WE'D LOVE TO SHOW YOU WHAT CAU IS ALL ABOUT!
Where Careers Take Flight
California Aeronautical University is training the next generation of aviators.
If you’ve ever had a dream of flying – for the thrill, the adventure, the sense of purpose and prestige – earning an aviation degree might be for you.
More than a pilot school, California Aeronautical University (CAU) is an aviation community. Our programs are designed to let students have the best of both worlds – the aviation training and knowledge you need in a fun, supportive atmosphere. While building lifelong friendships and networking connections, our students get the chance to go after their dream of an aviation career and actually have a lot of fun doing it!
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CAU DEGREE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Faster Track
Students start flying the 1st term and can graduate with a bachelor's degree in about 3 years, including 6 certificates and ratings.
Financial Aid & Tuition Reductions
Federal financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify. Ask about our $10,000 tuition reduction (opens in a new window).
Flight Time-Savings
Eligible degree students receive crucial time-saving benefits, including qualifying for a R-ATP with only 1,000 flight hours. That's a savings of 500 flight hours compared to non-degree programs.
Direct Pathway to Airlines
CAU has partnered directly with major and regional airlines to create opportunities for our students, many of which include a direct pathway to the airline’s cadet program.
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We would love to show you what CAU is all about!
The Faster Track
Flight students can take advantage of the fast-track benefits offered by California Aeronautical University.
FLIGHT TIME-SAVINGS
Eligible CAU 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.
FLY FOR THE AIRLINES AT 21 YEARS OLD
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.
CONSISTENT TRAINING
At CAU, all courses and flight training lessons are scheduled for our students. The schedule allows students to maintain a steady progress throughout their training.
Learn more about what sets CAU apart.
AVIATION PROGRAMS
Are you looking for the thrill - the adventure - the prestige of an aviation career? Have you dreamed about making it happen? There’s no better time to get started than right now! Whether you attend our California or Arizona locations, CAU offers a variety of exciting programs for students to choose from.
B.S. AERONAUTICS
- Bachelor’s degree level fixed-wing pilot program
- Earn private, instrument, commercial, CFI, CFII, and commercial-multi
- Duration: 3 years (approximate)
- 225 flight hours (min), 188 quarter credits
- Eligible for a 500-hour reduction in FAA-mandated flight time for an air transport pilot (ATP)
AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
- Diploma or associate's degree
- Offered at Bakersfield location (main campus)
- Fast-track program – potential to complete program within 17-22 months
- 15-23 courses, 86 quarter credits
- Prepared for A&P certification exams
- Grads receive 263-piece Sonic Tools toolkit upon graduation
A.S. AVIATION STUDIES
- Associate’s degree level pilot program
- Earn private, instrument, commercial-single, and CFI
- Fast-track program – potential to complete program within 22 months
- 221 flight hours (min), 111 quarter credits
- Eligible for a 250-hour reduction in FAA-mandated flight time for an air transport pilot (ATP)