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    Tanner is a commercial pilot!

    Barkowski….what can we say about this Crumbl Cookie loving guy? Well, there is a lot but we will keep this somewhat professional and focus on his positives. Like becoming a commercial pilot!!! Believe it or not, Tanner Barkowski flew N752DW through all the required commercial pilot maneuvers, nailed his power-off 180, and received that hard earned piece of paper saying he can operate under commercial privileges. Tanner was a Part 141 student for his instrument and commercial and was constantly in the books or up in the air. He is the one who has been hogging the schedule. We joke, but Tanner is an incredible person and has been such a joy to have here at the office (when he actually shows up for work). Tanner is leaving us in a couple weeks as he, and his wonderful wife Dani, move to North Carolina. To say he will be missed is an understatement. We wish Tanner the best of luck as he works toward his CFI and CFII back east. We can’t wait to walk on an airline and see him in the cockpit - then turn around and take a different flight. Huge congratulationsTanner!! Great job as well to his CFI Jack Darlington!
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    Dayna can fly in the clouds!

    ​Persistence pays off. That’s Dayna Eder in a nutshell. Today she flew old faithful, N752DW, to a successful Instrument Rating Checkride! Dayna has worked hard to make this a reality and it shows. Dayna not only worked hard to earn this difficult rating, she also drives in from Truckee on a regular basis, even to work on the SIM when we are grounded for weather. The growth we have seen in her as a pilot is nothing short of spectacular! Commercial Pilot is the next step and Dayna was ready to get it going right away. Relax a little, maybe go shred some pow-pow, go find a cloud or two to fly in and enjoy the new rating. This is a huge accomplishment and should be celebrated! Congratulations to Dayna and her CFII Jack Darlington!
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    The Iowan of the week!

    It is only Tuesday, but we are calling it already. Drum roll please…the Iowan of the week is Joey Dobson!! Why, you may be asking yourself? Well, this Pork King (again, a compliment) is now a Private Pilot!! Joey, an Iowa transplant (if you haven't caught on), was super prepared for the oral exam then found success as he flew N752DW through all required private pilot maneuvers. This break in storm systems was just for him! Joey soloed less than two months ago, dug in deep, and completed his private pilot before the New Year. Something tells me this Chaco wearing pilot will be in the news again soon. Motivated is an understatement when referring to Joey. The ink was still wet on his temporary certificate and he was already asking about instrument. Celebrate a little Joey, this is a huge accomplishment! Huge congratulations to Joey and his CFI Austin White!
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    Damien Soloed!!

    ​Irish I could solo N328ME at KRNO today…something our favorite Irishman Damien McKeown might have been thinking this morning. But, wish no more, it happened!! Damien gladly dropped his CFI Danny Britson off on the ramp and took to the sky. Danny was Dublin over with pride watching Damien nail his first solo laps, it was spud-tacular. Damien is no stranger to the sky, he is a rotorcraft ATP and, in his time off, he is working on getting his fixed wing add ons. Finally wised up ;) Most of Damien’s time is over water so this high desert/mountain flying is a bit new for him, but he is obviously handling it like a pro. Awesome job by Damien and big congratulations to him and Danny. Grab a pint of the black stuff and have a shamrockin’ good time celebrating tonight!
    ***Plane in the picture is not what he actually soloed in****
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    Not your average high schooler!

    ​Name a favorite after school activity? Video games, sports, get lost on tik tok…or go fly! Christian McCabe is cut from a different mold and flying it always is. Today, after school, he came into GBA and took a flight with Troy Ware in N670CS. And he was glad he did because he soloed at KRNO, runway 17L! This amazing young man left Troy on the sidelines and took to the sky to log his most memorable PIC time. Christian is such a smart guy and super focused on his future. He will earn his private pilot while still attending high school. Then the plan is to head to Auburn or Embry Riddle to complete his degree and advanced flight training. Not to mention he is always dressed to impress and constantly smiling. This is such a huge accomplishment for a young student. His dedication will carry him far in this industry. It has been incredible watching Christian succeed. It would be even more incredible if he would get his knowledge test done (hint, hint Christian).  Be so proud of this amazing milestone!! Congratulations as well to his instructors Austin White and Troy Ware! 
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    James Soloed!!

    James Butler is a soloed pilot!! Today at KRTS James soloed in N670CS on runway 08. James took advantage of this break in the weather and kicked Austin out of the cockpit and took to the sky. James has had an interesting path…served in the United State Marine Corps and is now an accountant but looking for a little more thrill (we cannot blame you and no offense to accountants). Started his flight training at John Wayne Airport, soloed here at Reno, then will get finished up after he soon moves to Alaska. You might have seen James out on the road too. He is that one insane guy on his motorcycle coming from Washoe Valley in the freezing temps. After his legs get their feeling back, he hops in the plane and enjoys yet another thrill. At least the plane has a heater. Awesome job to James and the team of instructors who have coached him to this amazing milestone!! Your huge smile and big guns (his arms) that can’t fit into a solo shirt will be missed around GBA. Best of luck in Alaska! Maybe leave the motorcycle here :)
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