September 2026 Checkride Passes at ActivePILOT
Published by:
Ari Hovnanyan
Published on:
Updated on:
Read time:
4 min read
September brought another strong 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 pilots who soloed in September:
- Patron Meechukant - CFI Justin Stork
- Murad Sargsyan - CFI Ismael Deras
- Fritz Umholtz - CFI Carter Randolph
Private Pilot Passes
Congratulations to our pilots who earned their Private Pilot License in September:
- Zeek Scaturro - CFI Justin Stork
- Levi Schmuel - CFI Isaac Kim
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.
Instrument Rating Passes
Congratulations to our pilots who earned their Instrument Rating in September:
- Benny Cohen - CFII Carter Randolph
- Dylan Roodman - CFII Isaac Kim
The Instrument Rating teaches a pilot to fly by reference to the instruments, manage procedures and weather judgment, and operate with the precision that professional flying demands. It is a core step for career-track pilots and a safety upgrade for any pilot.
Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On Passes
Congratulations to our pilots who added the Commercial Multi-Engine rating to their certificates in September. 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. Learn more about our multi-engine rating program.
- Max Podlubnyy - MEI Ryan Sharp
- Maja Blackwood - MEI Ismael Deras
September Pass List
| Milestone | Pilot | Instructor Support |
|---|---|---|
| Student Solo | Patron Meechukant | CFI Justin Stork |
| Student Solo | Murad Sargsyan | CFI Ismael Deras |
| Student Solo | Fritz Umholtz | CFI Carter Randolph |
| Private Pilot | Zeek Scaturro | CFI Justin Stork |
| Private Pilot | Levi Schmuel | CFI Isaac Kim |
| Instrument Rating | Benny Cohen | CFII Carter Randolph |
| Instrument Rating | Dylan Roodman | CFII Isaac Kim |
| Commercial Multi-Engine | Max Podlubnyy | MEI Ryan Sharp |
| Commercial Multi-Engine | Maja Blackwood | MEI Ismael Deras |
FAQ: September 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 does an Instrument Rating allow a pilot to do?
An Instrument Rating allows a pilot to fly under instrument flight rules, relying on the aircraft’s instruments instead of outside visual references. It builds the precision and weather judgment that professional and career-track flying requires.
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.
What is the difference between a CFI and a CFII?
A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) provides flight and ground instruction to student pilots. A CFII adds instrument instructor privileges, so that instructor can teach pilots working toward their Instrument Rating.
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.
