San Diego native named University of North Dakota’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Month

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Presley Costa, a University of North Dakota graduate and certified flight instructor from San Diego, was named UND’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Month for May.

A certified flight instructor is a pilot who has been trained in how to teach people how to fly. Flight instructors take students up in an aircraft and do much of their teaching in the cockpit.

As part of the Certified Flight Instructor of the Month selection process, students of the CFIs are invited to submit nominations. “Having Presley as my instructor marked a significant advancement in my aviation education,” wrote one of Costa’s students.

“Learning a new aircraft and achieving proficiency appeared daunting at first. However, with Presley as my instructor, I was able to overcome these challenges and transition to the new aircraft with relative ease.

“Presley’s teaching method emphasizes understanding concepts and meticulously following checklists, with an emphasis on memorization to ensure retention. His instruction made me realize the importance of efficiency in aircraft operation, and he also assisted me in clarifying doubts, making complex concepts more accessible. Furthermore, spending time at the airport with Presley taught me valuable lessons in providing services to others when needed, as well as the significance of being approachable and friendly.

“Given the option to select an instructor for other courses, Presley would undoubtedly be my first choice,” the student concluded.

Huber is a graduate of Torrey Pines High School in San Diego. At UND, he majored in Commercial Aviation and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Aviation.

He holds Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instrument Instructor and Multi-Engine Instructor ratings.

“Every day, I look forward to coming to the airport and being surrounded by friends who share the same goals and passion for aviation,” Huber said.

His flight training at UND “was exceptional, and having classmates and friends going through the same challenges made the experience even more rewarding,” he continued. “Training alongside my classmates helped me build lasting friendships both inside and outside the airport. Those connections made my time at UND both enjoyable and unforgettable.

“My future plans are to pursue a career as an airline pilot, with the goal of becoming an airline captain.”