One of the most enjoyable aspects of aviation is flying with so many wonderful people. Paul Irving is one of those people. Paul comes to us from the east coast with some previous flight training and then decided to move to Nevada for retirement and some clean mountain air - and to finish his training at GBA! Today, he soloed N752DW at KRTS on Runway 08 after putting in the due diligence needed to show himself that he is an amazing aviator! Now, the downhill ride to his Private Pilot Checkride. Congrats to his equally aerodynamic instructor Richard Brong for helping Paul along this route and also to Steven Lutsch - who also is pretty equally aerodynamic.

Bravo Zulu Cody Lucero!! This active duty Sailor is now also a commercial rated pilot! Cody, who started with GBA exactly a year ago, set a goal to complete his commercial rating in a year and he did it! Cody commutes into Reno in the evening 4-5 times a week for training and also to build hours. Talk about dedication to a goal. This guy eats, sleeps, and breathes aviation. You might also recognize Cody as part of the GBA weekend team helping in the office, on the ramp, providing donuts, and watching Air Disasters as he tells you how awesome and safe flying is. Cody is setting himself up to fly professionally after he retires from the world’s greatest Navy in a few years. His trajectory and focus will definitely get him there. A huge congratulations to Cody and his instructor Danny Britson!! Lastly, for those of you who know about Cody’s behavior chart, his demerits have been erased ;) ​

Brandon Lemen is now a soloed student pilot!! This early morning flyer was up against the usual Northern Nevada fun conditions to fly his first few solo laps at KRTS, runway 26 in N495SP. It was a bit breezy at 10-12 knots, but mostly down the runway which helped slow him down since his instructor wasn’t next to him on final telling him "Too high! Pull the throttle!” If you know Sean, you would understand ;) Brandon has been several times a week usually in that early morning slot to capitalize on the calm conditions. He did not get it today but still demonstrated he has Reno conditions proficiency to PIC an airplane. Brandon was all smiles as he left the office as he knows his hard work paid off. Congratulations to Brandon and his CFI Sean Torbett on this milestone!!

On National Armed Forces Day, we honor the bravery of the servicemen and women who risk their lives on behalf of our country and citizens. We know many of our students, renters, staff, and business partners serve, have served, and/or are families of those who serve. GBA appreciates you. 
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We must never forget why we have, and why we need our military. Our armed forces exist solely to ensure our nation is safe, so that each and every one of us can sleep soundly at night, knowing we have "Guardians at the Gate." - Allen West

Who on earth sneaks in at 0600 to take a Private Pilot check-ride? Sam Roberts, that’s who. This dedicated aviator took to the skies in N495SP and showed his DPE and the world that he has what it takes to fly the friendly skies. Sam, and his instructor Tristan, have worked hard for this milestone. Sam has been balancing this endeavor while working for JSX here in Reno. What can we say about Sam, he’s Crispy! (Shoutout to his musical endeavors, too).