Oh that is bad news for us! He is currently replacing the valve covers. No catch can. The seal is OEM, part number FL3Z 6710B. It won't let me post a link a link to the exact oil pan he installed in December, which was off of eBay from Tom Auto Parts. I am going to try and attach the photos of it instead. It lists the following part numbers: FT4Z-6675-A,FT4Z-6675-B,FT4Z-6675-C,FT4E-6675-DB so most likely no check valve and he shouldn't have installed the gasket.
Hopefully no engine damage has occurred. Needless to say he is pretty discouraged and regretting the aftermarket purchase.
At this point would we be best off to purchase another OEM pan, or reinstall the aftermarket pan without the gasket? He can hardly wait to get started 😢