Become a Pilot in Sunny California

Jobs are Growing for Professional Pilots

According to Boeing, the demand for well-qualified pilots continues to grow. An additional 736,000 pilots will be needed through the year 2039 worldwide. This demand in pilots is driven by the expected growth of airline travel, combined with pilot retirements.

Now is the perfect time to start your pilot training!

Career Opportunities As A CFA Graduate

As a licensed pilot and CFA graduate, you’ll have the ability to pilot different types of aircraft and work in a variety of settings and occupations. Examples include:

• Commercial Airline Pilot
• Regional Airline Pilot
• Charter Pilot
• Corporate Pilot
• Private Pilot
• Bush Pilot
• Banner Tow Pilot
• Crop Dusting Pilot
• Aviation Consultant
• Flight Instructor

Note that depending on your career path, the country in which you reside, and the airline, there may be a minimum number of flight hours required to apply.

Program Overview, Including Licenses & Ratings Offered

California Flight Academy (CFA) is approved by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under parts 61 and 141 to offer a Professional Airline Pilot Program that lasts one year. This program was designed based upon the knowledge and skills needed to help you begin an entry level career as an airline pilot in the aviation field. You will earn the following ratings and licenses:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Instrument Rating
• Commercial Single-Engine Rating
• Commercial Multi-Engine Rating

You will also gain knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Air traffic control tower communications
• Ground instruction (Pre/Post)
• Redbird simulator flight instruction
• Cessna aircraft computer instruction
• Digital flight instrument displays (glass cockpit)
• Single and multi-engine aircraft instruction

You may also choose to complete the following elective ratings:

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• CFI – Instrument (CFI-I)

International Student Information

Obtaining a U.S. Visa
At CFA, we are here to ensure your transition to the U.S. is simple and comfortable.  We have many years of experience bringing students to the U.S. and will assist you with every step of the Visa process.  Please complete and submit the form above for assistance.

Transfer of CFA Flight Hours and FAA Certifications to Other Countries
With extensive experience working with international students from all parts of the globe, CFA will help you convert your U.S. licenses and ratings to your home country based on your individual needs.

Apply for Admission
The first step to apply at CFA is to complete the form above, and one of our friendly admissions advisors will contact you promptly.  Your advisor will answer any questions you have and help you understand the application process in detail.

Visa and Embassy Process
We encourage you to please check with your local embassy for availability of U.S. visas and travel. Also, note that students may complete their Ground School courses online from their home or in San Diego, and then schedule their flight training at a later time.

Top Pilots Start At California Flight Academy

California Flight Academy is a world-renowned flight school that has trained thousands of students from all parts of the globe. Graduates have successfully become private pilots, flight instructors and commercial airline pilots.  Advantages of a CFA education include the following:

• Reputation of Excellence – With over 100,000 flight hours completed and successful graduates all over the world, our track record speaks for itself.
• Credentialed, Experienced Flight Instructors – All your instructors are carefully selected with the right certifications, credentials and experience.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Approved and Cessna Certified – CFA is approved by the United States FAA for both part 61 and 141 training.  This means that our training facilities, curriculum, Chief Flight Instructors and aircraft are inspected and approved by the FAA.
• Above-Standard Flight Hours – All courses are designed to give you more than the FAA minimum number of dual and solo flight hours, in addition to simulation hours, ground instruction and interactive computer-based instruction.
• World-Class Airport & Facility – Our campus is located on an air strip at Gillespie Field in San Diego County. Gillespie supports a well-maintained, controlled environment that also includes a FAA control tower.
• Student Housing Available – We offer shared apartments located close to the Academy that come fully furnished with all the amenities.
• Exceptional Climate Ideal for Flying – Our campus is located in sunny San Diego, California, in the United States of America. San Diego’s beautiful climate makes it not only the perfect place to live, but more importantly, one of the most ideal places to fly with 320 sunny days per year.
• Optimally Maintained Aircraft Fleet – Our fleet consists of various aircraft that are meticulously maintained above industry standards.  Each is cared for by our on-site FAA-certified mechanics and safety is our number-one priority.   The fleet includes the following planes:
  • Cessna 152
  • Cessna 162 Skycatcher
  • Cessna 172N
  • Cessna 172SP
  • Beechcraft Duchess
  • Other aircraft are leased as needed to meet student requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for admissions?

To start training at CFA, you need to have graduated from high school and you need to be at least 18 years old by the time you apply for your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) flight test after you have completed all your Commercial pilot flight training. This means that you can apply as young as 17 years old.

How long will I be away from home?

It’s never easy to be away from home. We understand. So the good news is that on average, it will be only 12 months and perhaps a little longer. It largely depends on you and how fast you can progress through the four phases of becoming a professional pilot.  Some students need a few more hours to pass the exams of each phase. Our teachers are always ready and happy to help students individually progress and achieve their goals.

• Phase I – Private Pilot License: 4 months, 55 hours
• Phase II – Instrument Rating: 4 months, 55 hours
• Phase III – Pre-Commercial: 2 months, 55 hours
• Phase IV – Commercial Pilot License: 2 months, 27 hours
• Total: 192 hours

What is it like to attend California Flight Academy?

California Flight Academy is a place where you will grow in your confidence to be a pilot. You will learn with other students as you work closely with teachers who are certified pilots who will mentor you individually to be successful. You will develop many friendships that will help you in your career. Also, you will have ground school Monday through Friday on campus. You will probably fly 3 to 5 times a week and for the commercial phases, you will likely fly 4 to 6 times a week.

What is it like to live in the San Diego area?

San Diego is and surrounding communities are safe. The California Flight Academy is located in one of the most desirable cities to live in the U.S. This offers an ideal climate in the world of flying.  As a CFA student, you’ll not only enjoy your flight training experience, but you’ll also have the opportunity to experience San Diego culture. Whether you prefer to relax by the pool, workout at the fitness center, or travel to one of the many attractions located in and around San Diego, you’ll find plenty of options to stay busy.

Is there specific start dates or can I start at any time?

We have 12 enrollment starts per year and every month a new Private Pilot course starts with 10-15 students in our ground school. The classes are small to give personalized attention to build confidence in the students. You need to apply 2-4 months before the time you want to start to get your visa processed and get accepted.

Is there student housing and the cost?

Yes, we do have housing. We provide student housing in a condominium complex about 6.5 kilometers from the school.  The condos are fully furnished with 2 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.  We house 4 students per apartment and the price is $580 per month per student for a shared room (two students in each room).  The rent includes all utilities, high-speed internet, and cable TV. Students will need to buy their own food and personal items.  Most students either take a bike or walk to school.

Please note that food is not provided in the housing. Each apartment will have a full kitchen and students can cook at home. The cost will vary if the student eats out and does not cook at home.

Okay, so how do I get started?

Feel free to call us directly or complete the Request Information form above and we’ll get in contact with you promptly.

You probably have more questions. No worries. You can always contact us and we will be happy to help!

We look forward to seeing you at our school!