• Published on

    Like Father, Like Son

    Mike McCain is a private pilot!! He just got his certificate today, but already beats most of us with flight experience. Mike has been flying with his Dad since he was 8 years old. The roles have reversed and Mike will now be PIC-ing with his Dad in their beautiful C182. Mike is one of the sweetest, happiest people you could ever meet and carried that spirit through his training. He definitely faced some challenges getting to this point with weather, COVID, availability due to running a constantly busy local business, and then all of the other things that life throws at us. He refused to quit as this is an additional special bond that him and his dad now share. It always seems impossible until it is done. Look what you accomplished Mike!! We are so happy for you. Now you can go find some more cool fishing spots. Great job as well to his instructor Tristan Armstrong! 

    Yes, Mike hates us for making him take this picture :) Such a good sport.
    Picture
  • Published on

    Birthday Checkride!

    Nothing sweeter than hitting the big 1-7 and becoming a private pilot the same day!! Ethan Vincent, young aviator extraordinaire, earned his wings today in N309PS. Ethan soloed exactly a year ago on his 16th birthday. He spent the last year studying like crazy for his written, passing that with an awesome score, continuing on with his private pilot training, studying for his oral exam, earning his tailwheel endorsement, going to school, getting his driver’s license, and working part time. On top of that, he also interned here at GBA. Incredible motivation and focus that will propel him through his goals of becoming an A&P and professional pilot. Remember his name because you will be getting an email soon about him earning his instrument rating :) Happy, happy birthday Ethan and congratulations on this huge, rare achievement. Great job as well to his instructors Richard Brong and Ethan Chinowsky!
    Picture
  • Published on

    Kyle is a Private Pilot!!

    Future pharmacist Kyle Georgeson is a Private Pilot!! This master multitasker demonstrated his private pilot proficiencies and did them well which led to him walking (maybe skipping a bit) out of here today with a massive smile on his face and a temporary pilot certificate in hand. He thought the oral exam was exhausting, but it was nothing compared to the afternoon thermals, winds, and traffic that added to the increased cockpit management during his checkride. Kyle has been finishing up his senior year at UNR, training for his private pilot, working, and planning that next chapter of his life. A bit ambitious for most but he proved it can be done. As exhausting as it was for Kyle, he was always laughing and smiling; a side effect of aviation. We hope you continue to enjoy it as much as you have. Huge congratulations to this recent UNR graduate and now Private Pilot!! Great job as well to his instructor Steven Lutsch! 
    Picture
  • Published on

    The Newberrys are at it again!

    Wait, didn’t we just have a Newberry that soloed yesterday? Why, yes we did! What is better than one soloed Newberry….two!! Today Gabe Newberry soloed N670CS at KRTS on Runway 32. With the exception of a couple of other planes to cheer him on, Gabe had the pattern to himself. This much deserved benchmark in Gabe’s pilot training comes after many weeks of hard work and balancing life as a Nevada Air Guard Service Member, UNR student, and all the other things that often compete for the most important thing in a pilot’s life - flying! Gabe also said he thought it would be appropriate to let Katie solo first just because that’s the kind of big brother he is :) Huge congrats to Gabe and his instructor, Richard Brong.
    Picture
  • Published on

    Father's Day Solo!!

    Katie Newberry soloed!! This young Nevada Air Guard service member lost 170lbs today as she left her CFI, Jacob Hetland, on the ramp to fly her first few solo laps at KRTS, runway 08 in N328ME. Aviation runs in the blood as Katie’s brother and Dad also share the love of aviation. Katie has been working hard on this milestone and today she experienced first hand how awesome solo flight is! We are excited to see her ripping through the sky on her own as she continues earning her Private Pilot Certificate! Huge congratulations to Katie and her CFI Jacob! ​
    Picture