Today the “Finest of Finland,” Aki Nyrhinen, soloed at KCXP runway 27. It was no surprise that he was smiling ear to ear being he soloed, but also, he is from one of the happiest countries in the world. Finland is known for some awesome things…Saunas, home of Santa Claus, and now our most recent soloed student!! Aki kept his good spirits despite the constant weather cancellations that have plagued the flight schedule. It all came together today and now he can continue to move forward toward checkride. When he isn’t flying, he does have to work, but also is very into super endurance bike riding. Hyvää työtä Aki! Great job as well to his CFI Ryan Mill. Although, in all the excitement, they forgot a picture so here is Aki when he earned the coveted Pilot of the Month award in February. He looks the same, just a bigger smile ​:)

Preston is now officially an airplane pilot!! Mr. Glider CFI decided to pursue something with power and, despite the cruddy weather, progressed through his training to a successful checkride. We could make a lot of glider jokes but Preston is way too nice to poke fun of  :) Preston has not only battled the weather with regard to flying, but also driving. When he wasn’t shoveling off his roof, he was fighting the winter road condition driving in from Truckee. Now that the weather is predicted to get better (in April), Preston will definitely power through his instrument then onto commercial. Having the glider background has been an advantage as a lot of the training, minus power, is similar. Plus, a little wind doesn’t bother him. Awesome job to Preston and his CFI Ryan Mill! ​

 Jeffrey Helf is a private pilot! His training and checkride took place back east, but he is still part of the GBA family. He flew a few flights with CFI Grant Muzzio to prep while he was in town last week for a bowling tournament. Jeffrey has been plagued by weather delays back east too and found a window here to sneak in some last-minute prep. We are so happy for Jeffrey and hope to see him back here soon renting the beloved C172 for some Lake Tahoe sightseeing adventures. Congratulations!!

Check it out here: ​https://www.greatbasinaviation.com/uploads/1/1/6/9/116972274/gba_spring_2023_newsletter_.pdf

​Noah Klein is a soloed pilot!! KRNO, runway 17L will always hold a special spot in Noah’s training as that was the spot for his first logged PIC time! Flying solo for this Frat Boy was definitely not Greek. He managed the controls just as well as he manages his college studies…which is with complete focus ;) Despite yesterday being an overindulging holiday, Noah told the Frat bruhs “no” and focused on his flights today. And look what came of his responsible decision! Even though he looked pretty beat up due to a busted blood vessel in his eye (does not change his vision), he was cool, calm, and collected for his memorable flight. When Noah is not mastering his keg stand, he is hard at work with his flight studies, college courses, living the Greek life, and making some side money as a DJ. Live young, wild, and Greek, right Noah? Just not in a GBA plane. Awesome job to Noah and his CFI Chazz Sandoval!