While the Western world considers Friday the 13th unlucky, today was anything but that for one pilot. Chris Austin, who is not superstitious (just a little stitious), became a Private Pilot!! And how sweet it is! To say Chris has had some challenges along the way is an understatement.  Issues with his own plane, work, family, commuting into Reno, weather delays, etc., he has persevered through it all. Super impressive he endured when many would call it quits. Success in aviation is about tenacity and sticking with it. Awesome job Chris!! We are excited to get you going on your next goal, the instrument rating. But take some time off and celebrate this incredible accomplishment!! Huge congratulations to Chris and his CFI Troy Ware.

​Anthony Marrone soloed!! He took full advantage of this afternoon’s little break in the weather and gave the RNO tower a show soloing on 17L in N37JA. Nothing feels better than those first few laps of freedom. Anthony drives down from the lake three days a week in between ground school studies, full-time restaurant management, and teaching a ceramics class. His work ethic is totally kiln it ;) It has been great watching Anthony progress and we are excited to now send him off solo for a bit and really explore how awesome aviation is, “seize the clay” some might say. Huge congratulations to Anthony and his CFI Kurtis Hornung!! Keep up the awesome work. 

​The pride of Quincy, Adam Alexander, is now a Private Pilot! Adam demonstrated all required maneuvers and skills this morning, just in time for Christmas! This young man is goal driven and a go-getter. First, he drives in from the Quincy area for his flight training and is also a volunteer firefighter/EMT for Meadow Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and a senior in high school. So much for kicking back and relaxing through his senior year. He used his flight training as his senior project. Something tells me he will get an “A.” The busyness does not stop here. Adam was accepted into Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and will continue his flight training and a degree in aeronautical science starting next fall. More accomplishments coming his way. A direct result of his amazing work ethic. Huge congratulations Adam!! You should be super proud of yourself. Great job as well to his CFI Matt Helleckson!