• Published on

    The Georgia Peach Soloed!!

    Y'all better hold onto your hats 'cause we got ourselves a solo superstar in the making! Derrick Craine just took to the skies solo at KRNO, runway 17L, proving that southern charm knows no bounds! And let me tell y'all, the KRNO pattern was busier than a Georgia Waffle House on a Sunday morning, but Derrick handled it like a true southern gentleman. Derrick's a southern boy through and through, hailing all the way from the peachy state, and let me tell ya, his accent is as sweet as Georgia peaches on a hot summer day! Now, Derrick ain't just any ol' pilot-in-training. Nope, he's a multitasking maestro, driving in from South Lake, juggling dad duties, family time, working, and also keeping things in line as one of GBA's weekend line guys. And let's not forget that infectious smile of his that lights up the whole dang airport.
    Huge shoutout to Derrick's wingman, CFI extraordinaire Eric Harned, for guiding him through those first solo flights. With mentors like that, Derrick's future in the skies is brighter than a Georgia sunrise! Keep shining, Derrick! The skies ain't seen nothin' like you yet!
    Picture
  • Published on

    Mason Soloed!!

    Hey Reno aviators, Mason Maltese just rocked his solo flight at the awesome KRNO, runway 17L, in N495SP! Mason might be a Vegas transplant (hey, we won't hold that against him), but he's making waves up here in Reno faster than you can say "blackjack"! Despite all the distractions out there for a college kid, Mason stayed focused, put in the work, and now he's soaring high! And let's give a round of applause to his CFI, Alex Spencer, for shedding those extra pounds (from the plane, not himself) and helping Mason take to the skies solo. From the glitz of Vegas to the charm of Reno, Mason is proving that it's not just about where you're from, but where you're headed. And with his determination and passion for flight, there's no telling how far he'll go! So here's to Mason, the newest addition to Reno's aviation scene. Keep chasing those dreams, Mason!
    Picture
  • Published on

    Jared Soloed at KRNO!!

    What a beautiful week of flying and what an even better day to solo! The man, the myth, the legend, Jared Garrido, soloed today at the beautiful KRNO on runway 17L in N670CS! The best thing about students soloing at KRNO (other than the fact that it’s totally epic) is that Hailey gets to stalk students on the downwind by looking out the window… and we can confirm that she gave his pattern work the chef’s kiss. Also adding to this amazing moment, Jared’s dad was on the sideline cheering him on and watching the whole time. When Jared isn’t crushing the game with his flying, you can find him booing the Dodgers, impressing all the ladies with his math skills, or working towards graduating high school as a Junior to pursue aviation more seriously! Jared is shooting for the airlines and it’s incredible to see him take his first steps in pursuing that dream. Huge congratulations to Jared and his CFI, Alex Spencer, on getting to this amazing goal! Great work, Jared!

    Picture
  • Published on

    Audrey is a Private Pilot!

    Audrey has star power!! But, Audrey isn't just your average star in the sky – as of this afternoon, she's a private pilot, soaring through the clouds with grace and determination! But that's just the tip of the iceberg for this unstoppable force of nature. She's also a commercial glider pilot, a UNR student studying geological sciences, and diving headfirst into airplane flight training. Talk about a powerhouse of talent and ambition! What sets Audrey apart is her relentless drive and passion for aviation. She didn't just breeze through her training – she tackled it head-on, scoring impressive results on her knowledge test and even securing a prestigious Reno Air Race Scholarship along the way. Her dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, reminding us all that with grit and determination, the sky's the limit! But beyond her impressive achievements, Audrey's infectious enthusiasm and love for aviation light up the room wherever she goes. She's a joy to have around the office, always eager to take flight and chase her dreams with unwavering enthusiasm. And let's not forget to give a huge shoutout to Audrey's incredible CFI, Shane Smith, whose guidance and expertise have played a pivotal role in her journey to the skies. Together, they've proven that with passion, perseverance, and a great mentor by your side, anything is possible! So here's to Audrey and Shane, a dynamic duo destined for greatness. Keep shining bright, Audrey, and keep inspiring us all to reach for the stars!
    Picture
  • Published on

    Cole is a CFI!!

    Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for Cole Melby!! Why, you ask? Well, today he officially joined the ranks of Northern Nevada's flight instructors! That's right, Cole is now certified to teach you how to fly! And let me tell you, it's no small feat considering he's juggling a full-time commitment with the Nevada Air National Guard, chasing after an adorable little 2 ½ year of tornado of a daughter, and gearing up for another bundle of joy on the way. Plus, the hours of ground training and flying to get him to where he is today. Multitasking pro is an understatement. And let's not forget the real challenge here - surviving the GBA office fashion police! Seriously, have you ever seen someone rock so much blue and grey? But hey, who needs a wardrobe makeover when you're soaring through the skies like a boss, right? Huge props to Cole for pulling off this milestone while keeping his sanity intact (well, mostly). And let's give a big shoutout to his CFI, Danny Britson, for guiding him through the wild blue yonder. So, here's to Cole and to all the future pilots he'll be molding along the way! ​
    Picture
  • Published on

    GBA Young Aviator Boot Camp!

    Calling all young aviation adventurers aged 13-16! Embark on an exciting aviation journey with Great Basin Aviation's Young Aviator Boot Camp! Dive into the world of flight, learn from experienced pilots, and discover the thrill of taking to the skies. Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure! Reach out for more details! ​
    Picture