessna 150, Beechcraft Baron B55, Super Decathlon and Citabria in fixed-wing aircraft. The University also has Robinson R22 and Robinson R44 for rotorcraft-pursuing students.
California Aeronautical University takes pride in keeping its student-to-aircraft ratio at an appropriate level so students can begin flying in their first term of school and have aircraft available for their progression in the program.
Cessna 172 G1000
The ultimate training aircraft, students in the CAU Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics program begin their pilot training in the four-seat, 180-horsepower Cessna Skyhawk. The flight deck is powered by the Garmin G1000 avionics suite.
Baron 55
A twin-engine aircraft, the Beechcraft Baron provides CAU students the opportunity to fly a more complex aircraft with fully retractable, tricycle landing gear.
Decathalon
The Decathlon is a 2-place, tandem seating, high wing, single engine airplane and is equipped with conventional landing gear. This airplane is certificated in the normal and acrobatic categories.
Robinson R22
Robinson R44
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SCHEDULE A CAMPUS TOURFlight Training Devices
In addition to training with CAU aircraft, students can also receive training on flight simulators. These simulators enhance the learning experience and can provide course-specific, cost-efficient training to students year-round.
Redbird MCX 172 Configuration Dual Control Motion
The MCX flight training device comes with a dual yoke, dual rudders, full motion, and Garmin G-1000 cockpit, which provides enhanced training for our students. The dual controls allow both the instructor and/or co-pilot to demonstrate maneuvers from the right seat during the professional pilot program. The dual yoke and dual rudder pedals also allow for simultaneous control from both the left and right seats.
Redbird SD 172 Configuration Single Control
The SD is a fully enclosed flight training device with a Garmin G-1000 cockpit that provides a realistic training environment. The SD features a single yoke and single rudder simulator, along with a full enclosure, which creates an ideal training platform for standard flight training as well as instrument flight training.
Frasca Baron 58P Configuration Twin Dual Control
The Frasca Barron 58 is a dual yoke and dual rudder flight simulator allowing for both the instructor and/or co-pilot to control the simulator from both the left and right seat. This simulator will be used for multi-engine flight training and provide realistic handling and performance of a twin engine Beechcraft Barron aircraft.
Platinum Simulators Professional Helicopter Simulator
The Platinum Simulators Professional Helicopter Simulator is a two-seat, side-by-side cockpit with dual controls providing hands-on instruction for hovering and all flight maneuvering. The simulator provides student pilots cost-efficient and course-specific training and enables year-round training opportunities. A complete instrument panel is provided for visual and instrument training.
Aviation Program Options
- Bachelor’s degree flight training program
- Includes earning 6 certificates/ratings
- Fast-paced, year-round courses
- Duration: 3 years (approximate)
- 255 flight hours
- 188 quarter credits
- Eligible students receive a 500-hour reduction in FAA-mandated flight time for an air transport pilot (ATP)
- Associates’ degree helicopter flight training program
- Includes earning 4 certificates/ratings
- Fast-paced, year-round courses
- Duration: 1.8 years (approximate)
- 178 flight hours (min)
- 111 quarter credits
- Associate’s degree flight training program
- Includes earning 4 certificates/ratings
- Fast-paced, year-round courses
- Duration: 1.8 years (approximate)
- 221 flight hours
- 111 quarter credits
- Eligible students receive a 250-hour reduction in FAA-mandated flight time for an air transport pilot (ATP)
- Ideal for those already holding an undergraduate degree
Keeping a fleet of aircraft running like clockwork requires qualified professionals with the training, skill and passion for aircraft maintenance.
- Learn the skills to diagnose, repair, and maintain aircraft
- Duration: 17-22 months (approximate)
- On-campus student housing available
- Graduates receive Sonic Tools toolkit, valued at $6,000
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