Talk about dreams taking flight...It was just a few months ago you read about Sean Meeks earning his instrument rating. Well, his name is in the headlines again because this cool pilot now holds a commercial certificate!! Sean showed he has superior knowledge and insights into the airplane, weather, and the FAA’s rules and regulations. Even though his flight was crazy bumpy because of the incoming storm, he still demonstrated smooth and precise control of the airplane throughout the commercial maneuvers in his favorite plane, the Princess, N2291C. Sean’s next step is to begin his second career and be a CFI which, based on his past record, he will earn in no time. Huge congratulations to Sean and his CFI Danny Britson! Take a little break Sean, then hit the books tomorrow :) ​

​Well, Katie kicked some behind again! She is a private pilot. This motivated and skilled aviatrix took N495SP through the paces after a successful oral exam and demonstrated to her examiner what it means to be a licensed pilot! Katie has been working on this rating for the last several months balancing her regular life (piloting is never regular, btw) and her duties in the Nevada Air Guard and reached this major accomplishment! The reality hit her that now she can fly anywhere. Do it! You earned it. You even got the perfect hair shot (inside joke). Congrats to you and your instructor Ethan Chinowsky.

Great Basin Aviation 16L Flight Training Scholarship

Ben Franklin once wrote that “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” What better investment in knowledge than learning to fly! When you learn to fly, you’re not only learning how to move the controls of an aircraft, you’re also learning more about physics, weather, navigation, airspace and the world around you. In addition, the ability to guide an airplane through the sky and return it safely to earth offers a sense of achievement that nothing else can match. However, we do know it is an expensive skill to learn. GBA would love to help get you there! 

Great Basin Aviation is excited to offer one $2500 and two $1000 flight training scholarships to future aviators! These scholarships will be awarded to three individuals that meet the below eligibility requirements. Funds will be used for aircraft rental only. Instructor fee will be billed at time of lesson. Eligibility and requirements are listed below:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a good steward of General Aviation
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be enrolled in or have completed an accredited ground school
• Have not completed the FAA practical test/checkride at the time of application 
• Flight training must take place at Great Basin Aviation in any GBA aircraft
• For Private Pilot Training

How to apply:
Email the following to GoFlying@GreatBasinAviation:

• One page essay sharing your “why.” Why are you learning to fly and what is your ultimate goal in aviation. 
•  Also, a brief statement how you plan to advocate for general aviation in the community (i.e., mentoring a new pilot, Boy/Girl Scouts presentations, etc.).
• Tell us why you are the best recipient of these funds. 

 Applications will be accepted up until midnight on Wednesday, December 29th. Recipients will be announced by Friday, December 31st.

Below is Hailey Bogle, one of last year's winners.

Trey Casini, get that astronaut application ready! This Incline High School senior who plans to one day fly into space earned his Private Pilot Certificate! Trey is one of the hardest working students (now pilot) out there. Trey not only flies airplanes, he also plays basketball, maintains above a 4.0 GPA, and takes excellent care of his luscious blonde locks. Trey plans to keep flying and working toward his next goal until he heads off to college at either UW or CU Boulder. Trey has the determination and is already demonstrating he is capable of whatever he believes and works toward. Huge congratulations to future space explorer Trey and his CFI Ethan Chinowsky!! ​

Thank you for your patience as we work through some maintenance the next few days at GBA. The good news is N328ME will be back on the line very soon, as well as the others! CFI Jack and his wife helped break it in ME’s new engine during a gorgeous flight yesterday evening. Check out these shots...can it get any more breathtaking? Aviation is dang awesome!!