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    Rusty Taft is a Private Pilot!

    A huge congratulations to Rusty Taft for officially becoming a private pilot today! It’s been quite the journey for Rusty, with plenty of starts and stops thanks to his demanding role as a flight engineer with the Nevada Air National Guard. His service to our country has kept him busy, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of flying. Persistence, determination, and a whole lot of heart got him here—and today, Rusty can finally celebrate this hard-earned milestone! Now that he's mastered the art of checking the plane in and out (but still working on remembering his personal items in the office), this UNR alum and expert chukar hunter is cleared to take his beautiful wife Emily on some unforgettable flights. We’re all incredibly proud of Rusty—not just for his achievements in the cockpit, but for his service with the Nevada Air National Guard. Balancing that responsibility with flight training is no easy feat, but Rusty’s shown just what it means to stay the course and never give up. A huge shoutout to his CFI, David Lynn, for guiding him through the ups and downs (literally). You both crushed it! Congrats again, Rusty! Now go enjoy that well-earned freedom—and maybe stop by the office to grab the stuff you forgot…if we do not sell it first 😆
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    Big Congrats to Alex Shaw!!

    We’re beyond excited to share that Alex Shaw took to the skies for her solo flight at KRNO, on runway 17L, in N328ME! What an incredible achievement for Alex—she nailed it and showed all the hard work, dedication, and hours of preparation have paid off! Soloing is one of the biggest milestones in a pilot’s journey, and Alex absolutely crushed it. From mastering takeoffs and landings to navigating the busy skies of Reno, she’s proven she has what it takes to be a fantastic PIC! A huge shoutout to her CFI, Alex Spencer, for the guidance and support along the way! The Alex-Alex duo has certainly made magic happen. The sky’s truly the limit from here, Alex! Keep soaring higher and chasing your aviation dreams. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!
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    Princess Zach is a Private Pilot!!

    Hold your breath, because we’re about to take a deep dive and celebrate the one and only princess- I mean… uh, Zachary Slate who rode the wave of success today and earned his private pilot license! Where do we begin with this one… should we start with the fact that he’s a California transplant know to ride the waves in the Pacific, or that he’s part of the cultish FAR/ AIM Tabbers who likes to hoard conference rooms from other students, or do we be nice and recognize Zach’s diligence in being consistent with his flight training and earning the coveted GBA May pilot of the month slot... Regardless, today’s a big day for Zach, so I guess we’ll cut him some slack… but only marginally. To no one’s surprise, Zach has been working hard and grinding the midnight oil. From the hours spent on the golf course, the bar, or in the conference rooms with his cult… we can definitely see that Zach has been propelling forward (pun fully intended) with his training and we’re super excited to share this achievement with him. Huge congratulations to Zach and his flight instructor, Eric Harned, who has been by Zach’s side every step of the way… literally, he was at the cult meetings too. Awesome job, Zach! Keep this trajectory going!
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    Holden has gone solo!!

    Big shoutout to Holden Stone for shredding the skies and going solo at KCXP, runway 27, in N328ME! This former surf punk rocker just hit a high note in his flight training journey, and we’re pretty sure that spot on runway 27 will forever be his favorite surf break. Holden’s not just rockin’ the cockpit—this guy’s time management is next-level awesome. Between full-time work, flight training, throwing down in Jiu Jitsu, and his rad, supportive family, he’s mastered the art of flying through life’s chaos. Whether he’s rolling on the mat or cruising at 8,000 feet, Holden knows how to keep things on the glide path! Huge shoutout to his awesome CFI Ryan Mill for guiding him to this solo milestone. Congrats, Holden! You’ve taken your first solo flight and tapped out any doubts. Keep soaring high and may your next landing be as smooth as your best Jiu Jitsu roll! ​
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    Jason Soloed!!

    Oh my gosh… this guy again? Seriously?! Geez, if I would’ve known he’d solo right after his pilot of the month post, I would’ve just merged them together… Jason loves to make our lives in the office more difficult than they need to be 🙃. Just kidding! All jokes aside, today’s a big day because the one, the only Jason Dorn soloed N328ME at KSPZ on runway 24! As I mentioned YESTERDAY, Jason is quite the pilot and today he came in calm and ready to absolutely dominate his solo flight. With the same mindset he brings to the table when he’s on the top of a black diamond course while skiing, Jason sliced through the skies with precision and grace, proving once again that he’s not just a pilot, he’s an ace in the making! We should have known that when Jason sets his mind to something, there’s no stopping him. Whether he’s leaving his instructor, Ryan Mill, in the dust on a run or shredding the skies in the good ol’ C172, Jason shows up with the kind of dedication that makes us all wonder if he’s secretly a superhero. Or maybe a certain famous spy with a similar name? Huge congratulations to Jason (again) and his flight instructor, Ryan mill, on this incredible accomplishment! Now leave us alone 😑
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    Maks Hit a Home Run and Soloed!!

    Get your hot dog and grab your popcorn because Maks Barger just hit a home run and soloed this morning in N495SP at KSPZ on runway 24! This baseball hotshot has been stepping up to the plate in his flight training and knocking it out of the park with every flight. And if his solo achievement wasn’t already impressive enough, Maks is also a proud recipient of the Reno Air Race Association scholarship! Maks has been rounding the bases, showing dedication and hard work with every pitch thrown his way. Today, he proved that he’s not just a heavy hitter on the baseball diamond but also a master of the pattern. Maks, keep your eye on the ball and swing for the fences, that checkride will be just around the corner. Huge congratulations to Maks on this incredible accomplishment. And we can’t forget to congratulate Maks’s coach and CFI, Ryan Mill, who has skillfully guided Maks from the dugout to reach this incredible milestone! Keep your eye on this rookie; he’s sure to be a major league pilot in no time!
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