Instructor's Corner

Published on
Well, well, well, let me tell you a little story about a certain someone named Austin Fullmer. The man who earned his Private Pilot Certificate today!! You might want to sit down for this one because it's quite the adventure. So, get this – Austin is not just your regular private pilot. Oh no, he's a private pilot with a side of geological engineering, a dash of Nevada Air National Guard service, and a whole lot of golf. Yes, you heard that right. He managed to squeeze in aviation training while doing all that. Talk about a multitasking pro! He stayed focused and always showed up ready to roll every single time. Even put up with the office staff terrorizing him 😁 Huge congratulations to Austin Fullmer, the guy who defied the laws of time and space to become a private pilot while also conquering geological feats and mastering golf swings. If there's a hero of multitasking, it's definitely him. Great job as well to his CFI, Austin White! ​
Picture
Published on
Guess who was up early making solo flight memories? None other than Miles Grieve! He soloed in N328ME at KRTS runway 26! His CFI Maddie Bell had the best seat in the house watching Miles from the ramp. But wait, Miles is no ordinary aviator. He's a RARA scholarship winner! It's like he's got a one-way ticket to aviation success, and he's not wasting a single second in earning his PPL. Miles is working to get his Certificate before he heads back to UNR in the Fall. And let's not forget his superhero alter ego – Miles also proudly serves in the Nevada Air National Guard. And you know what they say, greatness runs in the family! With a family full of go-getters, it's no surprise Miles is conquering the aviation world like a boss. Huge congratulations to Miles Grieve! Keep rocking those wings, Miles, and congratulations to Maddie too – the ultimate flight coach! ​
Picture
Published on
Have you heard the news? Jeff McDonald just became a Commercial Pilot! Another successful checkride completed. We can totally imagine him doing those power off 180s, spiraling steep turns, chandelles, and lazy eights like a pro. It's like he's performing an airshow every time he takes off! But let me tell you, there's nothing lazy about this guy – Jeff's got more energy than a room full of hyperactive puppies! He's juggling a UPS truck-driving career and conquering the skies like it's a piece of cake. When he's not flying high, you can find him on the golf course, showing off those smooth swings, or shredding the mountain trails on his mountain bike. He's also the proud owner of a Gen 1 Tacoma that he will never sell (we’ve tried). Congratulations on becoming a Commercial Pilot, Jeff! You earned a week of us not making fun of you in the office, but just a week. And hats off to his CFI, Danny Britson, for being the ultimate flight coach!
Picture
Published on
Let’s give a big high-five to Kyra Talusik, the newest GBA soloing sensation! She soloed this morning at KRTS runway 32 in N670CS! Her CFI Greg Rudman, watched from the ramp like a proud coach! Kyra's not just a solo star; she's also a RARA scholarship winner! It's like she's racking up trophies both in the air and on the ground. Kyra’s got the winning spirit! Instead of chilling on the beach this summer, Kyra's all about learning to fly and working hard towards her engineering degree at UNR. Talk about a powerhouse! I wonder if she'll engineer the most awesome aircraft ever! And get this, Kyra's got some unique talents too! Handstand contests? Yep, she's winning those! And as if that wasn't enough, she makes the best banana bread. Seriously, is there anything she can't do? Here's the adorable part – she FaceTimes her dogs back home in Sacramento! I bet they're her biggest fans, giving her doggy encouragement from afar. Congratulations to Kyra on her first solo flight and all the incredible things she is doing in life. Keep it up and let your dreams soar higher than ever! Great job as well to Greg Rudman!
Picture
Published on
Whoo-hoo! Carson Smith is the newest Private Pilot in town! Despite a hot and bumpy day, he soared through the challenges and earned his wings. Talk about determination and grit! Carson's homecoming for the summer was worth celebrating, as he's now a certified Private Pilot. But he's not stopping there! Back to Texas he goes to conquer those advanced ratings. One thing's for sure, Carson's got a supportive family cheering him on every step of the way. Having that kind of encouragement makes all the difference in pursuing your dreams. You might recognize his name…Carson was crowned last month's Pilot of the Month! His achievements are getting all the well-deserved attention. His focus and determination are out of this world! He's like a laser beam, always on point and aiming for the skies. Having him around the office is also an absolute pleasure. Carson, keep flying high and chasing those aviation dreams. You've got the drive and talent to go far, and we can't wait to see you achieve even greater heights! Congratulations as well to Carson’s wingman and CFI, Ryan Mill! Great job to him for guiding Carson through this incredible journey.
Picture
Published on
Look who's soaring high in the skies! Sanddon Sherwood-Kopko is now a certified Private Pilot! Persistence, my friend, that's the name of the game! Sanddon's determination got him that shiny pilot certificate this afternoon. He never gave up until he finally got that Certificate to the flying kingdom. Besides being a pilot extraordinaire, he's got a beautiful family to brag about! I bet they're all cheering him on like a flying cheer squad – "Go, Dad, go!" But hold up, there's more! Sanddon's a personal trainer too? Now that's some serious dedication to fitness! No wonder he nailed those flying maneuvers like a pro. Congratulations to Sanddon Sherwood-Kopko, the sky-soaring, persistence-powered, family-loving, fit-flying Private Pilot! Great work as well to his CFI, Nik Joshi, and the whole coaching team!
Picture
Published on
Hold the flight! We've got Jacob Bowen, the newest solo superstar, making a memory at KRTS, runway 26, in N328ME! Nothing like seeing your hard work pay off with an early morning solo flight. And guess what? There is lots more hard work coming but you have shown you have what it takes to keep moving forward. He's aiming to become a United Airlines pilot. But hold on to your aviator hats because this guy is not just about real-life flying; he's also a SIMS racing legend! I can already imagine him with a joystick in hand, racing in live streams, and becoming the champion on road and in the sky. So, cheers to Jacob Bowen, the flying, racing, sushi-loving, math-avoiding, soloing sensation! Keep chasing those United Airlines dreams, and may your future flights be filled with many great adventures. And a special shoutout to Grant Muzzio (pictured in Jacob's glasses) for being the ultimate co-pilot, and CFI!
Picture
Published on
We can never forget Emmett Castellan. He's like a legend around here! From being a star instructor at GBA to now soaring through the skies as a Delta pilot – talk about an incredible journey! Emmett's story is the epitome of hard work and determination. I mean, seriously, he made a massive career change, and in just two years from having zero flying hours, he was already applying to the regionals! That's some serious dedication right there. Sure, we miss having him around at GBA, and there's definitely an "Emmett-shaped" hole in the team, but seeing him achieve such great success as a Delta pilot brings nothing but joy to our hearts. Congratulations, Emmett! You're proof that hard work pays off, and your success is a reminder to all of us that with focus and dedication, we can achieve our wildest dreams. Delta is lucky to have you, and we'll be cheering you on from the ground, or from the seats behind you, as you continue to reach new heights!
Picture
Published on
Congratulations to Shawn Plunket on becoming a Commercial Pilot! Not a bad way to end July. Shawn also recently retired from his role the last 20 years as a Flight Engineer for the Nevada Air National Guard. 🇺🇸 Talk about an impressive aviation career! It's clear that Shawn's love for flight runs deep. But it's not just about his career achievements; Shawn is also a devoted family man. Balancing a career in aviation and family life takes a special kind of person, and Shawn has nailed it. And let's talk about his energy – the man never sits still! He's like a whirlwind of ideas and projects, always having something in the works; business owner, Air Guard, flying...when does he even sleep? A HUGE congratulations to Shawn Plunket for all his accomplishments and the excitement he brings to everything he does. CFI next? We certainly hope so! Congratulations as well to his CFI, Danny Britson!
Picture
Published on
You’re not going to believe the latest news in the aviation world! Our former office superstar Tanner Barkowski is now a CFI! Remember how Tanner and his wife hightailed it to North Carolina? Well, turns out that move didn't slow him down one bit! He kept soaring towards his dreams, and now he's reached new heights as a CFI. I bet his students will be laughing (at some of his jokes, of course) during their lessons. We've been begging him to come back to GBA. We even put up a "Come Back, Tanner!" banner, but no luck yet. Seriously though, becoming a CFI is no easy feat. Tanner took it all in stride, like a seasoned pilot navigating through turbulence. We can't help but miss his ridiculous questions (so you have two lasagnas…) and lively presence at the office, but we're thrilled to watch him take flight towards his career goals. Congratulations, Tanner Barkowski! Keep spreading your aviation knowledge and contagious enthusiasm to your students!
Picture

GBA

This is the spot for instructors to share their brains!