​Riis did anything but rest on his Sunday. This morning he woke up in all his awesomeness and made the decision that today would be the day he official became a certificated pilot. And that is exactly what happened…Riis Mendelsohn is a private pilot!! Riis is one of the several GBA students who had delay after delay due to smoke but stayed focused. When his adorable pups gave him some time off he chair flew, used the SIM, and kept studying. This kept him current so now that the smoke has cleared, he made it happen. And he is not done yet. Riis already committed to the instrument ground school and getting started on his next rating. With his focus and determination there is no doubt you will be reading more about Riis soon. Awesome job Riis!! Congratulations as well to his instructor Ethan Chinowsky. Today was a good day….

Who says we’re stuck on the ground in this crud? Not Hailey Bogle! Hailey flew to success today in N752DW and found her inner aviatrix while navigating the ins and outs of flying here in Reno and Northern Nevada. This is a great post to write because not only was Hailey a former high school student of her instructor, Richard Brong, she was the first student he soloed as a CFI and now his first student to earn her wings going from zero time to Private Pilot! The smoke and heat this summer made things challenging for sure but here she is - Private Pilot. You’ve earned this and worked really hard to achieve excellence. Go out and fly!

What do you call an alligator that uses GPS?

A Navigator 🤣

GBA pilot Mariah Connell, dad joke teller, and newly graduated Air Force Navigator is heading back to Reno!! Mariah has been training for the last 10 months, earned her wings, and will soon be back in town to support our local Air Guard Command on the beloved C-130s. We are so excited for her return (and her homemade Sangria). Awesome job Mariah!! You are an inspiration 🇺🇸 Another example of the incredible places aviation can take you. ​

Don't let the sweet, quiet, calm demeanor fool you, Kaitlin Hughes is an animal! At least when it comes to her flight training. This morning Kaitlin tore up the pattern at KRTS logging her first solo time in N328ME, runway 32. This young lady loves the adventure in aviation and her passion is evident in every single flight. Definitely one of the hardest working and humble pilots out there. She has quite the support system too. Cheering her on today was her mom and grandfather watching from the ramp with her CFI Ethan Chinowsky. Awesome to have family there as she created an incredible memory. She heads back to UNR next week, but her focus will not stop as she has her goal date set for her checkride. Huge congratulations to Kaitlin and Ethan! Now go have some fun minus the 200lb Kiwi :) ​