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    Northern Nevada's Newest CFI!!

    Who is Richard Brong? He is more than just the man behind the desk in the GBA office, he is a most interesting man. Airline pilots come over from the terminal to get Richard’s advice. When he drives a Nissan Leaf off the lot, it actually increases in value. The police often question him just because they find him interesting. Richard once showed us a crayon drawing of a Cessna 172 and it was the most beautiful thing, brought us to tears. In a snowstorm, people drive behind Richard because he always knows the way. He gave Bezos the idea to start selling books from his garage. When ATC needs someone to find a route around a thunderstorm, they ask for Richard. All these incredible things about the meek and mild man, and to add to it he is now a CFI!!! That’s right, Richard Brong’s most interesting fact is that he is now certificated to teach students how to fly. We are so excited for his accomplishment and the hard work he put into earning the CFI! Congratulations as well to his instructor and his “test subject” students. CFII coming soo!
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    Christmas Came Early!!

    Christmas came early for one special student…Chris Mitchell must have been on the “nice list” because he is now a private pilot!! Beats the heck out of fruitcake. No tinsel was in a tangle as Chris flew N670CS through the private pilot maneuvers demonstrating he has the skills needed to earn the freedom to fly the beautiful skies! His lights were all a blinking like a well lit Christmas tree. He returned to KRNO to hear those hap-hap-happiest words, “Congratulations!” The best way to spread checkride cheer is singing loud for all to hear! That is exactly what Chris did as he left the office. His huge smile might as well have been a song. Such an awesome accomplishment Chris! Congratulations as well to his instructor Eric Tallberg! Santa is waiting for you to hook that 172 up to the sleigh. Enjoy that fancy eggnog tonight! :) 
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    GBA Scholarship Opportunity

    Great Basin Aviation 16L Flight Training Scholarship
     
    Ben Franklin once wrote that “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” What better investment in knowledge than learning to fly! When you learn to fly, you’re not only learning how to move the controls of an aircraft, you’re also learning more about physics, weather, navigation, airspace and the world around you. In addition, the ability to guide an airplane through the sky and return it safely to earth offers a sense of achievement that nothing else can match. However, we do know it is an expensive skill to learn. GBA would love to help get you there! 
     
    Great Basin Aviation is excited to offer two $2500 flight training scholarships to future aviators! These scholarships will be awarded to two individuals that meet the below eligibility requirements. Funds will be used for aircraft rental only. Instructor fee will be billed at time of lesson. Eligibility and requirements are listed below:
     
     
    Eligibility Requirements:
     
    • Must be a good steward of General Aviation
    • Be at least 16 years of age
    • Be enrolled in or have completed an accredited ground school
    • Have not completed the FAA practical test/checkride at the time of application 
    • Flight training must take place at Great Basin Aviation in any GBA aircraft
    • For Private Pilot Training
     
     
    How to apply:
     
    • Email the following to GoFlying@GreatBasinAviation:
      • One page essay sharing your “why.” Why are you learning to fly and what is your ultimate goal in aviation. 
      • Also, a brief statement how you plan to advocate for general aviation in the community (i.e., mentoring a new pilot, Boy/Girl Scouts presentations, etc.).
      • Tell us why you are the best recipient of these funds. 
     

    Applications will be accepted up until midnight on Tuesday, December 29th. Recipients will be announced by Thursday, December 31st.
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    Chilly afternoon solo!

    Wyatt Wilson soloed!! He flew his first PIC time yesterday afternoon in N495SP at KRNO, runway 16L. Conditions were ideal in the pattern when Wyatt’s instructor, Levi Mellows, hopped out of the plane on the ramp and told Wyatt to take a couple laps. Wyatt handled the plane and radios like a pro and showed he has the skills to successfully solo an aircraft. Wyatt has been training in between his full time work and full time UNR schedule. Now comes the fun with flight planing and exploring Northern Nevada. Congratulations to Wyatt on this super memorable accomplishment and being one step closer to his aviation goals!  Awesome job to his instructor Levi as well! 
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    New Single Engine Commercial Pilot!

    Congratulations to Dawsen DiPietro who earned his single engine commercial add-on today!! Master of the power-off 180s, he flew his favorite, N2291C and earned that incredible paper temporary certificate. Dawsen is a Great Basin original who earned his PPL with John Brown, flew with GBA then went off to Auburn University and has been focusing on his academics and flight training there. With the crazy school year, he is back finishing up a couple certificates starting with this one. Congratulations to Dawsen and his instructor Danny Britson! Go tigers!!
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    Friday morning Private Pilot!!

    Sean Meeks is a private pilot!! Nothing like making a super early Friday wake up worth it like passing a private pilot checkride. Sean was here literally at the crack of dawn getting ready for this huge milestone on his way to his goal of commercial pilot. He flew his favorite, N495SP, in the practice areas and Stead demonstrating he has the "right stuff" to be a private pilot. He made his way back to KRNO and heard the congratulatory words. Sean has been working relentlessly as he moves toward his goal of a complete career change. We are so excited for this accomplishment and look forward to working with Sean as he works toward his instrument rating. Congratulations as well to his instructor Levi Mellows! 
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