Instructor's Corner

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Hold onto your aviator shades because we've got news that's hotter than a runway on a summer day – Kevin Stodick just owned the skies with a solo flight at KRTS, rocking it out on runway 08 with N670CS! Did we mention there was smoke in the air? (All legal under VFR visibility requirements) No biggie for Kevin. He cut through that smoky sky like a true aviation hero, proving that success shines through even the cloudiest (smokiest) challenges. I mean, who needs a clear runway when you've got determination lighting up the way? And – that's not all! Kevin's not just a flight maestro; he's also a proud Nevada National Guard member. Skies, ground, is there anything he can't conquer. Kevin, your journey is an inspiration to us all. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment shine like a beacon in the sky. Congratulations on this incredible milestone! Great job as well to his CFI and personal cheerleader, Ryan Mill!
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Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to give a standing ovation to none other than the legendary Ethan Vincent – now officially rocking the title of Certified Flight Instructor! But hold up – Ethan isn't just your regular new instructor. Nope, he spent his day schooling a designated pilot examiner on how to own the skies like a boss. It's like teaching Einstein how to do math! And guess what? He even threw in some pro tips on avoiding Burners on the ramp. Let’s not forget Ethan isn't just a flight maestro; he's also casually juggling the college life over at Southern Utah University. Books, wings, and probably a fan club – this guy's living the dream. Congratulations on earning your instructor wings Ethan! Your journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see where your flight path takes you. Congratulations as well to your legendary instructor, Bob Bennett!
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Stop the presses, hold the phones, and brace yourselves for the news of the day– Erik Shy is a full-fledged Private Pilot! All while dodging the Burner Express aircraft heading back and forth to/from the Playa. This Californian has defied all stereotypes, proving that he's not just a bad driver– he's a pilot extraordinaire. And guess what? He's not stopping there. Erik, with the spirit of adventure, is gunning for the big leagues – he wants to become an airline pilot! But wait, there's more! This aviator isn't just about flying and runway struts. He's also a UNR Alumni and, in his spare time, can be found swinging a golf club. Huge congrats to Erik on his newfound wings! Here's to soaring higher, landing safely, and creating a story that's even cooler than those aviator sunglasses. A special shoutout also to Erik's CFI, Nathan Morin, for being the guiding force behind this incredible accomplishment!
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Congratulations to Tommy Kelly!! They say that after the rain comes the rainbows, and boy, Tommy just painted a vibrant rainbow in the sky of his achievements! Soloing in N752DW on runway 08 at KRTS is an accomplishment that shines as brightly as the sun was breaking through the clouds after this morning’s storm. And, on his daughter’s 8th birthday!! It's incredible to think about the hard work, the hours of training, and the determination that he poured into this moment. He didn't just fly a plane; he soared above doubts and challenges, proving that with passion and effort, the sky's the limit. And to do all of this while working full time, dedicating time to his family, and driving in from Truckee for his lessons. Congratulations on this awe-inspiring accomplishment that proves dreams really do take flight! Great job as well to his CFI, Maddison Bell!!
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Guess what? It's like Christmas arrived early! We've got ourselves a shiny new addition to the team, a C172S, N2479B. It's all set up and ready to take to the skies via FSP. Just to give you a heads-up, we're kicking things off with a slightly restricted plan for this beauty. For now, it's all about dual flights or private pilots +. More juicy details about the avionics package are coming your way real soon. Get ready to enjoy flying this stunning addition to our Great Basin Aviation fleet. Can't wait to see you take it up for a spin (not literally)! And no, the wheel pants are not staying 😁 ​
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Hold onto your hats, because we've got a storm brewing – and by storm, I mean Claire Eberle, our latest addition to the Private Pilot club! Claire is now officially licensed to take the friendly skies by storm. She's been on a non-stop rollercoaster of training for the past several months, all while gearing up for her law degree journey at the University of Michigan. Remember that goth phase we wrote about when she soloed? Well, it looks like Claire outgrew it and traded it in for a set of wings. Who knew, right? From My Favorite Muffin connoisseur to Red Bull enthusiast, Claire is on fire! Your departure from GBA might leave a gap in the "spunk" department, but we're beyond excited to see you shine even brighter on your new adventure. A huge congratulations also goes out to her CFI, Nathan Morin, for being the co-pilot on this epic journey. Awesome job Claire on being the new pilot on the block who's ready to take on anything – from the skies to the courtroom and beyond! Best of luck at University of Michigan! Go Wolverines!
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The one and only Shane McAlister is in the spotlight today! He earned his Private Pilot Certificate!! Not only does he tackle the skies with finesse, but he's also our go-to guy on the ground – a true multitasking maestro! Imagine this: there's a storm brewing on the horizon, and what's Shane up to? Demonstrating his amazing flying skills, of course! While the rest of us are eyeing the clouds nervously, he's out there mastering maneuvers like a pro. Between dodging friendly banter in the office and running the ramp, Shane somehow managed to sneak in some serious studying time. The result? He's now the proud holder of a private pilot's certificate! Is there anything this guy can't do? Great job as well to his CFI Austin White, the mastermind who guided Shane on this incredible journey. Awesome job guys!!
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Sound the alarms, folks – Kyle Brazil just lit up the skies with his solo flight at KSPZ on runway 24! And guess what? It was a sunrise pattern solo flight, making it quite literally a "fire in the sky" moment. 🔥 Now, hold on to your helmets, because Kyle's not just a pilot-in-the-making; he's also a firefighter, tackling blazes on the ground like a true hero. And speaking of heroes, he's got a beautiful family, complete with a precious baby. With this solo flight, Kyle's taking one step closer to reaching those sky-high dreams. It's like he's on a mission to prove that firefighters can rock the runway too. Let's not forget to give a big shoutout to CFI Grant Muzzio – the instructor who's been Kyle's co-pilot on this wild journey. Awesome job guys!!
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​Jarrett McDonald's summer just got an unforgettable upgrade – he's now a certificated Private Pilot!! This accomplishment comes as he gears up for his senior year at Reed. But it's more than just a license; it's a heartfelt nod to his deep-rooted connection to aviation and the Reno Air Races. You see, Jarrett’s been immersed in the world of planes and racing since before he could remember. Being a 2023 RARA scholarship winner and growing up with the roar of engines, this achievement hits home in a way that goes beyond the flight deck. What makes this story even sweeter is that Jarrett's passion for planes and racing isn't just a hobby; it's a part of who he is and where he came from. So, here's to Jarrett McDonald – a young pilot with wings that carry dreams and a legacy that's as high-flying as his aspirations. And kudos to Nik Joshi, his CFI, who guided him on this incredible journey!
**Check out pictures of Jarrett as he grew up with the Air Races**
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Nicole is on cloud nine! Well not on it, but in it because she can now legally fly in the clouds! Nicole Gonzalez is officially soaring high in the skies with her instrument rating – talk about leveling up with this difficult rating. Foggy weather? No problemo. IFR? Just another day in the life for her! She is conquering these aviation milestones like it’s a piece of cake. Nicole definitely hustles. She juggles work, school, and flight training. She is living proof that hard work pays off and that flying high is more than just a metaphor for success. Awesome work Nicole!! That Commercial Certificate is closer than you think. Congratulations as well to her CFII Greg Rudman!
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GBA

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