Bachelor Of Science In Aeronautics
Turn Your Passion For Aviation Into A Career
The Bachelors in Aeronautics degree program is the most comprehensive pilot degree program in CAU’s School of Aviation. From day one, students begin developing fundamentally sound skills through standardized, fast-paced lessons. Students can begin flying in their first term and graduate in just over 3 years.
Graduates of the bachelor’s program have several direct pathways to airline cadet programs through the University’s partnerships.
In our aeronautics degree program, students learn flight fundamentals of aerodynamics, flight safety, aircraft performance, aviation weather, aviation management, and much more. With up to 4 days a week of actual flying, students will gain enough aviation training to earn six certificates and ratings upon graduation, including private pilot, instrument rated pilot, certified flight instructor, certified flight instructor instrument and commercial pilot-single and multi-engine.
Graduates of our Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics Degree program can benefit from a 500 flight-hour reduction when seeking their FAA-mandated airline transport pilot (ATP) certification. While candidates typically need 1,500 flight hours, eligible CAU bachelor's degree graduates can qualify for for a restricted ATP with only 1,000 flight hours.
Plus, by earning a degree from CAU, eligible students can qualify to fly for the airlines at only 21 years old with 1,000 hours. Without a degree, candidates can qualify for a R-ATP at age 21 but they’ll need 1,500 hours. Typically, without the reduced hours a degree offers, it is more difficult to earn 1,500 flight hours by age 21 to qualify for a R-ATP. That typically means CAU students can fly for airlines up to 2 years sooner. Learn more about ATP requirements and how CAU graduates qualify for a R-ATP.
These benefits put CAU graduates in the pipeline for jobs much quicker than other candidates, including positions as first officers at regional airlines.
Bachelors In Aeronautics Degree Program Highlights
Fly In The First Term
Aviation students receive flight instruction during their first term - no lottery selection or prerequisite courses required.
FAA Part 141 Approval
CAU is FAA Part 141 approved. Eligible degree students receive crucial time-saving benefits, including qualifying for a R-ATP with only 1,000 flight hours - a savings of 500 hours compared to non-degree paths.
Direct Pathway to Airline Cadet Programs
CAU has partnered with United and several regional airlines to create opportunities for their pilot students, many of which include a direct and accelerated pathway to the airline’s flight deck.
Accelerated Program
Designed for optimal efficiency, students can earn their Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics degree in just over three years. 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.
Bachelors in Aeronautics Course List
- Aviation Concepts
- Private Pilot
- Advance Aviation
- Aviation Law
- Aerodynamics
- Commercial Pilot Flight
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Flight Safety
- Aviation Management
- And more- see catalog for full course list here.
Bachelor Of Science In Aeronautics Degree -
Additional Program Highlights
Your exciting journey into the world of piloting begins with gaining confidence in the fundamentals. Here, you will obtain knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and gain exposure to the information contained in the Airman’s Information Manual (AIM).
Your skills in aeronautical decision-making (ADM) will be enhanced, and you will understand how to best utilize Air Traffic Control (ATC) services. Participation in flight simulations will provide you with the opportunity to apply knowledge of Threat Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS) and Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) procedures. By the end of this section, you will be speaking the lingo of a pilot.
This action-packed section of your studies provides you with the knowledge necessary to pass both the private and commercial pilot practical examinations, and to obtain the FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane, Single-Engine, and rating. Radio communications, airport signs and lighting, and traffic sequencing knowledge will be acquired.
ADM skills will provide you with the ability to conduct weather analyses and perform balance calculations. Knowledge of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) hazard alerts will be applied, and you will learn how to navigate through equipment malfunctions. Procedures for high-altitude flights, landings, takeoffs, and performance maneuvers will be outlined. Additionally, you will gain knowledge of advanced technology, high-speed aeronautics, and the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) in navigation.
These courses entice physicists and tech enthusiasts, alike. Here, you will be exposed to the latest advances in avionics technology, while gaining an understanding of the physical principles of flight.
Students study airplane aerodynamics, including the factors which affect performance, stability, and control. You will also explore special flight conditions, stall/spin awareness and recovery, and commercial aircraft designs. The theories behind various engine designs will be covered, focusing on advanced aerodynamics, the science of engine operation, and aircraft performance in both normal and abnormal conditions. Tech buffs will be excited to learn about the G1000 avionics navigational system.
During this course, your leadership skills take flight as you learn about effective aviation operations based upon leadership principles and practices. Topics include the nature of leadership, leadership traits, styles, and skills, as well as overcoming obstacles.
Students will be challenged to define their own leadership style and will have practical opportunities to implement their skills in a variety of realistic scenarios.
A commercial pilot wouldn’t get far without a crew, and the world will always need new pilots. This course section provides a dual focus of preparing you to both manage a crew, and to instruct others in the art of piloting.
You will gain insight into Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures, and you will also learn how to anticipate the Chain of Events which occur during aircraft accidents. You will utilize your own experiences of conducting flights as you learn to instruct and assess others during student simulations. As you practice on the ground and in the air, you will prepare to pass the Certified Flight Instructor Rating Practical Test.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics degree program, once they complete the training and required flight hours, can work for airlines, cargo carriers, tour and charter operators, flight schools, and in a variety of other organizations.
Program Offered
*hybrid program including online courses
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