Taking Flight

His journey from flight training in Honolulu to being hired as a commercial pilot at Horizon Air is a testament to his dedication and perseverance, and the opportunities CAU provides.

Yamaguchi grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. His passion for aviation was sparked by his father, a police officer with the Honolulu Police Department, who frequently interacted with helicopter pilots. Witnessing aviation firsthand made Yamaguchi realize that a career in flying was not only possible, but offered a lifestyle where he could travel the world.

At 16, Yamaguchi took his first solo flight at a local flight school in Honolulu. Eager to complete his training, he chose CAU for its streamlined program that allowed him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, build necessary flight hours, and enjoy a direct path to getting a job.

Yamaguchi enrolled at CAU in August 2021. With CAU’s structured training and airline partnerships, Brycen fast-tracked his career. Through the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program, he connected with recruiters early and secured an interview shortly after earning his private pilot. By December 2022, he was accepted into Horizon’s cadet program, setting his sights on a future with Horizon Air.

During his time at CAU, Brycen joined the university’s flight team and earned his instrument rating, commercial single-engine pilot certificate, flight instructor and instrument flight instructor certificates, and a multiengine rating.  With CAU’s flight instructor opportunities and national flight team competitions, he built valuable flight hours while still a student. He graduated in August 2024 and achieved his goal of reaching 1,000 flight hours before his training date with Horizon Air.

Building flight hours can be a challenge for any aspiring pilot, but Yamaguchi credits CAU’s structured support system for making the process efficient. As a flight instructor at CAU, he was able to gain experience and get paid while completing his hours. Competing on the flight team also provided him with invaluable cross-country flying experience, helping him develop advanced skills and industry connections.

“CAU helped me reach my goals by providing a platform where I could grow and learn while also earning my ratings in an environment that I really enjoyed,” Yamaguchi said.

Yamaguchi chose CAU for its clear career pathway, degree offerings, and airline connections. The opportunity to qualify for a restricted airline transport pilot (R-ATP) certificate was also a major factor in his decision.

“For me, personally, I really wanted the security of having a degree and go through a program where I could get a 500-hour reduction,” he shared. “My advice to current students is to take advantage of every opportunity. Never turn one down, especially when it comes to learning and flying.”

“None of my success would have been possible without the support of my mom and dad, or

the friends I’ve made here at CAU.”