History & Accreditation
CAU Founded to Promote Aviation Awareness
California Aeronautical University was founded to address the rising concerns of aviation for finding qualified, well-trained professionals for both ground and flight opportunities.
With the looming pilot shortage, California Aeronautical University is working to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals. Through the University’s outreach events and aviation programs, CAU’s goal is to open the eyes of young people to the possibility of starting careers as professional pilots, aircraft mechanics and other aviation professions.
“Most students don’t even consider careers as pilots, because they think it’s out of reach,” says California Aeronautical University President, Matthew Johnston. “We hope to show students that becoming a professional pilot or other aviation professional is not only possible, but a realistic long-term career option.
Accreditation and Approvals
California Aeronautical University is FAA Part 141 approved and FAA Part 147 approved.
California Aeronautical University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. CAU has been recognized by ACCSC as a 2022-2023 ACCSC School of Distinction.
California Aeronautical University’s approval to operate in the State of California as a private postsecondary institution is based on the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (California Education Code, Title 3, Division 10, Part 59, Chapter 8), which is effective January 1, 2010. California Aeronautical University under section 94802(a) of CPPEA, will by operation of law, be approved until March 1, 2028. The Act is administered by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, under the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Bureau can be reached at 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, www.bppe.ca.gov, toll-free telephone number (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916) 263-1897.
California Aeronautical University in Mesa, Arizona is a branch campus of California Aeronautical University in Bakersfield, California, and is approved to operate by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The Board can be reached at 1740 W. Adams Street, #3008 Phoenix, AZ 85007, http://ppse.az.gov, or (602) 542-5709.
