May 2026 Checkride Passes at ActivePILOT
Published by:
Ari Hovnanyan
Published on:
Updated on:
Read time:
4 min read
May brought another exceptional 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 Flights
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 pilots who soloed in May:
- Olivia Chediak - CFI Caelia Moore
- William Chua - CFI Ismael Deras
- Omar Zubia - CFI Caelia Moore
Private Pilot Passes
Congratulations to Benton Dang, Lance Wong, and Ryan Kahen on earning their Private Pilot License (PPL) milestones.
- Benton Dang - CFI Ismael Deras
- Lance Wong - CFI Manny Deras
- Ryan Kahen - CFI Devin Courson
The Private Pilot program builds the essential safety habits that stay with a pilot for life. This phase of training focuses heavily on checklist discipline, aircraft control, navigation, and critical decision-making, giving pilots the freedom to fly passengers in cross-country environments.
Commercial Pilot Pass
Congratulations to Vlad Zapotocky on earning his Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with CFI Carter Randolph.
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 Instrument (CFII) Pass
Congratulations to Fisal Mehrzai on passing his Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) checkride with CFII Isaac Kim.
Earning a CFII rating represents the peak of instrument instructional proficiency. A CFII is qualified to teach instrument flying, helping student pilots learn to navigate safely through clouds, fly advanced instrument approaches, and master complex instrument systems. This rating is crucial for developing safe, all-weather aviators.
May Pass List
| Milestone | Pilot | Instructor Support |
|---|---|---|
| Student Solo | Olivia Chediak | CFI Caelia Moore |
| Student Solo | William Chua | CFI Ismael Deras |
| Student Solo | Omar Zubia | CFI Caelia Moore |
| Private Pilot | Benton Dang | CFI Ismael Deras |
| Private Pilot | Lance Wong | CFI Manny Deras |
| Private Pilot | Ryan Kahen | CFI Devin Courson |
| Commercial Pilot | Vlad Zapotocky | CFI Carter Randolph |
| CFII Pass | Fisal Mehrzai | CFII Isaac Kim |
FAQ: May 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 privileges does a Private Pilot License offer?
A Private Pilot License allows you to fly an aircraft as pilot in command for non-commercial purposes, carry passengers, and fly in visual meteorological conditions. It is the baseline certification for all advanced pilot ratings.
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 CFII do?
A Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) is authorized to train pilots who are working toward their instrument ratings or preparing for instrument proficiency checks. They teach advanced instrument scanning, navigation, IFR procedures, and weather decision-making.
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.
