As aviation enthusiasts from around the world gather in Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture, one of the most iconic aircraft in attendance isn’t just turning heads in the sky — it’s also featured on the event poster. The Goodyear Blimp, a beloved airshow staple and rare sight in the skies, will be making a special appearance …
From Dream to Delta: Miguel Diaz’s Journey from CAU to the Majors For Miguel Diaz, the dream of becoming a pilot wasn’t just his—it was his father’s too. Growing up in Ontario, California, Diaz always liked airplanes. His father had wanted to be a pilot but never had the opportunity. That dream, passed down, became …
Growing up in Bakersfield, California, I always had a strong support system. My family taught me to work hard and never back down from the challenges of life, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my journey. Whether I was playing sports, tackling AP courses, or chasing new experiences, my family, especially my grandfather, …
For many aspiring pilots, the dream of flying for an airline can feel distant. But for Brycen Yamaguchi, a graduate of California Aeronautical University (CAU), that dream became a reality. His journey from flight training in Honolulu to being hired as a commercial pilot at Horizon Air is a testament to his dedication and perseverance, …
Aviation has always been my passion, a love affair that began with the simple act of looking up at the sky and dreaming of flight
If someone would’ve told me when I was younger that I would become a professional pilot and even train the next generation of aviators, I would never have believed them. Although it’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, that’s exactly what I’m doing – and I’m loving every moment of it. I …
First Woman Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) The challenges of finding qualified aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) have accelerated over the last decade, making it difficult to fulfill the much-needed demand in the aviation industry.* In this male-dominated profession, many women are not exposed to the possibilities — even if they have the aptitude to excel professionally. California …
Tanner Henderson flies cargo for Amazon California Aeronautical University graduate Tanner Henderson loved flying but thought it was impossible to become a professional pilot without owning an aircraft — until he found CAU. At CAU, he not only received the necessary flight training and education but gained the self-confidence to turn his passion into a …
My professor at CAU would always say that being a professional pilot is being knowledgeable; 70% of the work is in the classroom. I grew up in South Orange County, California after my family immigrated to the United States from Russia when I was four years old. I was a very outdoorsy kid and spent …
His military background and aviation education aided him in earning a position at Delta Airlines. He worked his way from the regional airlines to a major airline in under three years! Through resilience, dedication, and discipline, United States Navy veteran Aaron Hepps turned his dream of becoming an airline pilot into a reality. There is …
Elza Nikita Continues to Soar post California Aeronautical University and she has some great Sage Advice! Elza was selected for Air Wisconsin’s cadet program in August 2019 and has been living her dream as a first officer with the airline. What do you get when you mix intense passion, with determination and discipline? Elza Nikita …
Reflecting on the spark that started Morgan Yoss’ fire for becoming a professional pilot, she recalls sitting backseat on almost all of her father’s flights. Who would imagine this young but ambitious “flying buddy,” as her dad, a private pilot, called her, would set her eyes on making aviation a career? “We would fly United’s …
Robert (RJ) Rudzitis was in high school when he first caught the aviation bug. He was gifted a discovery flight in a North American SNJ-5 Texan at the Commemorative Air Force in Camarillo, California, and was so enthralled with the experience that he decided he wanted to be a professional pilot. Having researched many colleges …
California Aeronautical University’s (CAU) Professional pilot students come from all over the world and have diverse backgrounds. Some are just out of high school, transfer students and some simply have a dream that they refuse to give up on. Choosing a career as a professional pilot was something Sydney Kibuuka has dreamed of since the …