What’s cooler than being cool on a hot day? Not much, right? Unless you are Ryan Mill! Nothing better than your first solo flight to make you forget about the hot temps. Ryan soloed today at KSPZ runway 24 in N752DW as his instructor, Jacob Hetland baked in the sun. Ryan enjoyed this first taste of freedom for a few laps then graciously went back for Jacob. Ryan has been getting his flight training in as he manages full time work in marketing for a mountain bike company, studies ground school, and probably also enjoys some Northern Nevada sunshine. Next up for this UNR alumni and Pennsylvania transplant is working on those solo requirements, written exam, and then right into checkride prep. Awesome job to Ryan on this most memorable milestone!! Congrats to Jacob, his CFI, too!
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Looking for a new position that revolves around aviation? Want to talk to other pilots on a daily basis and network for what’s next? Atlantic Aviation is hiring!! Our awesome FBO is looking for help on the line. This is a great position that immerses you in aviation on a daily basis plus offers an aircraft rental discount through Great Basin Aviation (see Jenn for details). Must be 18 and older and love aviation :) Check out the link below and apply today!
https://careers-atlanticaviation.icims.com/jobs/5915/ls---aircraft-refueler-line-service-technician-%28rno%29/job Pilot for hire!! Kevin Marshall is now a commercial pilot! This hard working GBA line guy now has the certificate to fly commercial operations. In between helping you all out on the line, maintenance flights, and keeping the planes fueled and clean, Kevin has been working hard on this certificate. Lazy Eights, Power Off 180’s, plus the ground knowledge required. Kevin definitely had his hand’s full! Today it all paid off as he is was congratulated by the examiner on a job well done. Kevin started with GBA working on his Private Pilot’s License so it has been super exciting to see his successes as he worked through the ratings. Next up…CFI! Huge congratulations to his instructor Troy Ware as well!
Jack Darlington is now a CFI!! Jack has spent the last few months getting used to that right seat and enhancing the natural teaching skills he already possessed. A lot of early and late night flights around his work schedule, hours building his lesson plans, and talking to himself as he role played teaching people to fly were the name of the game. We’d guess he probably drove his wife a bit nuts but most aviators (or their spouses and significant others, more specifically) can relate. We are very excited to see Jack’s progress as he continues to build his aviation ratings. A huge congratulations to him and his CFI, Tristan Armstrong. Stay tuned for what comes next for Jack!
Attaboy Dan Walters!! Dan is now a private pilot!! Dan, a EA-18G Growler EWO, slowed it down a bit today, traded in his 22,000 pounds of static thrust engines for a 180hp Cessna, and flew with confidence showing his examiner he has the skill set to be a certificated pilot. No employing anti-radiation missiles but still a successful mission. This 10 year Veteran of the United States Navy, finished up his checkride then ran home to meet his movers. Dan is just finishing up his commission and leaving tomorrow to start business school in Chicago. Nothing like the pressure of a time constraint. Dan was able to complete his training during these last seven weeks and leave Nevada with this awesome accomplishment and memory. Huge congratulations to the team that helped him progress at the rate he needed; Logan Krupp, Steven Lutsch, Richard Brong, and Spencer Karam. You will be missed Dan, but we will see you at Tailhook!
Lee Gerwitz is a Private Pilot!! That’s right, this small town boy, born and raised in Hamlet, NY, took a mid day checkride goin’ to the north practice area (some of you will get that). Lee definitely had some wind and TFRs to contend with as he still managed to find airspace to demonstrate his private pilot maneuvers within ACS. Lee, new to our area Neuroimmunologist, started his training in Rochester, NY. After moving to Reno, he picked right back up where he left off and today saw the result of his hard work and determination all while serving our community and buying a home. Talk about managing multiple stresses. It is like he was born to be a pilot! Awesome job to Lee and his instructor Danny Britson!! Fro-yo celebrate then go get some XC time in!
Today Jeff McDonald left the big brown truck and earned a set of wings! That’s right, our favorite UPS driver is now a certified private pilot!! Normally Jeff moves “at the speed of business,” but today it was more around 100kts…not sure which is faster :) Jeff is another private pilot that persevered through some craziness in life and his pervious training. He came to GBA a few months ago determined to earn his certificate and today he can proudly say he hit that huge goal! Jeff demonstrated his calm spirit as we had to switch planes on him last minute due to an alternator issue. However, it did not phase him. He had the confidence in his proficiencies and showed the examiner he has what it takes to adapt and overcome. Jeff is wasting no time and already talking about getting started on his instrument rating. First a little celebration for him and his CFI Steven Lutsch is in order. With enough celebrating he might even consider selling Jenn his 1st Gen Tacoma (hint, hint Jeff). Huge congratulations to Jeff!!
Thaison Dao is a Private Pilot!! This morning Thaison took to the sky and made certain his examiner knew he has the skills to earn his pass to freedom in the sky. He flew his beloved N2291C to the north then landed back at KRNO and received the congratulatory handshake we all work so hard for! Thaison is the epitome of perseverance. He has been working on his Private Pilot for some time as he navigated through a crazy work schedule, prioritizing family, and that thing called life. Today all his hard work paid off as he left the building with his temporary certificate in hand. Thaison is one of the original GBA-ers so we could not be more happy for him. Take passion and determination anywhere you go and you will go far. Congratulations as well to his CFI Sean Torbett and the instructors he has worked with. Awesome job guys!!
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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
April 2024
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