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 :)
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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!
Connor Peterson soloed!! Runway 26 at KRTS will always hold a special spot in his heart, as well as N495SP. Today Connor kicked his CFI Austin White out of the plane and took off for his first few laps of solo glory. Best feeling in the world for a student pilot! This hard-working young man is getting a jump start on his future. He leaves this summer for Embry Riddle in Daytona where he will continue his training as well as a degree program. Daytona Beach and college…yeah, he will studying hard ;) But, in his defense, he has been extremely focused and dedicated. When Connor is not flying a C172, he is on his home SIM, or out hiking and fishing. Awesome job to Connor! Private Pilot will be here in no time. Great job as well to his CFI Austin!
Guess who earned a new window office? Former GBA CFI/CFII Jack Darlington!! His ATP and ERJ 170/190 type rating are now complete! Many of you have flown with him and will continue to. Hop on your next Skywest aircraft and look in the cockpit and see if Jack is there. We are so happy for you Jack!! "A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." Jack definitely put in the work and is an inspiration to us all ✈️
At one time Claire wanted to paint rainbows black. Thank goodness she grew out her Goth phase because after the storms (the last several months), comes the rainbow! Claire got her rainbow today when she soloed N328ME at KRTS, runway 08. This cute little ray of pure black enjoyed some peace and quiet in the plane as she left her CFI Chazz Sandoval on the ramp, then proceeded to the runway and successfully completed her first few solo laps. Luckily her tears of happiness did not mix with the heavy black eyeliner and streak her face. Despite us making fun of Claire (we thank her Mom for tidbits into Claire’s past), she is a phenomenal young lady. Retired ski racer, avid gym geek, martial arts pro, occasional tennis game, and will be attending University of Michigan in the fall with the goal of earning her law degree. Plus, she endured the constant nagging to get her ground school and knowledge exam complete. Awesome job Claire!! She could not find her black shirt for the picture but she still looks amazing 😁Congratulations as well to Chazz!
Well, he’s one step closer to flying in space. I’ve heard it’s dark in space which makes it hard to see anything out the window. That sounds a little like flying IFR. Good thing because flying IFR is what Trey Casini now has the privilege to do as he earned his IFR rating today! Trey rocked the oral then flew to a successful outcome in N2291C today. That plane has seen so many successful IFR rides! It’s good luck. Anyway, excellent work continuing your aviation journey. Trey worked like a pro during the crummy weather and kept his learning going with plenty of simulator time and lots of review when needed. Way to go! Congratulations to Trey and his instructor, Chazz Sandoval. Commercial next?
“Gunter gleiben glauchen globen”…no we aren’t counting down the start of a Def Leppard song, we are getting your attention to announce Jurgen Hirt is a soloed pilot!! This amazing young man soloed this morning in N752DW, runway 26 at KRTS. Jurgen squeezed the incredible achievement in right before he takes off to Germany (not by soloing all the way there in a C172 though). Plus, same day he earned Pilot of the Month!! Gute Arbeit! Wie komme ich dorthin, you may ask? Lots of focus, hard work, hitting the books, and consistency in his flights. When he comes back, there is no doubt he will be able to complete his requirements and be ready for checkride. When Jurgen is not fliegend, he a music teacher, studying at UNR, and working hard on whatever life throws his way. Plus, heavily focused on earning his private Pilot Certificate. Sehr gut Jurgen!! Gluckwunsch as well to his CFI Ryan Mill! Enjoy your trip to Germany then get back and get finished up. Prost!
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AuthorAll posts are either written by Great Basin Aviation's staff or shared articles from other aviation sites. Source will be referenced in post. Archives
November 2024
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