California Aeronautical University offers students an accelerated pathway into their aviation careers and is ramping up those offerings in 2023. As a university founded to address the growing need for qualified aviation professionals, CAU will continue to strengthen its focus on promoting aviation to the next generation.
CAU will host the U.S. Air Force AIM High Flight Academy at its main campus in Bakersfield, California this spring. AIM High is a three-week introductory flight program that provides flight instruction and mentorship to selected students. The program cost is covered in full by the Air Force. CAU will host up to 80 academy participants, including housing students in the school's on-campus residential facility.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the U.S. Air Force to host their all-expenses-paid flight academy,” said Matthew Johnston, president of CAU. “This is such a great opportunity for those who may not have the resources or opportunity to learn to fly on their own. We’re looking forward to help the academy inspire the next generation to consider a future in flying.”
Each student in the academy session at CAU will log approximately 15 flight hours, with the goal of completing their first solo flight.
California Aeronautical University will also host its fifth annual Aviation Career Day where more than 700 high school students will learn about career opportunities available in the aerospace and aviation industry. Career Day exhibitors include representatives from airlines, military, private jet charter, and agriculture, and the event will also feature aircraft on display and a jet engine demonstration.
As people become more aware of the opportunities available in the aviation industry, especially due to the global pilot shortage, CAU has seen record levels of interest in its flight training degree and maintenance programs.
Pilot students logged more than 25,000 flight hours in 2022 alone, and CAU’s San Diego location moved into a bigger facility to accommodate its growth and better serve students. The University celebrated its first graduating class of aircraft maintenance technicians–including the first female graduate who has already found gainful employment with the local Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit.
California Aeronautical University has also been further developing its aviation organization and airline partnerships to create more career opportunities for graduates, including its new elite partnership with SkyWest Airlines. As an Elite Partner, eligible CAU students qualify for tuition reimbursement programs up to $17,500. Plus, once hired by SkyWest they will have access to a guaranteed pilot interview with Delta, United, Alaska or Southwest Airlines in as little as 24 months after becoming a captain.
This year, the University will announce its new strategic partnership with MyGoFlight (MGF), which will provide CAU students premium-grade aviator equipment to help make the cockpit safer and standardize the student pilot experience. The MGF products, including EFB mounts, flight bags, protective glass and accessories, offers improved organization and ease of use while increasing safety and situational awareness and reducing workload.
