BS Aviation Flight

California Baptist University’s BS in Aviation Flight program offers a hands-on, comprehensive education designed to prepare you for a professional pilot career, even if you have no prior flight experience. The program provides approximately 250 flight hours on average by graduation, combining in-house flight training with academic coursework to build your skills and knowledge.

At CBU, all flight training is conducted on campus by university-employed flight instructors using a fleet of university-owned aircraft, ensuring consistent quality and access. You’ll develop practical skills in meteorology, navigational aids, aircraft systems, and crew resource management, essential for functioning effectively as a pilot:

• University-owned fleet and flight instructors: Access to CBU’s own aircraft and certified instructors for hands-on flight training.

• Flight hours: Students graduate with around 250 flight hours, covering private, instrument, commercial, and multi-engine training.

• Specialised ground and flight courses: Courses such as FLT 119 (Instrument Pilot Ground), FLT 326 (Human Factors), and FLT 328 (Aircraft Systems) provide in-depth knowledge of aircraft operations, human performance, and systems.

• Concentration options: Choose from Commercial, Military, Missionary, and Unmanned Aerial Systems concentrations to tailor your training and career focus.

• Crew Resource Management training: Emphasises teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills critical for safe flight operations.

Graduates of the BS in Aviation Flight at California Baptist University (CBU) are well-prepared for careers as professional pilots, flight instructors, military aviators, missionary pilots, or unmanned aerial systems operators. The program combines rigorous flight training with comprehensive academic coursework, ensuring students develop both technical flying skills and a strong understanding of aviation science and management.

Key progression and future opportunities include:

• University services: CBU conducts all flight training in-house with its own experienced flight instructors and a fleet of university-owned aircraft. Students receive personalised academic advising and access to scholarships—CBU awarded $50,000 in aviation scholarships in fall 2017. The program also offers concentrations in Commercial, Military, Missionary, and Unmanned Aerial Systems to tailor training to career goals.

• Employment stats and salary: Graduates typically complete around 250 flight hours upon graduation, aligning with industry requirements for commercial pilot roles. Professional pilots nationally earn median salaries exceeding $170,000, with strong job prospects due to ongoing demand for trained aviators.

• University–industry partnerships: CBU’s aviation program benefits from connections with local flight centres such as Orange County Flight Centre, enabling students to earn credit hours while completing FAA certifications. The university’s integration of faith-based values also supports unique career paths in missionary aviation.

• Long-term accreditation value: The program is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, ensuring credentials are recognized nationally. The curriculum covers essential topics such as meteorology, aircraft systems, crew resource management, and human factors.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with a strong foundation in flight operations, safety, navigation, and aviation technology, ready to pursue careers as commercial pilots, flight instructors, military aviators, or UAS operators.

Further Academic Progression: After earning the BS in Aviation Flight, students can pursue advanced studies such as a Master’s in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, or related fields to expand leadership skills and technical expertise. Additional FAA certifications and flight hours can further enhance career advancement opportunities in commercial aviation, military service, or specialised aviation sectors.