Blog Archives - GREAT BASIN AVIATION

Seth Did it Again!!

9/29/2021

Today Seth Freedman-Peel earned the privilege to be called a Commercial Pilot! He flew N752DW to a successful check-ride in and around Reno. Seth has worked hard for this rating keeping his training going during the smoke and heat of summer. Seth’s growth mindset kept him moving forward from his private, to instrument, and now this. It has cost us a few bags of mints (inside joke) but we’re super happy for your accomplishment! Nice job, Seth and nice job to your instructor, Sean, too!

John is Licensed to Fly!!

9/25/2021

John Simonsen is a private pilot!! That’s right, this hard working Atlantic Line Technician is now licensed to fly! When he isn’t running around the ramp marshaling aircraft, fueling planes, and the million other duties the line performs, he has been working on earning his Private Pilot. John has been with Great Basin for a bit. Started and got a good ways into his training, left to focus on school, found that perfect balance and came back in full force to get his flight training done. He also took a role at Atlantic Aviation helping us all out on the line. John always showed up on time with the best attitude and a huge smile. Even when we would give him a hard time :) John was in a couple times a week doing ground with his instructor and studying even more at home. Already has the solid study skills that will move him down the path to a career in aviation. Awesome job to John and congratulations to him and his instructor, Ethan Chinowsky! Was it easy? Nope. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!!!

In-person ground school!

9/22/2021

We still have a few spots left for the upcoming, in-person, Private Pilot and Instrument ground school classes. These classes are a great way to complete the ground school requirement, ask questions as they come up, and learn from real life examples of flying in our area. Both classes are taught by CFI/CFII Bob Bennett. Details are below. Please reach out asap if you want to secure a spot.

Private Pilot - $400, 12 weeks every Tuesday and Thursday starting on October 5th. Class materials included in price.
Instrument - $400, 12 weeks every Wednesday night starting on October 6th. Books included. This class also requires electronic charts. Basic Foreflight subscription is all that is needed for chart access. Contact GBA for details.

All classes will be held from 6pm-9pm at Atlantic Aviation. Active participation, attendance, and studying are key for class success. Successful completion of either ground school course satisfies the requirement needed in order to be eligible to take the FAA Knowledge Exam. Please reach out asap to secure your spot! We look forward to helping you reach your aviation goals.

Thank you,

GBA

Early Morning Solo!!

9/21/2021

John Sande soloed!! This early morning soloed pilot helped chase the F-15s out of Stead with N670CS to make room for his first solo laps on runway 26. John proficiently flew the C172 with ease as his instructor Ethan Chinowsky watched from the ramp. A ramp where John has many memories of watching the Air Races with his dad. And now having soloed there, the airport holds even more meaning. Former Stanford football player and alumni, this guys has a busy life. Managing partner at a local law firm, beautiful family, active community supporter, private pilot flight training, ground school, and probably some (or lots) of golf games. But he has manages to find the time to get it all in and focus on taking the steps toward private pilot. We could not be more happy for you John! Congratulations to you and your CFI Ethan! Now the fun begins on those solo flights as you get to visit some cool Northern Nevada airports!

Friday Private Pilot!!

9/17/2021

TGIF for Paul Irving!! After working on his Private Pilot Certificate on both coasts, moving to Reno, and retiring from a successful career with the US Secret Service and the 36th Sergeant at Arms at the US House of Representative, Paul can now add Private Pilot to his list of accomplishments. Today, he flew N752DW to a successful outcome with all the boxes checked. Paul, who you might remember from the Summer newsletter “Student Spotlight,” has maintained the utmost of professionalism and dedication throughout his training. Especially after being rescheduled countless times due to smoke. He really showed what it takes to be a proficient pilot. His pilot in command attitude is one to emulate! Now it’s time to go out and celebrate and see the sites - the west is full of all kinds of unique spots to go see, like great wineries :) Congratulations to Paul and his instructor, Richard Brong. We are so incredibly happy for you!!

Evening Solo!

9/17/2021

The Air Races isn't the only excitement in the sky right now. Yesterday as the festivities were finishing up at Stead, things were just getting started here at KRNO. Dylan Zinio took to the sky and flew his first few solo laps at KRNO, runway 34R in N37JA!! CFI Jack Darlington watched from the ramp as Dylan navigated the Class C airspace and commercial traffic. His first lap he was directed to do a go-around to allow for 737 traffic and handled it like a pro. Cool, calm, and collected. Dylan has been hard charging, working on his private pilot. He flies at least a few times a week before or after work with the Air National Guard. Dylan is so focused and eager to earn his private pilot and move onto his next aviation goal. Huge congratulations to Dylan and Jack!!

Sunday Private Pilot!

9/12/2021

Riis did anything but rest on his Sunday. This morning he woke up in all his awesomeness and made the decision that today would be the day he official became a certificated pilot. And that is exactly what happened…Riis Mendelsohn is a private pilot!! Riis is one of the several GBA students who had delay after delay due to smoke but stayed focused. When his adorable pups gave him some time off he chair flew, used the SIM, and kept studying. This kept him current so now that the smoke has cleared, he made it happen. And he is not done yet. Riis already committed to the instrument ground school and getting started on his next rating. With his focus and determination there is no doubt you will be reading more about Riis soon. Awesome job Riis!! Congratulations as well to his instructor Ethan Chinowsky. Today was a good day….

James can fly in the clouds!

9/9/2021

In the skies above Reno on September 9 what do you see? Clouds and rain? Yes, but better. Hot air balloons? Yes! But even better! N2291C piloted by now instrument rated James Morgan? HECK, YEAH! James completed his instrument rating checkride this morning with all the boxes checked. James works across the runway for Horizon and has been flying here at GBA earning his Private Pilot and now Instrument. Knowing that James has come this far in his aviation career is fantastic considering his first flight was with Jenn :) James will fly anything toting that sweet leather flight bag that shows he knows his stuff. And talk about motivation, while he waited for his instrument checkride, he started working on his commercial certificate. Stay tuned for another email soon highlighting his commercial skills. Nice job, James!! We’re super proud of you! Keep flying and, remember, don’t break anything!

Hailey Bogle - September's First Pilot

9/1/2021

Who says we’re stuck on the ground in this crud? Not Hailey Bogle! Hailey flew to success today in N752DW and found her inner aviatrix while navigating the ins and outs of flying here in Reno and Northern Nevada. This is a great post to write because not only was Hailey a former high school student of her instructor, Richard Brong, she was the first student he soloed as a CFI and now his first student to earn her wings going from zero time to Private Pilot! The smoke and heat this summer made things challenging for sure but here she is - Private Pilot. You’ve earned this and worked really hard to achieve excellence. Go out and fly!