CBU aviation expands its wings with approval to offer check rides 

Riverside, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2025) – The Department of Aviation Science at CBU has received approval by the Federal Aviation Administration to be an examining authority for single-engine commercial certification. Now California Baptist University can conduct FAA check rides for students. 

Among the requirements to earn this approval, CBU had to prove its students’ strong performance, including achieving at least a 90% pass rate on both written and flight tests over two years. CBU surpassed this requirement with a 94% pass rate. 

“This shows the excellence in the flight program. The average pass rate nationwide is around 75-80% so to reach 90% is extremely difficult,” said Dr. John Marselus, chair of the Department of Aviation Science. Marselus, who has worked at other universities, said this was the first time he has met this threshold. “This is met due to the strength of the flight instructors, the syllabi and the entire aviation team.” 

To earn single-engine commercial certification, students need to pass a written knowledge test, an oral exam and a flight exam, which now can all be done at CBU. CBU has the aircraft, such as Piper Archer and Piper Arrow, that meet the requirements for commercial pilot certification. 

Henry Stephens, chief flight instructor, spearheaded the initiative. His goal was to save CBU students money and time. Students will pay about $300 for the exam, a third of the $900 going rate for the designated pilot examiner fee. Additionally, they can schedule their check rides within a week of being ready. With a shortage of designated pilot examiners, candidates have waited months for these checks. 

The approval process took about a year to complete and is only available to Part 141 flight schools, which are regulated by the FAA. To achieve the Part 141 certification, CBU was required to have dedicated training facilities, flight instructor oversight and FAA-approved course curriculum. 

“It is very difficult to achieve this type of FAA authority and was only possible by the grace of God and a team that is committed to excellence,” Stephens said. “Due to Dr. Marselus’ efforts, CBU's aeronautical reputation is spreading throughout the airline industry.” 

Kihan Park, a flight instructor II, will be administering the check rides. In order to become a designated pilot examiner, he had to meet experience requirements — including a minimum of 2,000 flight hours and being a certified flight instructor — and demonstrate proficiency in evaluating pilot candidates.   

Unless they are in the unmanned aerial systems or military concentrations, students in the aviation flight program must get the single-engine commercial certificate along with the private pilot certificate and instrument rating. The department anticipates about 25 students will seek the commercial certification each semester. 

“This achievement allows students to complete their commercial pilot certification entirely within our program,” Park said. “It streamlines their training process, enhances continuity and provides a more efficient path toward achieving their career goals.” 

CBU’s flight school offers bachelor degrees in aviation flight and aviation management. 

Contact CBU Marketing and Communication

Vice President for Marketing and Communication:
Angela Meluski
Email: ameluski@calbaptist.edu

8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504