Every day we get to do what we love, living our lives off the ground and a lot of times behind a desk too. We maintain a comfortable yet very professional atmosphere, conducive to learning and growing as a pilot and enjoying the fellowship that comes with being an aviator. The team at Great Basin Aviation are skilled professionals with several years of experience preparing students for the aviation industry.
Jennifer Fonda Vincent
Owner Jennifer Fonda is the owner of Great Basin Aviation and a licensed pilot with a deep-rooted passion for all things aviation. She is a proud advocate for aviation education, actively supporting outreach in schools and the local community. Jenn finds the greatest joy in celebrating student milestones—whether it’s a first solo or a CFII checkride. In addition to her work at Great Basin Aviation, Jenn proudly serves in the Nevada Air National Guard. When she’s not at the airport, you’ll find her flying with her husband, cheering at sporting events with her son, or planning her next travel adventure.
Contact Jenn |
Richard Brong
Chief Flight Instructor and Director of Aviation Education Richard has been enamored with all things flying from an early age and earned his pilot's wings here in Reno in 2006. He has continued his training and has been active in many roles of the local aviation community ever since. He spent 20 years of his working life as a science educator here in Reno and has combined his talents with that and aviation for this next chapter. Richard came to Great Basin Aviation in 2018 as an Advanced Ground Instructor then earned further ratings including CFI/CFII as he grew in his roles. Jennifer has promised to keep him busy helping in many capacities around the school, too. He is an aircraft owner and a family guy and also enjoys cycling, running, and just about anything outdoor.
Contact Richard |
Hailey Bogle
Office Manager Born and raised in good ol’ Reno, NV, Hailey’s no stranger to the activity of northern Nevada’s aviation community. Absolutely terrified to start, Hailey took her first general aviation flight at a young age with her dad in the classic Cessna 172. Quickly after said flight, she fell in love with aviation. Since then, Hailey has received her private pilot certificate at Great Basin Aviation and her Bachelor of Science in geographic information systems at UNR. If you don’t see her at GBA or UNR, you can find Hailey with her nose in a book, playing with her cats, or spending time with family.
Contact Hailey |
Derrick Craine
Line Technician Derrick was born in North Carolina and raised in the sweet southern land of Georgia! Derrick went to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he played football and received his Bachelors degree in Exercise Science. After working in the corporate world for 5 years, he decided to pursue his true passion of flying and followed in his Grandpa Craine’s footsteps. Derrick received his Private Pilot and Instrument Rating in 2024 at Great Basin Aviation and hopes to become an Airline Pilot one day. When Derricks not flying, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and family, watching the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves, and enjoying quality time with friends!
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Andy Glenn
Line Technician Andy is from Reno, NV and graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelors degree in Finance. Following a short stint in real estate, Andy realized he would rather be flying planes than sitting at a desk. In early 2024, he did a discovery flight with GBA and has loved it ever since. He is now working on his commercial license with goals of making it career. When Andy isn’t flying you can find him golfing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.
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Josh Gilmore
Line Technician Josh is from Las Vegas, NV and graduated from UNR with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. After 5 years in the corporate world, Josh decided he had enough of excel and decided to try flying instead. Josh is currently working on his instrument rating with hopes of having a career in aviation. When he’s not flying, Josh is likely mountain biking, snowboarding, camping, hiking up big mountains (Cotopaxi being the current highest (19,300 ft btw)), or playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends.
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Not actually Noreen
Noreen Leary
Office Assistant If Noreen’s in the office it must be Wednesday. Convinced by her dear friend Jenn to come out of retirement for five hours a week, Noreen is having lots of fun learning about flying and living vicariously through all of the GBA students and instructors. When asked about getting her pilots license, she said, “Don’t think so, but then again, one never knows.” Noreen, retired CEO of the Veterans Guest House, is still figuring out what to do with all this free time. She loves getting together with friends, traveling, good scotch, photography and “trying” to play the ukulele.
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Nicole Gonzalez
Office Assistant Nicole was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, and began her aviation journey in 2020 when she earned her private pilot's license at Great Basin Aviation. Since then, she has embraced her passion for flying and exploring the skies hoping to pursue a career in aviation. You can often find her in the office on the weekends and in her free time, Nicole enjoys being outdoors, whether hiking, camping or hanging out with her dog.
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