Alumni

 As students at California Aeronautical University (CAU) consider their career options, one graduate returned to campus to share her perspective on an aviation path pilots might overlook: corporate flying.  CAU graduate Gelsey Lozano, now a Captain at Wonderful Aviation, knew she wanted the stability and convenience of coming home every night — and that the airline track never quite fit …

READ MORE How One CAU Graduate Found Her Dream Career in Corporate Aviation 

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 …

READ MORE Behind the Blimp: How a CAU Graduate Became a Goodyear Pilot

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 …

READ MORE From Dream to Delta: Miguel Diaz’s Journey from CAU to the Majors

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, …

READ MORE In Our Own Words by Courtney Papion

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, …

READ MORE Taking Flight: Brycen’s Journey from Honolulu to Horizon Air

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 …

READ MORE In Her Own Words: Olga Zhuchenko

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 …

READ MORE Elza Nikita in Her Own Words: “Own It!”

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 (opens in a new window) turned his dream of becoming an airline pilot …

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

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 …

READ MORE CAU Grad Elza Nikita Offers Sage Advice to Future Pilots

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 …

READ MORE California Aeronautical University Graduate Finds His True Passion as a Mentor