​What’s cooler than being cool on a hot day? Not much, right? Unless you are Ryan Mill! Nothing better than your first solo flight to make you forget about the hot temps. Ryan soloed today at KSPZ runway 24 in N752DW as his instructor, Jacob Hetland baked in the sun. Ryan enjoyed this first taste of freedom for a few laps then graciously went back for Jacob. Ryan has been getting his flight training in as he manages full time work in marketing for a mountain bike company, studies ground school, and probably also enjoys some Northern Nevada sunshine. Next up for this UNR alumni and Pennsylvania transplant is working on those solo requirements, written exam, and then right into checkride prep. Awesome job to Ryan on this most memorable milestone!! Congrats to Jacob, his CFI, too!

​Looking for a new position that revolves around aviation? Want to talk to other pilots on a daily basis and network for what’s next? Atlantic Aviation is hiring!! Our awesome FBO is looking for help on the line. This is a great position that immerses you in aviation on a daily basis plus offers an aircraft rental discount through Great Basin Aviation (see Jenn for details). Must be 18 and older and love aviation :) Check out the link below and apply today!

https://careers-atlanticaviation.icims.com/jobs/5915/ls---aircraft-refueler-line-service-technician-%28rno%29/job

Jack Darlington is now a CFI!! Jack has spent the last few months getting used to that right seat and enhancing the natural teaching skills he already possessed. A lot of early and late night flights around his work schedule, hours building his lesson plans, and talking to himself as he role played teaching people to fly were the name of the game. We’d guess he probably drove his wife a bit nuts but most aviators (or their spouses and significant others, more specifically) can relate. We are very excited to see Jack’s progress as he continues to build his aviation ratings. A huge congratulations to him and his CFI, Tristan Armstrong. Stay tuned for what comes next for Jack! ​

Attaboy Dan Walters!! Dan is now a private pilot!! Dan, a EA-18G Growler EWO, slowed it down a bit today, traded in his 22,000 pounds of static thrust engines for a 180hp Cessna, and flew with confidence showing his examiner he has the skill set to be a certificated pilot. No employing anti-radiation missiles but still a successful mission. This 10 year Veteran of the United States Navy, finished up his checkride then ran home to meet his movers. Dan is just finishing up his commission and leaving tomorrow to start business school in Chicago. Nothing like the pressure of a time constraint. Dan was able to complete his training during these last seven weeks and leave Nevada with this awesome accomplishment and memory. Huge congratulations to the team that helped him progress at the rate he needed; Logan Krupp, Steven Lutsch, Richard Brong, and Spencer Karam. You will be missed Dan, but we will see you at Tailhook! ​

​Lee Gerwitz is a Private Pilot!! That’s right, this small town boy, born and raised in Hamlet, NY, took a mid day checkride goin’ to the north practice area (some of you will get that). Lee definitely had some wind and TFRs to contend with as he still managed to find airspace to demonstrate his private pilot maneuvers within ACS. Lee, new to our area Neuroimmunologist, started his training in Rochester, NY. After moving to Reno, he picked right back up where he left off and today saw the result of his hard work and determination all while serving our community and buying a home. Talk about managing multiple stresses. It is like he was born to be a pilot! Awesome job to Lee and his instructor Danny Britson!! Fro-yo celebrate then go get some XC time in!