Aviation Flight

BACHELOR OF Science

For many, flying is just a dream, but CBU can help make it a career. Students who have no prior flight experience can graduate from the aviation flight program with the skills to be a pilot. All flight training is conducted in-house by CBU using our own flight instructors and fleet of university-owned aircraft. In addition to the flight training and ground courses, students develop an in-depth knowledge of meteorology, navigational aids, aircraft systems and crew resource management. In essence, they learn everything they need to function as a pilot.

Minors and Concentrations

Aviation Dispatch Minor
Aviation Management Minor
Aviation Unmanned Systems Minor
Missionary Aviation Minor

Aviation Dispatch Concentration
Commercial Airplane Pilot Concentration
Professional Airplane Pilot Concentration
Unmanned Aviation Systems Pilot Concentration

About the Program
Interesting Courses
Student Learning Outcomes
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Why study aviation flight at CBU?

Fly hundreds of hours
Generally, students can expect to graduate from CBU’s aviation flight program as a professional pilot with around 200–230 total hours of flight time. Flight training costs are in addition to CBU tuition and fees, but scholarships are sometimes available. In fall 2017, we gave $50,000 in aviation scholarships.

Study at an airport
We currently have a brand-new fleet of Piper aircraft, a 9,000 square-foot Flight Operations Center with classrooms, flight planning room, flight simulators, full kitchen and student lounge. Riverside Municipal Airport offers a safe flight training environment, with two paved runways, and is less than three miles from the CBU campus.

Become a pilot
Partnerships with regional airlines have allowed us to form the airline bridge program, which provides students with guaranteed interviews and potential conditional job offers prior to graduation. Graduates of the aviation flight major will have the knowledge and skills to obtain the certifications and licenses they need to fly single-engine and multi-engine aircraft for hire. Some of our alumni have gone on to jobs at the Long Beach Airport, the FAA, and as flight instructors in CBU’s own Flight School. Often, graduates teach flight for several years while they build hours to earn their ATP.

Instrument Pilot Ground

FLT 119

An in-depth study of aircraft instruments, preflight and aircraft systems, navigation, holding, approaches, emergencies, and weather reports and forecasts.

Modern Avionics and Navigational Aids

FLT 224

An in-depth study of the modern avionics and navigation aids available to pilots.

Human Factors

FLT 326

A review of the psychological human factors that affect aviation, including individual and organizational factors, and technology-induced errors.

Student Learning Outcomes

Apply mathematics, science, and applied sciences to aviation-related disciplines.
Analyze and interpret data.
Work effectively on multidisciplinary and diverse teams.
Make professional and ethical decisions.
Communicate effectively, using both written and oral communication skills.
Engage in and recognize the need for lifelong learning.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.

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Career Opportunities

Airline Pilot
Corporate Pilot
Missionary Pilot
Flight Instructor
Air Cargo Pilot
Military Pilot
Law Enforcement Pilot
State Aviation Department Pilot
Charter Pilot

63

Units

23+

Training Aircraft

2013

Student Testimonials

"I chose my major because I like flying planes and plan on being an airline pilot. At CBU, I'm able to study what I want while keeping a close relationship with God."
Joshua Cadaing, 2020

"I have always enjoyed flying since I was a kid and wanted to begin a career within the industry. I would like to fly commercially as either an airline or cargo pilot. My major will allow me to receive all the proper certifications in order to pursue those fields. It is a relatively small program so it's nice to be able to get to know everyone."
Michael McCarthy, 2021

"Flying an airplane . . . who does that? I was interested in flying since I was young boy, so I wanted to make my dream happen and do it here at CBU! I plan to join the US Air Force as a fighter pilot and fly for them for many years to come. The professors are very nice and are very willing to help me. They explain and go over topics that are a little difficult to understand or imagine."
Matthew Trejo, 2021

"I've always wanted to be a pilot and I plan on becoming an Army aviator after college. We are fortunate to have some of the best professors who have real-life experience to teach here at CBU. The flight program is one of the most rewarding and challenging things I've ever experienced."
Brandon Walker, 2020

"I chose aviation flight because I want to do something that is fun and also sets me up for success after college. I plan to commission in the USMC as an officer, hopefully flying C130s. After that, I'd like to join the airlines and fly for them until I retire."
Keenan Herdeg, 2019

Alumni Spotlight

"I have wanted to be a pilot since I was 14 years old, so naturally I wanted to find a university that had aviation majors. At CBU, I liked being a part of something new. We started off as a small group and it was like a family all four years throughout the program."
Hannah Biltz, 2017

Meet Some of Our Faculty

John Marselus

Professor of Aviation Science

I served in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years, retiring in 2010. I have over 3,500 flight hours primarily in the A-10 Thunderbolt and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets instructing and flying combat missions in both aircraft. It is a great honor to pass on the many experiences, knowledge and faith to the next generation to prepare them to carry on for God’s glory. There is no better time in history to begin a career in aviation.

See Profile >

Creighton Goodman

Assistant Professor of Aviation Flight

The aviation bug struck me during college while on a discovery flight at a local airport. I was impressed by the different perspective of life provided by the view of Earth from the air. In this field, I have gotten to travel, experience other cultures, meet new people and see places I had only read about. While serving in the US Air Force, I found a calling to help others explore aviation.

See Profile >

Elisabeth Murillo

Assistant Professor of Aviation Science

I entered the field of aviation because I was fascinated with flight and curious if I could make a career out of it. What I find most interesting about aviation is there is always more to learn. The industry is constantly changing and while it is a relatively small industry it has careers in every imaginable area. I transitioned from flight instructing to teaching in the classroom and have found it very rewarding.

See Profile >

John Marselus

Professor of Aviation Science

I served in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years, retiring in 2010. I have over 3,500 flight hours primarily in the A-10 Thunderbolt and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets instructing and flying combat missions in both aircraft. It is a great honor to pass on the many experiences, knowledge and faith to the next generation to prepare them to carry on for God’s glory. There is no better time in history to begin a career in aviation.

See Profile >
Creighton Goodman

Assistant Professor of Aviation Flight

The aviation bug struck me during college while on a discovery flight at a local airport. I was impressed by the different perspective of life provided by the view of Earth from the air. In this field, I have gotten to travel, experience other cultures, meet new people and see places I had only read about. While serving in the US Air Force, I found a calling to help others explore aviation.

See Profile >
Elisabeth Murillo

Assistant Professor of Aviation Science

I entered the field of aviation because I was fascinated with flight and curious if I could make a career out of it. What I find most interesting about aviation is there is always more to learn. The industry is constantly changing and while it is a relatively small industry it has careers in every imaginable area. I transitioned from flight instructing to teaching in the classroom and have found it very rewarding.

See Profile >

Contact the Department of Aviation Science

6865 Airport Drive
Riverside, CA 92504

Dr. John Marselus, Chair
Katherine Chinnock, Department Secretary
(951) 552-8800
calbaptist.edu/department-of-aviation-science

Additional Information

Alumni Stories
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Student Learning Outcomes
Lab Fees
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Tuition and Fees
Student Life

Related Programs

Aviation Management, B.S.
Business Administration, B.S.
Engineering, BSE

Additional Links +

Aviation Flight

BACHELOR OF Science

Why study aviation flight at CBU?

Instrument Pilot Ground

FLT 119

Modern Avionics and Navigational Aids

FLT 224

Human Factors

FLT 326

Student Learning Outcomes

Take the next step toward living your purpose

Request More Information

Career Opportunities

63

Units

23+

Training Aircraft

2013

Year the Program Began

John Marselus

Professor of Aviation Science

Creighton Goodman

Assistant Professor of Aviation Flight

Elisabeth Murillo

Assistant Professor of Aviation Science

John Marselus

Professor of Aviation Science

Creighton Goodman

Assistant Professor of Aviation Flight

Elisabeth Murillo

Assistant Professor of Aviation Science

Contact the Department of Aviation Science

Additional Information

Related Programs

Additional Information

Related Programs