Instructor's Corner

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Kia ora, mates! Put your hands together for Blair McLeod, our Kiwi sensation, who just soloed from runway 34 at KMEV in N328ME! That’s right, our favorite New Zealander now has some epic bragging rights in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Blair, who makes the trek from the Lake, faced a bit of a winter hiccup earlier this year, but like a true Kiwi, he bounced back and is now charging ahead at full throttle in his student pilot training. When he’s not up in the skies, you’ll find Blair soaking in the Lake Tahoe sunshine, proving that this rolling stone indeed gathers no moss. He’s living life the Kiwi way, embracing the great outdoors and his passion for flying. A massive shout-out to his CFI, Ryan Mill, for guiding him on this remarkable journey. Blair, your flight is a testament to your dedication and spirit. Keep those wings soaring, mate! ​
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Hold onto your hats and fasten your seatbelts because guess what? Anthony Futch just became a CFI! Yep, you heard it right, he’s officially in the club of folks who get to turn "I want to be a pilot when I grow up" dreams into reality. And let me tell you, the CFI checkride? Piece of cake for Anthony. Rumor has it, he taught the DPE a trick or two, leaving him thoroughly impressed. And the best part? The Anthony Futch saga isn’t over. Keep those eyes peeled, because word on the runway is, there might be more epic announcements from him before the month is out. Who knows, maybe he'll reveal he can fly backward or land on a dime. The possibilities are endless! Awesome job as well to his CFI, Danny Britson, who clearly taught him more than just how to fly – he taught him how to conquer the skies with style! ​
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A round of applause for Shane Havens, who took flight solo in the incredible N495SP on runway 08 at KRTS! What an astounding achievement! Shane’s dedication knows no bounds; he drives in all the way from Winnemucca to pursue his passion for aviation. But that's not all there is to Shane. Besides his love for the skies, he has a heart of gold and cherishes spending time with his daughter, nurturing dreams of sharing his aviation enthusiasm with her one day. And here’s the kicker: Shane isn’t satisfied with just flying; he’s building his very own RV-10! I mean, who does that? Shane does! He's not just an aviator; he's a DIY extraordinaire! Shane is not just soaring high in the air; he's mastering the ground too! His commitment to his ground school studies is nothing short of inspiring. His wealth of knowledge is growing, and he's absolutely crushing it! Let’s also give a huge shout-out to his CFI, Kevin Marshall, whose guidance and expertise have undoubtedly played a significant role in Shane's success. Together, they're reaching for the skies and creating aviation magic. Here’s to Shane’s solo flight, his RV-10 project, and the exciting aviation adventures that await him!
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What a Wednesday whirlwind! Justin Rice soared into the aviation spotlight today, treating runway 08 at KRTS like his own personal runway show in N328ME! With a mix of natural talent and charm, Justin transformed an ordinary flight into an extraordinary experience, reminding us all why we fell in love with flying in the first place.Justin is not just a natural aviator; he's a dedicated one too. He’s committed to honing his skills, training five days a week whenever possible. His tenacity is inspiring, reminding us that dreams take flight with determination. And aviation seems to run in his veins! With a dad and a brother who are both pilots, Justin's family tree is practically made of airplane wings. Plus, let's not forget his athletic prowess. Back in Utah, Justin played football on scholarship, proving that his determination extends beyond the skies and onto the field. Guided by his exceptional CFI, Alex Spencer, Justin is not just rewriting the aviation playbook; he's adding entirely new chapters. The future of flight looks brighter with Justin in the pilot's seat! Awesome job Justin and great job as well to his CFI Alex! ​
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Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves, because the aviation world will never be the same! Brett "Happy" Gilmore has officially soared into the spotlight with a solo flight at KRTS Runway 08 in N495SP! One too many Red Bulls for Brett this morning because he had some energy to burn. Brett managed to log a whopping 0.5 hours of PIC flight time before his CFI decided, "Alright, stop showing off." Clearly, Brett is a master of the skies, and he's just getting started. But wait, there's more! Brett isn't your ordinary pilot – he's also a fearless member of the Nevada Air National Guard, standing tall and proud to protect the skies and our nation. Now, about that tail-cutting ceremony – who needs a full tail anyway? Brett left the office with his back exposed, all in the name of aviation tradition. His tail may be shorter, but his aviation dreams are higher than ever! Huge congratulations to Brett's CFI, Alex Spencer, who must have nerves of steel to send Brett solo ;) A big day for Alex too being Brett was his first solo!! Great job to both Brett and Alex!
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Trevor Shamblin, the engineer with a knack for precision, has just earned his Instrument Rating in aviation! He's proven that engineering and flying are not just about calculations; they're also about taking off to new horizons with all the right metrics in place! But wait, there's more! Trevor isn't just nuts and bolts. He's also a doting dad with an adorable mini-co-pilot daughter who I am sure will inherit his love for soaring through the skies. Whether he's crunching numbers at work or changing diapers at home, he's a true multi-engine guy in every sense. Let's give a standing ovation for Trevor, who's shown us that with determination and a little thrust, you can achieve anything! And of course, a hearty engine-running salute to his CFII, Greg Rudman, for helping him engineer this remarkable achievement! Awesome job guys!!
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Ladies and gentlemen, it's a moment of pride as we celebrate Scott Grady's remarkable achievement in the world of aviation! Scott, at the controls of N670CS, displayed exceptional skill and courage as he embarked on this solo flight. He didn't just solo; he took the reins with confidence, bidding farewell to his CFI (metaphorically, of course), and seized Runway 26 at KRTS as his own personal gateway to the skies. But Scott Grady isn't just any pilot; he's an aviation hero. Beyond his solo flight triumph, he proudly serves as a member of the Nevada Air National Guard, standing ready to protect our skies and our nation. Awesome job Scott! Your solo flight marks a significant milestone, and we eagerly await the thrilling adventures that lie ahead in the friendly skies! Let's also take a moment to applaud his trusted co-pilot and mentor, the exceptional CFI Kevin Marshall. Kevin, your outstanding guidance has paved the way for Scott's success, and that deserves recognition! Great job to both of you! ​
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Today was Austin's last day at GBA Saying goodbye to Austin White is truly bittersweet. He's not just a talented CFI; he's been a part of our GBA family. We still remember when he walked in as a wide-eyed student pilot in 2020, and now, he's spreading his wings to pilot a Citation X for a Part 135 operation in the dazzling city of Las Vegas. Austin, you've left an indelible mark here at Great Basin Aviation. Your dedication and passion have lit the path for countless aspiring pilots. You've been the guiding star, and it's evident in the positive impact you've had on our students. As you take this exciting step in your career, you're not just pursuing your dream; you're inspiring us all. We have no doubt you'll continue to soar, excelling in your new role. Your dedication and love for aviation will not only shape your own future but will also contribute to the broader aviation community. Wishing Austin White the very best in this thrilling adventure ahead! We can't wait to witness the incredible milestones you're bound to achieve in your aviation journey.
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Today is a day for celebration because Mustafa Shah has just pulled off an aviation ace – he's officially earned his Commercial Pilot wings! For a card gamer, this achievement is like the winning card in a high-stakes game, and Mustafa has played his hand brilliantly. His dedication and hard work have paid off, and we couldn't be more thrilled for him. Mustafa has been a part of GBA for a couple years now and it has been awesome to watch him progress! Let's also give a big round of applause to Mustafa's CFI, Kevin Marshall, who has been there every step of the way, teaching, guiding, and making sure Mustafa was ready to take flight as a Commercial Pilot. So, Mustafa, as you continue on your aviation journey, may your flights always have clear skies, your landings be smoother than a royal flush, and your adventures be as exciting as a game of cards with the most interesting hand in the world! ​
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It's time to bid farewell to one of GBA's finest, Josh Blackburn. After contributing his expertise as a valued instructor at GBA, Josh and his wife have decided to make the journey back to Kentucky (you might have noticed he talked a little funny). Their primary motivation is to be closer to family, especially their adorable grandkids. Though he may be moving to a new location, Josh's passion for flight instructing remains unwavering. We want to take this moment to wish him the very best as he embarks on this new chapter in his life. Josh, your presence and contributions at GBA will be missed, but your legacy will continue to soar in the world of aviation.Here's to a fantastic future, Josh!
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