Reach Flight Centers
Earn your pilot degree from a fast-track, aviation-focused program.
Our bachelor’s degree in aeronautics provides students with the skills and resources to start a commercial pilot career. As a career-focused university dedicated solely to aviation, we offer our students direct and accelerated pathways to United and several regional airlines.
California Aeronautical University partners with flight schools nationwide to establish Reach Flight Centers, expanding access to quality training for aspiring aviators beyond our campus communities.
If you’re ready to take your career to new heights but need a conveniently located flight center to maintain your family commitments and other responsibilities, Reach Flight Centers is designed for you.
Through these partnerships, students can elevate their pilot career by earning a bachelor’s degree that can help them stand out from the crowd, benefit from crucial career time-saving benefits, and have direct pathways to several airlines.
Offered in a hybrid format, students complete academic courses online while completing flight training at an approved Flight Center location close to home.
Plus, all instruction and courses are FAA Part 141 approved which allows eligible students to take advantage of flight time-savings and a lower age requirement to work for the airlines.*
Meet with the CAU Admissions Team today to learn more about admissions requirements, how to pay for school, and program-specific details.
Reach Flight Centers Highlights
Fast-Track
Students start flying the 1st term and can graduate in about 3 years, including up to 6 certificates and ratings.
1,000 Hour R-ATP Program
Eligible CAU graduates can qualify for an R-ATP certificate at 1,000 flight hours, a 500 flight-hour reduction.*
Direct Pathway to Airlines
CAU has partnered with United and several regional airlines to create a direct pathway to the airline's flight deck.
Aviation-Focused
Aviation is what we do. We live and breathe an aviation culture and are active participants in the aviation community.
Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics
Designed for students who wish to be gainfully employed as a pilot, California Aeronautical University’s bachelor’s degree includes online academic courses and ground school and in-person flight training. Students earn 6 certificates and ratings that are required for pilot careers, including:
- Private
- Instrument
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Commercial – Single
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
- Commercial – Multi-Engine
Courses are delivered in a fast-paced, year-round schedule that enables students to earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree in about 3 years.
Approved Reach Flight Center Locations
Why Choose Reach?
Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook study forecasts a long-term demand for qualified pilots over the next 20 years. As more and more aspiring aviators train to become pilots, how are you going to stand out from the crowd – a crowd that most likely has the same certificates and ratings as you?
In an industry where time and seniority matters, Reach is designed for optimal efficiency and offers students the faster track to aviation careers.
Competitive Advantage
A degree is a competitive advantage. Students can stand out as a candidate in an ever-evolving, competitive industry.
Flight Time-Savings*
Eligible students can qualify for a restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certification and only need 1,000 hours for the flight hour requirement. Candidates without a bachelor’s degree typically need 1,500 hours for their ATP. That's a savings of 500 flight hours.
Fly for Airlines at 21*
By earning a degree through Reach, eligible students can qualify to fly for the airlines at only 21 years old. Without a flight degree, candidates have to wait until they're 23 years old. That extra time helps build seniority faster - which impacts where, when, and what you fly.
Learn more about what sets CAU apart.
Direct Pathway to Airlines
The University has partnered with several airlines, including the airlines below, to create opportunities for their graduates, including those at a Reach Flight Center. Most partnerships provide a direct pathway into the airline’s cadet program and may also provide access to tuition reimbursement programs. Often, students may even receive conditional job offers before they graduate.
Now is the perfect time to apply
Financial Aid
CAU offers access to federal financial aid to those who qualify, including grants, loans, and scholarships. The University also offers tuition reduction programs, including a $10,000 award to eligible students applying to the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics program.
Veteran Education Benefits
The University is proud to accept veteran education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, for eligible students to use towards their education. The University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program which can provide additional funds to cover tuition and expenses while enrolled in the Reach Program.
The private pilot certificate is not eligible for veteran educational benefits.
Career Outlook
Now is the Perfect Time To Apply
*Pending a Reach Flight Center FAA site approval. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.