Chief Pilot

Ryan Sharp

Chief Pilot (CFI-I, MEI)

Ryan is a Southern California native who is passionate about flying. Having achieved many certifications such as Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine (CMEL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Complex Endorsement, Ryan excels at all aspects of pilot training. In his free time, Ryan likes to go out with friends, build engines and race cars, and do computer-aided design. Ryan has been flying for over 10 years and is ready to give you world-class pilot instruction.

Assistant Chief Pilot

Mitch Rittenhouse

Assistant Chief Pilot (CFI-I, MEI)

Mitch grew up on Long Island, New York and lived there for 25 years. He completed his training in New York earning before moving to California. Mitch has a passion for aviation but also loves to be on the water and sailed his boat all the way from New York down to the Bahamas and back. In his free time you can catch Mitch sewing making clothes, hanging with friends, and playing video games. Mitch strives to provide quality instruction and above all make learning aviation a fun experience.

Jean Diaz

Office Manager

Email: jean@activepilot.us

Jean is the muscle of operation at ActivePILOT. While being a student pilot, Jean oversees the day-to-day operations of the school, and nothing gets passed him unchecked. His love for flight training and bright thinking has made him a valuable asset to our team and his generosity to help newcomers into our flight training programs has made him a devoted resource to his fellow students.

Connor Linn

Pilot Liaison, CFI

Sevak Sarkissian

CFI-I, MEI, & CFI Course Instructor

Sevak started his pilot career at an early age and soloed by the time he was 16. He graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Aviation Maintenance Technology, became an Airline Transport Pilot, and earned his certificate as an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic before starting his career as a flight instructor. Sevak has been a Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument rated, and Multi-Engine Instructor for the past 25 years offering extensive knowledge and experience under his name.

Joe El Sokhn

CFI-I, MEI

Joe is a seasoned pilot and Certified Flight Instructor with extensive experience and certifications form both EASA and FAA. Passionate about aviation, he dedicates his time to ensuring that students not only learn the skills they need but also enjoy the journey of the flight. Fluent in four languages, Joe effectively communicates with a diverse range of students, making the learning accessible and engaging. Joe enjoys teaching performance and limitations the most, as well as IFR flying. When not instructing, he loves to fly in his free time, continuously honing his skills.

Zachary Jbara

CFI-I

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Zachary “Zach” Jbara’s passion for aviation ignited at the tender age of 15 when he began flight training. While he initially envisioned a career in the performing arts, earning his Private Pilot certificate opened his eyes to his true calling. He pursued his dream at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona, earning his commercial flight training certification and an FAA air traffic control collegiate training institute certificate. Returning to Southern California, Zach completed his flight instructor training with ActivePILOT, making him ready and eager to share his love of flying with others. When he’s not in the air or instructing, Zach enjoys flight simulation, travel, motor racing, and music. His ultimate goal is to inspire others to achieve their aviation dreams, proving that the sky is truly the limit.

Gian Caterina

CFI

Gian, originally from Brazil, brings his lifelong passion for aviation to the classroom. Though he spent 20 years building a successful career in the restaurant industry, the call of the skies proved too strong to ignore. He’s now living his dream, sharing his enthusiasm for aviation with the next generation of aviators. When he’s not teaching, Gian cherishes time with his family, especially watching his son dominate the basketball court. He’s also an avid cook, surfer, sports enthusiast, and passionate soccer fan.

Matias De Lauro

CFI-I, MEI

Matias De Lauro is a Certified Flight Instructor with a passion for flying who began his aviation journey as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, which endowed him with a robust understanding of airplane systems. This technical foundation has been instrumental in his teaching, as he emphasizes the critical importance of safety while ensuring his students also enjoy the process of learning to fly. Beyond the cockpit, Matias enjoys playing soccer and spending time at the beach, balancing his professional dedication with personal hobbies that keep him active and engaged.

Devin Courson

CFI-I

Devin grew up in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and began his aviation journey straight out of high school. Obtaining his Private Pilot Certificate at the age of 18, Devin went on to pursue the rest of his career at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Upon obtaining his masters degree, he relocated to Southern California, where he finished his Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) , and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII). Devin now offers 10 years of flight experience and is very knowledgeable about the industry making him your go-to for any questions. When he’s not flying, you can find him at the lake riding jet skis, wake surfing, and enjoying most action sports. He is very passionate and thorough when training the next generation of pilots and is sure to make your flight training experience an enjoyable one.