California Aeronautical University

Located in Bakersfield, California, California Aeronautical University offers three associate degrees, two bachelor’s degrees, one master’s degrees, and one certificate program. The school also offers flight rating to be taken separately to degree programs. Flight students have a choice of rotor or fixed-wing concentrations. The pilot track at California Aeronautical University is ideal for students who already hold an undergraduate degree.

Program Highlights

California Aeronautical University is an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school and flight operations are housed at Meadows Field Airport (KBFL) in Bakersfield. This is also where all academic classes are held.

While its main campus and fleet is located in Bakersfield, California Aeronautical University has three other flight centers students can use:

● Phoenix, Arizona
● Oxnard, California
● San Diego, California

Programs California Aeronautical University offers include:

• Associate of Science
  • Aviation Studies, Fixed Wing
  • Aviation Studies, Rotor Wing
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
• Bachelor of Science
  • Aeronautics
  • Aviation Business Administration
• Master of Science
  • Aviation Science
• Certificate
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology

Both associate programs are fast-tracked and are paced to be completed in less than two years. The Bachelor of Science program in Aeronautics has a three-year completion.

California Aeronautical University is part of Region 2 of NIFA.

Value

Tuition at California Aeronautical University includes flight training. Over a year’s time, tuition will run approximately $40,000. This includes room and board, as well as flight training. Total costs will vary depending on degree type, rotor-ring costs will be higher, and if the student opts for an associates degree path or a bachelor’s.

The university offers scholarships for students, including the:

● Reaching New Heights Scholarship
● Emergency Responder Scholarship
● Career Path Scholarship

The school does accept veteran’s benefits for flight training, including the post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program.

Fleet and Facilities

California Aeronautical University has a traditional fleet of aircraft, which includes:

● Cessna C172s
● Beech Baron 55s
● Decathlons

California Aeronautical University recently added six 2021 Cessna 172S aircraft to its fleet.

The university is FAA Part 141 approved. Graduates of the associate degree program benefit by a 250-flight-hour reduction when seeking their ATP certificate. Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program may be eligible for a 500-hour reduction in FAA-mandated flight time for an air transport pilot.

California Aeronautical University has partnerships with several regional airlines and aviation industry leaders to create opportunities for their graduates. Partners include:

● SkyWest
● Piedmont
● AOPA
● Cessna

Campus Life

There are only two programs the university offers that do not have an aviation backbone. This opens the door for networking from an early stage and building lifelong friendships with people in the industry.

The university is known for hosting airshows regularly. The school also offers college and senior nights to local high school students.

On-campus housing and dining is available for all students.

The Bottom Line

California Aeronautical University is dedicated to bringing students a high-quality aviation education. Offering fast-paced flight programs and industry connections, the university can help students get from zero hours to regional airlines in three years or less.