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    Jacob Bowen soloed!!

    Hold the flight! We've got Jacob Bowen, the newest solo superstar, making a memory at KRTS, runway 26, in N328ME! Nothing like seeing your hard work pay off with an early morning solo flight. And guess what? There is lots more hard work coming but you have shown you have what it takes to keep moving forward. He's aiming to become a United Airlines pilot. But hold on to your aviator hats because this guy is not just about real-life flying; he's also a SIMS racing legend! I can already imagine him with a joystick in hand, racing in live streams, and becoming the champion on road and in the sky. So, cheers to Jacob Bowen, the flying, racing, sushi-loving, math-avoiding, soloing sensation! Keep chasing those United Airlines dreams, and may your future flights be filled with many great adventures. And a special shoutout to Grant Muzzio (pictured in Jacob's glasses) for being the ultimate co-pilot, and CFI!
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    Shawn is a Commercial Pilot!!

    Congratulations to Shawn Plunket on becoming a Commercial Pilot! Not a bad way to end July. Shawn also recently retired from his role the last 20 years as a Flight Engineer for the Nevada Air National Guard. 🇺🇸 Talk about an impressive aviation career! It's clear that Shawn's love for flight runs deep. But it's not just about his career achievements; Shawn is also a devoted family man. Balancing a career in aviation and family life takes a special kind of person, and Shawn has nailed it. And let's talk about his energy – the man never sits still! He's like a whirlwind of ideas and projects, always having something in the works; business owner, Air Guard, flying...when does he even sleep? A HUGE congratulations to Shawn Plunket for all his accomplishments and the excitement he brings to everything he does. CFI next? We certainly hope so! Congratulations as well to his CFI, Danny Britson!
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    Emmett is at Delta!

    We can never forget Emmett Castellan. He's like a legend around here! From being a star instructor at GBA to now soaring through the skies as a Delta pilot – talk about an incredible journey! Emmett's story is the epitome of hard work and determination. I mean, seriously, he made a massive career change, and in just two years from having zero flying hours, he was already applying to the regionals! That's some serious dedication right there. Sure, we miss having him around at GBA, and there's definitely an "Emmett-shaped" hole in the team, but seeing him achieve such great success as a Delta pilot brings nothing but joy to our hearts. Congratulations, Emmett! You're proof that hard work pays off, and your success is a reminder to all of us that with focus and dedication, we can achieve our wildest dreams. Delta is lucky to have you, and we'll be cheering you on from the ground, or from the seats behind you, as you continue to reach new heights!
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    Tanner is a CFI!!

    You’re not going to believe the latest news in the aviation world! Our former office superstar Tanner Barkowski is now a CFI! Remember how Tanner and his wife hightailed it to North Carolina? Well, turns out that move didn't slow him down one bit! He kept soaring towards his dreams, and now he's reached new heights as a CFI. I bet his students will be laughing (at some of his jokes, of course) during their lessons. We've been begging him to come back to GBA. We even put up a "Come Back, Tanner!" banner, but no luck yet. Seriously though, becoming a CFI is no easy feat. Tanner took it all in stride, like a seasoned pilot navigating through turbulence. We can't help but miss his ridiculous questions (so you have two lasagnas…) and lively presence at the office, but we're thrilled to watch him take flight towards his career goals. Congratulations, Tanner Barkowski! Keep spreading your aviation knowledge and contagious enthusiasm to your students!
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    Andrew is a Commercial Pilot!!

    Line tech extraordinaire Andrew Spanier is now a Commercial Pilot!! What better way to celebrate him by giving him the gift of updating his dating profile (yes ladies, he is single). So, here is his congratulatory post as a dating profile :) 
     
    Heyo!! I'm Andrew Spanier, and I promise, I won't just fly into your life, I’ll lift you off your feet! Today is a big day because I earned my Commercial Certificate, and now I'm officially licensed to make your heart soar. I won’t even make you pay! I've got the ”Power off 180" down and, no, it's not some secret superhero move. Ask me about it if I don’t tell you first. I am a pilot, after all. When I'm not impressing the aviation world, you'll find me as a weekend warrior as a line tech at GBA. I am particular about things, but don't worry, I won't ask you to follow a pre-flight checklist on our dates. Who's ready to join me on the most epic adventures? Buckle up, because with me, it's always a wild ride and, well, it’s required under FAR 91.107. I'm searching for someone who appreciates the beauty of clear skies and stormy weather. Just like love, it's all about experiencing the highs and lows together. AvGeeks get bonus points! Let's have pillow fights using airplane cushions. I’m single and soaring solo through life but ready to land on cloud nine with the right person. Yes, my hair is more luscious than the first-class cabin cocktails. Beware of wake turbulence when you run your fingers through it! My heart races faster than an overspeed prop on short final. Don't worry, I'll be focused on you when we're together - as long as you like flying. So, if you're up for the cross country of a lifetime and some turbulence-free romance, swipe right and fasten your seatbelt! Love is about to take flight with Andrew! Let's fill out the log together and make a love story that'll make the skies jealous!
     
    But, in all seriousness, huge congratulations to Andrew and his CFI Grant Muzzio!!
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    Greg can fly in the clouds!!

    Greg Anthenien is now an instrument-rated pilot! Can you imagine him up there, flying in the clouds, with his long, luscious locks of hair flowing in the wind? Our rockstar pilot up in the sky! And get this, he drives all the way in from South Lake Tahoe for his flying adventures. He arrives at the airport like a superstar, ready to conquer the skies. Maybe he even has a personalized "Pilot Hair, Don't Care" license plate for his car! Seriously, though, we are so happy for Greg! It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to become an instrument-rated pilot. Now, he can strut around like a boss, knowing he can handle those clouds like a pro! Here's to Greg and his fantastic flying journey. May he always have smooth skies and wind in his fabulous hair. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see him on the cover of "Pilot Monthly" as the best-looking pilot in the skies! Keep soaring high, Greg! Congratulations as well to his CFII Chazz Sandoval! 

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