August 2026 Checkride Passes at ActivePILOT
Published by:
Ari Hovnanyan
Published on:
Updated on:
Read time:
4 min read
August brought another outstanding group of checkride passes and student solo milestones at ActivePILOT.
Congratulations to each of our student pilots on their achievements, and to the CFIs who supported their preparation, training, and final checkride day. Every milestone represents a shift from structured instruction to independent flying, building the skill, confidence, and discipline required for safe and professional flight operations.
First Solo Flight
Earning your first solo is a historic moment in flight training. It is the first time a student pilot commands the aircraft entirely on their own, validating their stick-and-rudder foundation, landing procedures, and radio communication skills.
Congratulations to our student pilot who soloed in August:
- Arvin Azizi - CFI Ismael Deras
Private Pilot Passes
Congratulations to our pilots who earned their Private Pilot License in August:
- Olivia Chediak - CFI Caelia Moore
- Jonathan Hernandez - CFI Caelia Moore
The Private Pilot License is the foundation of every flying journey. It certifies that a pilot can safely command an aircraft, carry passengers, and make independent decisions in the cockpit, opening the door to the instrument, commercial, and professional ratings that follow.
Commercial Pilot Pass
Congratulations to Silvi Khachatryan on earning her Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with CFI Ryan Sharp.
The Commercial Pilot program takes flight proficiency to a professional level. Pilots master high-performance maneuvers, precision handling, and complex aircraft systems. This milestone is a critical step for pilots pursuing careers in commercial aviation, charter flights, or corporate flight operations.
Certified Flight Instructor Pass
Congratulations to Shaun Okuda on earning his initial Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with CFI Ryan Sharp.
The CFI certificate marks the point where a pilot becomes a teacher. Instructor candidates learn to break down maneuvers, deliver ground instruction, and manage the cockpit from the right seat, and instructing is how most career-track pilots build the hours toward the airlines.
Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On Passes
Congratulations to our pilots who added the Commercial Multi-Engine rating to their certificates in August. The multi-engine add-on develops the systems knowledge, engine-out procedures, and precise aircraft control required to safely command twin-engine aircraft, a key qualification on the path to airline and corporate flying.
- Michael Velasco - MEI Ryan Sharp
- Tony Espinosa - MEI Caelia Moore
- Francesco Pecile - MEI Ryan Sharp
Multi-Engine Instructor Pass
Congratulations to Srikar Kuchibhotla on earning his Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificate with MEI Carter Randolph.
The MEI adds instructor privileges in multi-engine airplanes. It requires a deep command of asymmetric thrust, Vmc awareness, and engine-out procedures, taught to the standard where an instructor can guide another pilot safely through them.
August Pass List
| Milestone | Pilot | Instructor Support |
|---|---|---|
| Student Solo | Arvin Azizi | CFI Ismael Deras |
| Private Pilot | Olivia Chediak | CFI Caelia Moore |
| Private Pilot | Jonathan Hernandez | CFI Caelia Moore |
| Commercial Pilot | Silvi Khachatryan | CFI Ryan Sharp |
| Certified Flight Instructor | Shaun Okuda | CFI Ryan Sharp |
| Commercial Multi-Engine | Michael Velasco | MEI Ryan Sharp |
| Commercial Multi-Engine | Tony Espinosa | MEI Caelia Moore |
| Commercial Multi-Engine | Francesco Pecile | MEI Ryan Sharp |
| Multi-Engine Instructor | Srikar Kuchibhotla | MEI Carter Randolph |
FAQ: August Checkride Milestones
What is the significance of a student’s first solo flight?
The first solo is the first major milestone in flight training. It proves the student pilot can safely manage the airplane, perform takeoffs and landings, and make critical in-flight decisions without an instructor on board, building critical confidence for the remaining private pilot curriculum.
What does a Private Pilot License allow a pilot to do?
A Private Pilot License (PPL) allows a pilot to command an aircraft, carry passengers, and fly independently under visual flight rules. It is the foundational certificate that every instrument, commercial, and professional rating builds on.
What career options open up with a Commercial Pilot License?
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is required to fly for compensation or hire. Earning a CPL allows you to work as a commercial pilot in agricultural aviation, aerial photography, cargo transport, flight instruction, and corporate operations, and serves as the stepping stone to airline transport pilot (ATP) certification.
What does a CFI certificate allow a pilot to do?
A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate allows a pilot to provide flight and ground instruction to student pilots. Beyond the teaching privileges, instructing is the most common way career-track pilots build flight time toward the hours the airlines expect.
What is the difference between a Commercial Multi-Engine add-on and an MEI?
A Commercial Multi-Engine add-on gives a pilot the privilege to fly twin-engine airplanes for compensation or hire. A Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificate goes a step further and allows that pilot to teach multi-engine flying to others.
How do I get started with flight training at ActivePILOT?
If you are new to flying, the best starting point is a Discovery Flight. If you are looking to advance your ratings or resume training, request information to discuss your customized training path.
Start Your Own Next Milestone
Every checkride success begins with taking action. Whether you want to fly for recreation or pursue a career as a commercial pilot, we provide the structured training and professional fleet to help you succeed.
Ready to begin? Book your Discovery Flight or request information today to discuss your next training goal.
