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Where Careers Take Flight

Learn how CAU can help you reach your aviation career goals.

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

CAU is training the next generation of aviators

Designed for aspiring aviators who wish to be gainfully employed as a pilot, California Aeronautical University's Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics program provides students with the knowledge and skills to start a commercial pilot career.

CAU students earn a degree while building flight hours for 6 certificates and ratings, all within about 3 years - the faster track to the airline of your dreams. Plus, our degree program can save students 500 flight hours compared to non-degree paths.

Students at CAU San Diego enjoy a flexible hybrid version of the bachelor's program, taking courses online while flying out of Montgomery-Gibbs Airport.

Seniority matters, get there faster with a degree. Request more information about CAU today.

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CAU Degree Program Highlights

Financial Aid & GI Bill®

Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify. CAU also accepts veteran educational benefits for eligible students, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

University Strength, Local Convenience

Students can earn a bachelor’s degree online while completing flight training at Montgomery-Gibbs Airport. All instruction and courses are FAA Part 141 approved, allowing eligible students to take advantage of crucial career time-saving benefits.

Flight Time-Savings

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 Airlines

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.

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

Potential Pilot Careers

Airline Pilot

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CAU grads have been hired by Delta Air Lines, Avelo Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Horizon Air, and more.

Cargo Carrier Pilot

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

Emergency Medical Services

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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

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

Agricultural Pilot


Combine your love for aviation with your passion for sustainable agriculture.

Discover what sets CAU apart

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Direct Path to Airlines

CAU has partnered directly with major and regional airlines, including the ones below, to create career opportunities for graduates. Interested in other career opportunities? CAU graduates have also been hired by private jet charter companies, air medical companies, cargo carriers that fly for Amazon, and more.

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The Faster Track

Flight students at CAU San Diego can take advantage of the university 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 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.

SUPPORT
California Aeronautical University is actively invested in student success. The Office of Student Success provides support to students throughout their time at CAU to help them reach their full potential. Plus, CAU’s Graduate Services Department is available to provide individualized career planning assistance to help prepare students for gainful employment.

Learn more about what sets CAU apart.

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.

Alumni Spotlight

Matthew Waldman-First Officer-SkyWest

Matthew Waldman
First Officer at SkyWest
BS in Aeronautics Graduate

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Miguel Diaz
First Officer at Delta
BS in Aeronautics Graduate

Robert Rudzitis Jr.
First Officer at Air Transport International, Inc. (ATI)
BS in Aeronautics Graduate

Gelsey Lozano
Captain at Wonderful Aviation
BS in Aeronautics Graduate

Now Is The Perfect Time To Apply!

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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

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