After chowing down on some Doughboys donuts thinking Saturday could not get any better, it does! Tyler Imperato soloed!! Tyler very willingly dropped Levi off on the ramp at KCXP and flew his first few laps of freedom on runway 27 in N495SP this morning! He had a bit of traffic to deal with but he handled it like a pro. Tyler has been flying with GBA and Levi for just a little over a month. This guy wants it and his focused flight training, attention to ground school, and being prepared for his lessons speaks to his motivation toward his aviations goals. Awesome job to Tyler and his instructor Levi Mellows!! ​

Check out this happy pilot! Yes, you read that right, Donovan Harrison is now a licensed PILOT!! Donovan had a long day that started with IACRA technical issues, oral exam, and a nice toasty flight on a bumpy afternoon. To say he earned it is an understatement. Donovan was another one of our COVID postponed checkrides. He did a great job staying current while finishing up his senior year at UNR, being on full time orders with the Nevada Air National Guard, and studying for his oral exam. Donovan sported his bright pink face mask (not pictured but it is true) as he showed he can fly N328ME all within private pilot proficiency standards. Getting a big smile out of Donovan is not always the easies but we did not have to bribe or force him (this time). The excitement was all over his face once he landed, ran through his post-flight checklist, and found out he passed! Congratulations Donovan!! We are so happy for you. Congratulations to his instructors Nick Mahan, Levi Mellows, and Brenden Georg as well!! ​

What is better than one new private pilot…two private pilots!! That is what happened today at GBA. This hot rod, Cory Kleidosty also earned his private pilot today as he and his examiner went north in N495SP. 42 hour pilot, Cory, showed he had what it takes to be licensed to fly. Cory has been non-stop flying the last couple months. Took a discovery flight about 8 months ago then came back in late April, got delayed due to the COVID shutdown, then started right back up flying a few times a week all while working full time across the runways for the airlines. Cory is the epitome of focus; he set a goal and he did not stop. And talk about dressing for the job you want. This pilot showed up in his slacks and fancy button down. Interview for the airlines is definitely in his future. Awesome job to both Cory and his instructor Levi Mellows!!  ​

Forget a Sweet Sixteen party... Ethan Vincent spent his sweet 16th birthday doing something way more fun — flying N3034Y for his first few solo laps in a busy pattern for 16L at KRNO. Soloing makes you nervous enough, but Ethan also had an entourage watching him. His dad, mom, and sister stood out by the hangars to witness his first PIC flight. Ethan is an incredible young pilot and his radio communications are totally on spot. He is no stranger to the sky. He is lucky to be able to fly with his dad in their Van’s RV-7, and loving every minute of it. The sky is home for Ethan. Next step is a couple solo flights out of the Class C airspace to Carson or Stead, finish up ground school, and stay engaged in flying until he gets closer to 17 so he can complete his requirements and checkride prep for a sweet 17 birthday. Congratulations to Ethan and his instructor Levi Mellows!! Such a memorable flight on this special birthday! ​

​Congratulations to Mason Koonce who soloed today at KRTS, runway 26 in N495SP!! He realized today how awesome it is to fly without an instructor shouting orders (not that Levi ever raises his voice) and how much better the aircraft performs without the extra weight. Doing laps in the pattern at Stead has never been so much fun! Mason, a UNR student, has the goal of becoming a corporate or commercial pilot. Usually, you can find Mason flying down the trails on his mountain bike and soon he will be shredding the Northern Nevada skies in one of these powerful C172’s. Mason is so focused and hit this solo goal right on time. Now on to knocking out the rest of his requirements and prepping for checkride. Congratulations to Mason and Levi!! The day does not get much better than this!

Watch out clouds, Chris is coming for you! This awesome lady, call sign Pink Flamingo, is now licensed to fly in weather conditions that are a bit less than ideal with her brand new Instrument Rating!! Yes, it’s Pink Flamingo, strange pilot from another airspace who came to KRNO with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal pilots. Chris, who can fly on course for a GPS approach, bend the ailerons on a C172S to hold over the mustang VOR, and line up to land on the ILS at Stead. And who, disguised as Chris Buckley, mild-mannered reporter for a local news station, fights a never ending battle for truth, justice, and working her way to becoming a commercial pilot. Awesome job Buckley!! Also a huge congratulations to her instructor, the foggle selfie king, Danny Britson. You two have a lot of celebrating to do. Then get back to work on Chris’ commercial! ​