Category: Become a Pilot

5 Things Parents Should Look for in a University Flight Program

January 26, 2026December 15, 2025 Monica Raymond

Smiling graduate in cap and gown holding diploma and flowers surrounded by family in front of a small airplane and hangar

How the right environment supports safety, confidence, and long-term aviation careers Choosing a flight school is one of the most important decisions a future pilot, and their family, will make. With aviation career pathways expanding and demand for commercial pilots forecast to remain strong, parents today are focused not only on safety and training quality, but also on long-term outcomes. …

How to Become a Commercial Pilot: The Step-by-Step Career Guide

September 8, 2025June 15, 2025 Sarina Larson

In our recent guide, we outlined steps to becoming a pilot in general aviation and if you’re still deciding whether you want to become a pilot or not, we urge you to read our first guide before jumping into this one. If you have already read that guide and / or you have definitely decided …

How To Become An Airline Pilot

June 10, 2025June 5, 2025 Sarina Larson

Pilot standing beside a jet engine on wet runway at sunrise, aircraft fuselage and wing visible behind him

Do you need a degree to be a pilot?

January 26, 2026April 20, 2025 Sarina Larson

One of the most asked questions from people who want to become pilots is “do I need a degree to be a pilot?” The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics states that “airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree in any field [while] commercial pilots typically complete flight training, and some employers require or prefer that …

Airline Interviews: A Comprehensive Guide

January 26, 2026April 15, 2025 Sarina Larson

Airline Pilot Hiring Process Whether you’re just beginning flight training or completing your last hours toward your Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, it’s time to start preparing for airline interviews! Yes, that’s right. Even if you’re a student pilot in the beginning stages of flight training, the airline pilot interview should be on your mind. The …

Restricted ATP: Everything You Want To Know

March 19, 2025February 25, 2025 Sarina Larson

CAU Graduate and Navy Veteran Aaron Hepps Shares His Journey to Becoming an Airline Pilot - CAU

If you’re aspiring to become a commercial or airline pilot and you’ve been doing your research, you’ve likely come across references to the ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) and Restricted ATP (R-ATP) certificates in job descriptions and requirements. In this guide, we’ll breakdown what an R-ATP is, the associated benefits and limitations, and the the process …

How To Become A Pilot: The Step-by-Every-Little-Step Guide

February 6, 2025January 15, 2025 Sarina Larson

Do you want to become a pilot but don’t know where to begin? How do you know if you’ll like it? Will you make a good pilot? Where do you start training? What flight school should you choose? Do you need a medical exam? How do you make a career out of aviation? If you’re …

Soaring to Success: Your Path to Becoming an Airline Pilot

March 31, 2025December 15, 2024 Tiffany Moore

Becoming an Airline Pilot - California Aeronautical University

Dreaming of a career above the clouds? Becoming an airline pilot is one of the most rewarding and exciting paths you can take. Not only do pilots enjoy the thrill of flying, but they also connect people, transport goods, and bring the world closer together. If you’ve ever imagined yourself in the cockpit, commanding a …

How To Get A Student Pilot Certificate: Step-by-Step Guide

January 26, 2026November 15, 2024 Sarina Larson

Applying for a student pilot certificate is an exciting step! It’s the first move toward becoming a pilot but can be a complex one to navigate. This article will cover who needs a student pilot certificate, eligibility requirements, privileges and limitations of a student pilot, and how to successfully complete the student pilot application along …

Navigating the Skies: The Key to Choosing the Right Aviation University

July 25, 2024 Tamu Smith-Kohls

Two smiling student pilots in CAU uniforms giving thumbs up while standing beside a small plane marked "CALIFORNIA AERONAUTICAL UNI" and N71FF

Choosing the right aviation school to kick off your flying journey is crucial, and undoubtedly, a tad bit daunting. Making an informed decision involves conducting extensive research and asking the right questions. However, not putting in the effort to thoughtfully select the right aviation university can lead to wasting both time and money. Time: Attending …

How to Become a Pilot in Arizona

May 21, 2024November 15, 2023 Matthew Johnston

Many people spend their lives dreaming of becoming a pilot and flying planes all around the world. Others are taking notice of the pilot shortage and want to take advantage of new opportunities for their future. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn how to become a pilot in Arizona, figuring out how to get …

United Airlines Pilot Program: What You Need to Know

May 22, 2024November 6, 2023 Matthew Johnston

Some people dream of becoming a pilot to fly high amongst the clouds in order to satisfy their personal sense of accomplishment and have a hobby they truly enjoy. Others dream of becoming a pilot as a career choice, gaining the skills necessary to transport cargo and passengers all around the world. Then, there are …

7 Tips for Success in Flight Training School

May 21, 2024October 24, 2023 Matthew Johnston

Enrolling in a flight training school is a very big step toward your future as a pilot. However, it is important to remember that it is only the first step. Once you begin your program there are additional steps you are going to have to take in order to make sure you are getting the …

Part 141 vs 61 Flight Schools: Which Is Right For You?

May 21, 2024October 4, 2023 Matthew Johnston

When making the decision to be a pilot, you have to choose the best way to reach your goals. A quick search online and you can see that there are many flight schools all around the country offering you a future in the sky. Each aviation program and flight school has something to offer, but …

How to Get a Private Pilot’s License

February 24, 2025May 22, 2023 Matthew Johnston

Have you always had a dream of flying high – and being in control of the jet? If so, then obtaining your private pilot license may be your goal. How do you do it? What training do you need? Where do you even start? A quick Google search about how to get a pilot’s license …

Addressing the Pilot Shortage: Why NOW is a GREAT Time to Become a Pilot

May 21, 2024April 24, 2023 Matthew Johnston

Most pilots fly because it is their passion. They went through flight training and found their way into the pilot’s seat to fulfill a lifelong dream. However, while there are still individuals who will continue to pursue becoming a pilot because it is what they have always wanted to do, there are not enough new …

Safest Tablet Mounts for Securing Devices in the Cockpit

May 24, 2024April 14, 2023 Matthew Johnston

Holding a phone, looking at the GPS, and driving a car can be dangerous. It may also mean that you will miss something important. The same holds true for a pilot flying an aircraft. In the cockpit, a pilot needs to have easy access to navigational tools and manuals on iPads that can remain …

How to Finance Flight School

May 21, 2024April 3, 2023 Matthew Johnston

Wondering how to finance flight school? Getting into flight school is an incredible milestone for someone who has always had the dream of becoming a pilot, as it is the first step towards reaching your ultimate career goal. The next step after being accepted into a program, though, is finding a way to cover the …

How to Become a Private Pilot

May 21, 2024March 24, 2023 Tamu Smith-Kohls

When you decide that you would like to become a pilot, there are different options to choose from. One of the most popular choices is to obtain a private pilot license. Obtained from the FAA, this type of license allows you to fly any aircraft, day or night, nationally and internationally. Some pilots stop here, …

6 Benefits of In-House Aviation Training

December 30, 2024December 12, 2022 Matthew Johnston

If you are ready to start flight training, you may know that various paths and options are open. Before listing the benefits of in-house aviation training, let’s define that term – what does it mean? What Is In-House Aviation Training? In-house aviation training means logging your flight hours at the same place you are doing …