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Ready for a Career in Aviation?

Earn your degree while training in San Diego and preparing for a commercial pilot career.

Complete the form below and an admissions representative will contact you to discuss your future at CAU.

Train in San Diego for a commercial pilot career

Whether you're just starting to explore aviation or already know you want to become a pilot, CAU's Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics combines flight training and degree coursework in one program.

Earn their degree online while training at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport and preparing for a commercial pilot career.

✅ No previous flight experience required
✈️ Fly in your first term

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CAU Degree Program Highlights

Train in San Diego

Stay local while preparing for a commercial pilot career.

Fly in Your First Term

Get hands-on flight training early in your program.

Earn Your Degree

Complete degree coursework and flight training in one program.

Direct Pathway To Airlines

Explore airline pathway opportunities available to eligible students.

Where CAU Graduates Are Working

From regional airlines to major carriers and corporate aviation, CAU graduates are building careers throughout the aviation industry.

Airline pilot in dress uniform and cap smiling, standing in front of a large jet engine on the tarmac.

Miguel Diaz
First Officer
Delta Air Lines

Matthew Waldman-First Officer-SkyWest

Matthew Waldman
First Officer
SkyWest Airlines

Smiling pilot standing inside an empty aircraft cargo hold with roller tracks and open rear door showing airport tarmac.

Robert Rudzitis Jr.
First Officer
Air Transport International, Inc. (ATI)

Woman smiling near the nose and propeller of a small white single-engine airplane on a sunlit tarmac

Gelsey Lozano
Captain
Wonderful Aviation

Ready to learn more?

Complete the form to speak with an admissions representative.

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Airline Pathway Opportunities

Many CAU students and graduates pursue opportunities with CAU airline pathway partners such as those shown below. These programs can provide eligible students with additional opportunities and support as they work toward airline careers.

Interested in a different aviation career path? CAU graduates have also gone on to careers with charter operators, cargo carriers, air medical organizations, corporate flight departments, and other aviation employers.

Airline Partner Logos-h_2026

 

More Than Flight Hours

As aviation continues to evolve, employers are looking for candidates who bring more than flight hours alone.

CAU's degree program combines flight training, academic coursework, industry connections, and career development opportunities to help students prepare for long-term success in aviation.

DEGREE + R-ATP ADVANTAGES
Eligible graduates may qualify for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate with 1,000 flight hours rather than the standard 1,500-hour requirement.

A bachelor's degree can provide advantages that help students progress toward airline opportunities while building valuable academic and aviation knowledge.

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
CAU students have opportunities to engage with airline pathway partners, aviation employers, recruiters, and industry professionals throughout their training.

These relationships can help students learn more about career opportunities and build their professional network before graduation.

STUDENT & CAREER SUPPORT
From academic advising to career planning assistance, CAU provides resources designed to support students throughout their educational journey.

The goal isn't simply to earn ratings and certificates. It's to help students prepare for a successful aviation career.

Explore CAU at an Open House

Learn more about flight training, tour the San Diego facility, meet the team, and get your questions answered.

View Upcoming Open House Date

Financial Aid and and GI Bill®

Every student’s situation is unique, so finding the right financial aid plan for aviation school is important. Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify and CAU’s financial services coordinators will help you determine what the best financial plan is for your specific situation.

We also accept veteran education benefits for eligible students and proudly participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can offer additional funding towards a flight education.

Since CAU is an institution of higher learning and provides in-house flight training, eligible students may use their veteran educational benefits towards the private pilot certificate.

This program is for you if...

  • You're looking to make a career out of flying
  • You want to earn a college degree

This program is NOT for you if...

  • You want to fly as a hobby
  • You want to obtain only a flight certificate

AVIATION CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Airline Pilot

alumni-aaron-h-delta
CAU grads have been hired by Delta Air Lines, Avelo Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Horizon Air, and more.

Cargo Carrier Pilot

alumni-rj-r-ati
Graduates have been hired by cargo carriers like Air Transport International (ATI) and others that fly cargo for Amazon.

Emergency Medical Services

alumni-jayden-c-medflight
CAU grads have been hired by air medical service organizations like Apollo MedFlight.

Flight Instructor

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Looking to share your love for flying with the next generation? Train future pilots as a certified flight instructor.

Charter Pilot

alumni-blaise-planesense
Graduates have been hired by private jet charter companies like PlaneSense, NetJets, and international operators.

Agricultural Pilot

Yellow crop-dusting plane flying low over neat green crop rows, spraying fields from front-facing view
Combine your love for aviation with your passion for sustainable agriculture.

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 Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill (opens in a new window)