What an incredible response to the first GBA 16L Scholarship! Thank you to all the students who met the age, ground school, and essay requirements. After our independent panel of nine judges reviewed all the applicant information, we are excited to announce the winners or the 16L scholarships are Hailey Bogle and Aaron Karuzas! Both recipients will receive $2500 toward the aircraft rental for their flight training. 
Thank you again to everyone who applied. Great feedback from the judges in regard to all the exciting things GBA students want to do in this industry and in our communities to promote aviation. Congratulations again to Hailey and Aaron!! We are excited to assist you as you work toward your aviation goals. 

The last aviation Christmas wish was granted this afternoon when Jospeh Stearns soloed!! Joseph had the rare opportunity to solo on not just 16L but also 16R at KRNO in N328ME. He glided the plane onto the runway, touched down, and started up again to log his first several laps of PIC time. Joseph has been doing an incredible job in his training, coming in when he can get a break in the other things in life that keep us out of the cockpit. Today, that time management paid off. Awesome job Joseph!! Enjoy the gift of solo flight! Congratulations as well to his instructors Brenden and Austin! ​

Christmas came early for one special student…Chris Mitchell must have been on the “nice list” because he is now a private pilot!! Beats the heck out of fruitcake. No tinsel was in a tangle as Chris flew N670CS through the private pilot maneuvers demonstrating he has the skills needed to earn the freedom to fly the beautiful skies! His lights were all a blinking like a well lit Christmas tree. He returned to KRNO to hear those hap-hap-happiest words, “Congratulations!” The best way to spread checkride cheer is singing loud for all to hear! That is exactly what Chris did as he left the office. His huge smile might as well have been a song. Such an awesome accomplishment Chris! Congratulations as well to his instructor Eric Tallberg! Santa is waiting for you to hook that 172 up to the sleigh. Enjoy that fancy eggnog tonight! :) ​

​Great Basin Aviation 16L Flight Training Scholarship
 
Ben Franklin once wrote that “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” What better investment in knowledge than learning to fly! When you learn to fly, you’re not only learning how to move the controls of an aircraft, you’re also learning more about physics, weather, navigation, airspace and the world around you. In addition, the ability to guide an airplane through the sky and return it safely to earth offers a sense of achievement that nothing else can match. However, we do know it is an expensive skill to learn. GBA would love to help get you there! 
 
Great Basin Aviation is excited to offer two $2500 flight training scholarships to future aviators! These scholarships will be awarded to two individuals that meet the below eligibility requirements. Funds will be used for aircraft rental only. Instructor fee will be billed at time of lesson. Eligibility and requirements are listed below:
 
 
Eligibility Requirements:
 

• Must be a good steward of General Aviation
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be enrolled in or have completed an accredited ground school
• Have not completed the FAA practical test/checkride at the time of application 
• Flight training must take place at Great Basin Aviation in any GBA aircraft
• For Private Pilot Training

 
 
How to apply:
 

• Email the following to GoFlying@GreatBasinAviation:
  • One page essay sharing your “why.” Why are you learning to fly and what is your ultimate goal in aviation. 
  • Also, a brief statement how you plan to advocate for general aviation in the community (i.e., mentoring a new pilot, Boy/Girl Scouts presentations, etc.).
  • Tell us why you are the best recipient of these funds. 

 

Applications will be accepted up until midnight on Tuesday, December 29th. Recipients will be announced by Thursday, December 31st.

Wyatt Wilson soloed!! He flew his first PIC time yesterday afternoon in N495SP at KRNO, runway 16L. Conditions were ideal in the pattern when Wyatt’s instructor, Levi Mellows, hopped out of the plane on the ramp and told Wyatt to take a couple laps. Wyatt handled the plane and radios like a pro and showed he has the skills to successfully solo an aircraft. Wyatt has been training in between his full time work and full time UNR schedule. Now comes the fun with flight planing and exploring Northern Nevada. Congratulations to Wyatt on this super memorable accomplishment and being one step closer to his aviation goals!  Awesome job to his instructor Levi as well! ​

TGIF!!! Meaning Thank Goodness for Instrument Flight because Will Levin is now instrument rated!! Will intercepted the localizer and reported “bread” and some other fancy instrument procedures then got 4th in line on final for KRNO. While we rarely see instrument conditions here in Reno, Will’s goal is to fly at the commercial level so having this rating will help get him there as well as increase his pilot knowledge and proficiency. Plus, he can safely conquer the occasional cloudy or fog layer. Will was heading home to celebrate but will be back Monday to start work toward his commercial. Awesome Job Will!!! Congratulations as well to his instructors Brenden Georg and Bob Bennett! ​

Sean Meeks is a private pilot!! Nothing like making a super early Friday wake up worth it like passing a private pilot checkride. Sean was here literally at the crack of dawn getting ready for this huge milestone on his way to his goal of commercial pilot. He flew his favorite, N495SP, in the practice areas and Stead demonstrating he has the "right stuff" to be a private pilot. He made his way back to KRNO and heard the congratulatory words. Sean has been working relentlessly as he moves toward his goal of a complete career change. We are so excited for this accomplishment and look forward to working with Sean as he works toward his instrument rating. Congratulations as well to his instructor Levi Mellows!