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    Scott is a Private Pilot!!

    What do you call a guy who drives into Reno from Truckee for flight training on a consistent basis, endures the heat, wind, and thermals, and still has a smile on his face? Some might call him crazy but we call him brand new Private Pilot Scott Koch! As if the oral exam portion of the checkride was not exhausting enough, Scott and the DPE hopped into N2291C in the late morning heat and took off for the flying portion of his checkride. Scott focused on his maneuvers and proficiencies and showed the DPE that even in the not ideal conditions, he still has the skill set to safely fly a single engine aircraft. With work, family, flight training, and the commute into Reno, Scott definitely had his hands full. To make any kind of change, one has to have the will and determination to do it. Scott definitely has that determination. Huge congratulations to Scott and his instructors Steven Lutsch and Logan Krupp!
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    Weston is a CFII!!

    Muscles did it again...Weston Levine is now a CFII!! Weston endured some pretty hot, bumpy conditions as he demonstrated his ability to successfully teach the instrument rating. It has been a joy working with Weston as he earned his advanced certificates and ratings over the last year. Now that he has his CFI and CFII, he will be leaving Northern NV for a position flight instructing in Auburn University’s reputable 141 program. It has been great having Weston around the ramp and his love of aviation and eagerness to learn will surely be missed. Huge congratulations and best of luck to Weston on this next chapter of his life. Awesome job as well to his CFII Sean Torbett! ​
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    Graciepoo Soloed!!

    While the north valley residents were tucked away in their nice warm beds early this morning, Grace Cisler was tearing up the pattern at KRTS, all by herself…yes, that is right, Grace soloed!! No diggity, this gal can fly! Grace was all too willing to let her CFI Sean Torbett out on the side of the ramp so she can start logging that PIC time. Sean watched from the sidelines as Grace joined the other planes in the pattern and earned her solo wings. Grace, a retired professional cross country skier, now baker/wrangler/tractor driver/GBA office entertainer, moved out to the Truckee area from New Hampshire a while ago for her love of skiing. However, the sport took its toll on her so she transferred that passion and craze (literally) to aviation. Grace, drives in from Truckee for those 5am slots to get her training in before she goes to work or school. She is definitely on track to earn her Private Pilot soon then quickly move into her next rating. Huge congratulations to Grace and Sean on this milestone!!
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    "Pink Flamingo" is now a GBA CFI!!

    Chris Buckely is now a GBA CFI!! Chris has been a ground instructor for the past several months and we are so excited for "Pink Flamingo" to expand her role to now also being a GBA CFI. Chris achieved all her current ratings and endorsements while flying with Great Basin Aviation. She's a journalist by trade, but has always looked to the sky for inspiration. If you have had the pleasure meeting her, you know her enthusiasm for aviation is contagious. Her schedule is up in FSP and she is excited to help you meet your goals! ​
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    Welcome Kurtis Hornung!

    Welcome full time CFI/CFII Kurtis Hornung to the GBA team!!

    His passion for aviation started as a child as his father was a pilot for the CHP. He spent a lot of free time as a kid playing in the CHP simulators whenever they allowed him. Once he turned 18, Kurtis enlisted in the military and served 7 years in the Army infantry. When he got out he knew he wanted to pursue becoming a pilot professionally. He enrolled at American Flyers where he earned his private through CFI/CFII in Houston, TX. Kurtis recently moved to Reno to further advance his military career, flying for the Nevada National Guard. During his time off he has been spending a lot of time with his daughter at Lake Tahoe or any of the parks around town. Kurtis' schedule is up in FSP and he is ready to get going to help you meet your aviation goals. Kurtis also has a lot of 141 experience which will help us as we get that started.
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    Welcome to GBA Kurtis! We are very excited to have you aboard!
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