- GREAT BASIN AVIATION

Published on: October 5, 2020

Monday Morning Solo!!

Sean soloed today.

That is all he wanted us to write, but when do we ever listen...Sean Meeks made today ridiculously amazing!! He flew his first four solo laps in the pattern this morning! N495SP, piloted by Sean, greased its landings onto 16R here at KRNO as his instructor Levi Mellows watched from the ramp. Sean has been so focused on flying. He is not dreaming about the end goal, he is out there working for it. Now onto some solo time around Northern Nevada and getting prepped for checkride. You are now one day closer to your goal! We are so excited for Sean and this huge milestone!

Published on: October 2, 2020

Lifelong Pilot

Aviation sticks with you forever! Meet Lyn, a young 86 year old, who started flying fighters toward the end of the Korean War. Flying missions in a F-84 before he could even buy beer. He has logged time in the B-47, C-47, B-52, F-86, and many other aircraft before retiring from military service. He then flew a 172 for agriculture taking infrared pictures of crops. It has been years since he flew so he came to GBA to see if he still had "the right stuff." He knew exactly what he wanted to do, briefed CFI/II Pete, and off they went. Turns out those stick and rudder skills never wear off. No super sonic dives or aerobatics, but still a successful flight. So awesome to give Lyn his wings again

Published on: October 1, 2020

Gary Giraudo - SOLO!

One of the best things about seeing people achieve their goals in aviation is that we see so many different people! Today, Gary Giraudo soared to his solo in N670CS as instructor Pete Applegate watched from the hold-short line. Runway 16R was all the better for it! Gary has that ‘can do’ attitude in aviation which must be in his genes as he has a long line of aviators in his family. When he isn’t flying he is working with his horse… or puppy… or perhaps some hybrid between the two (he’s big!) and enjoys his days in retirement. Gary, we’re honored you fly with us and congratulate you on this accomplishment! Here’s to the next stage of the adventure.

Published on: September 28, 2020

Keenan McDonald - Solo!

With such a wonderful morning, why not solo another student! Keenan McDonald took to the Northern Nevada skies today at KRNO in N495SP as instructor, Levi Mellows, watched from the sidelines. He did several laps in the pattern for Runway 16R. Keenan started his training in August and quickly moved to this lofty benchmark in his training. His goals are to fly in the Air Force and he is currently serving in the Nevada Air National Guard. We tried to find him a t-shirt that fits but his ripped guns kept getting in the way. That will come in handy when pulling G’s in some serious metal, I'm sure. Congrats, Keenan! Keep up the excellent work. We’re grateful you are flying with us - and Mom is proud!

Published on: September 28, 2020

Seth Freedman-Peel, PPL-SEL

Today Seth Freedman-Peel jumped into action like Flash Dunalino, The Jumper Pony, and earned his way into the Private Pilot Aviator’s Club. Seth came to Reno from the other side of the world (or at least the other side of the country) and set up shop as a wrench-twister and salesperson in the local mountain bike world (one of his passions). Seth may hold the record for fastest student to earn their rating as he started in August and is already done. When he sets a goal, he gets things finished - stat! Today Seth flew N752DW for his ride and showed his DPE he has the right stuff to be a Private Pilot. Congrats, Seth (and instructor Pete Applegate). Welcome to the group!

Published on: September 28, 2020

What?!? Richard is a commercial pilot?

And one more to end a busy Monday…Richard Brong, the Leaf driving, almond smoking, marathon running, man behind the desk, passed his Commercial checkride this afternoon!! This newly minted 50 year old took to the bumpy afternoon sky in his trusty Tomahawk and showed he had the skills to earn his Commercial Pilot Certificate. A lazy eight here, a chandelle there, maybe a few steep spirals, plus whatever else the examiner requested. Richard then had a smooth touchdown into KNRO and heard the words every student on a checkride wants to hear…Congratulations! Richard has been with Great Basin Aviation for a couple years as our Advanced Ground Instructor and now Director of Operations and Academics (we call him something else though…). Now that he has this goal knocked out, we will be nagging him to get his CFI. Please join in and remind him every time you are in the office. Congratulations to Richard and his instructor Moe!! Enjoy celebrating! And start working on your CFI :)