​There’s a famous quote from Japan that says, “Fall seven times, get up eight times.” And with the variables of northern Nevada weather recently, we’ve seen many of our students keep their heads high and consistently battle the storm. As a result of that effort and hardship, one of GBA’s finest, Jarrod Becker, was finally able to finally sneak in that glorious solo! That’s right, Jarrod Becker buttered his landings in N670CS at KCXP on rwy 09 yesterday and is now officially a soloed student pilot!! When Jarrod’s not flying with his favorite flight school or waiting very patiently in the office for his plane 30 minutes before his flight, you can find him taking spontaneous trips to Japan (pshht, I’m not jealous, you’re jealous…), watching anime, playing video games, or skiing. Another crucial thing that you absolutely need to know about Jarrod is that he loves to eat meat and cheese… his words not ours. Huge congratulations to Jarrod Becker and his instructor, Kevin Marshall, on this incredible accomplishment. Now go celebrate and enjoy being on top of the world. 

What a great day for some flying!! And squeezing in one more solo before the storm kicks in, Zachary Kumler is another one of GBA’s newest soloed student pilots! What better place to solo than at the tried-and-true KRNO. That’s right everyone, Zachary Kumler was as cool as a cucumber as he communicated with the great people in the tower and buttered his landings on good ol’ 17L in N752DW. Zachary is a pretty incredible guy, spending 8 years in the Army as a scout, plus being the coolest dad ever for 3 kiddos (cool because he is a pilot, right?). There’s a lot behind the scenes that we at GBA don’t get to see but we are certain his hands are full. Any time he has to commit to his flight training is precious. We are so incredibly proud of Zach and his instructor, Chazz Sandoval, on this wonderful, memorable, achievement! Keep up the hard work! ​

​A popular escape room saying is, “Time flies. It is up to you to be the navigator.” Zach Heywood, escape room master, did not need to navigate his way out of a room today, but instead had to navigate how to get his CFI Austin White out of the cockpit so he could solo! Which he did with plenty of time to spare. This morning Zach soloed at KRNO, runway 17L in N670CS!! Zach has done an amazing job with his training despite so many cancellations due to weather/winds. He can only fly after work and weekends due to his job, but he has stuck with it and today he experienced the true freedom of flight. When he is not flying, working on ground school, or breaking out of escape rooms, you can find Zach camping, working on his car, and chowing down on his favorite tacos and burgers. You definitely earned a feast tonight, Zach! Awesome work and congratulations as well to his CFI Austin!

​Someone was fueled up on coffee and heavy metal this morning. No, not big hair bands, but metal as in airplanes!! Seth Walker, former metal rocker turned commercial drywall and painting contractor, soloed today at KRTS, runway 08 in N495SP. Seth dropped his CFI Grant Muzzio off at the ramp took to the sky, living his dream of being a pilot. Pretty awesome up there by yourself, right? It has been inspiring watching Seth live his dream. He raised his four kids, built a successful business which still keeps him crazy busy, and is now pursuing a goal he has had for a long time. He commutes in from the Lake in between jobs and has made incredible progress. Now the real fun begins! Solo time, night flights, and performance take offs and landings which will all lead him right into his checkride. Great work Seth!! Congratulations as well to his CFI Grant!

Care fore a spot of tee? Not sure if that is how avid golfer Shon Plamondon celebrates but today he needs to. This guy is now Instrument Rated!! Departures, holds, partial panel, different approaches…it doesn’t get much putter than his technical, skillful handling of the aircraft. Shon not only flies and plays golf, he also works full time for a local Title Company, plays a lot of softball (golf puns are more fun though), and spends time with his family. Once he went all in on earning his Instrument Rating, there was no stopping him. No ifs, ands, or putts about it. You are pretty tee-rific Shon, as well as your CFII Chazz Sandoval! Golf forth and prosper, which means, start working on that Commercial Certificate :) ​

Honoring our nation’s heroes on Memorial Day. Thank you to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." –Unknown ​

Troy is going to be staring out of windows all day because this awesome aviator just earned his ATP and type rating!! How cool will it be to get on an airplane and see Troy in the cockpit. Well, wait no more! Hop on your next regional flight and look for your former CFI at the controls. Huge congratulations Troy!! You continue to inspire your students and us here at GBA. "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." Troy, you made it happen!! ​

​When Matt Smith was a kid he wanted to be a pilot. As many of us know, life sometimes takes some detours, and our dreams aren’t always our first reality. Matt spent the first part of his professional career as an impressive pipe welder. However, that pilot dream kept nagging at him. So, what did he do? He hung up the torch and went all in with flight training. Matt knows that nothing worth having comes easy. He moved through a few different schools earning his private and instrument. Halfway through his commercial training, he had to find a new school again. Despite commuting 4 hours into Reno and battling weather, today Matt can finally shout to the world that he made it! He is a commercial pilot!! He is the humblest guy and such an inspiration of how perseverance and hard work pays off. Enjoy the celebration, Matt! You more than deserve it. Congratulations as well to his CFI, Grant Muzzio!

​What time does Isaak Reid wake up? At the quack of dawn. Why? Well, this brand-new soloed pilot is a water fowl hunting guide. When he is not playing beak-a-boo out in the marshes, he is staying busy learning to fly. Today he soloed on Runway 08 at KRTS in N328ME. No fowl play during his first few solo laps. This fire quacker showed his CFI Kevin Marshall that he has the skills to fly the plane safely and proficiently. Isaak is doing an amazing job in his progression to private pilot. Keep up the hard work! But tonight, sit down, put your feet up, and enjoy some cheese and quackers. Congratulations Isaak and great job as well to his CFI Kevin Marshall!