December 10th, 2025

CASSIDY BELL- PPL

Congratulations to Summer Benjamin for soaring through her commercial checkride this morning, adding another major achievement to her aviation journey alongside her commercial multi engine rating. Even with a 7 a.m. checkride and an early drive in from Tahoe, she showed up focused, calm, and completely ready to go. Her dedication, professionalism, and bright pink personality make her a standout in every way, and her kindness leaves a positive impact on everyone she flies with.

The day before her checkride came with a minor curveball when her Apple Pencil went missing, but she handled it with the same levelheadedness she brings to flying. She didn’t let it distract her, kept preparing, and walked into her checkride confident and well-studied.

A huge shoutout goes to her instructor Nicole for her outstanding guidance and support throughout Summer’s commercial training. Their teamwork truly showed today.

We are so proud of you, Summer. Congratulations on earning your Commercial Single Engine rating. Your future in aviation is bright, inspiring, and of course, a little pink. 💗✈️🌟

Cassidy Bell did a thing today… and by “thing,” we mean she became a private pilot. Our office coordinator turned runway-regular, and former collegiate soccer star (now proudly living the NARP life), has officially joined the PIC club!

Let’s be honest: Cassidy probably couldn’t tell you what day it is, what month we’re in, or whether Christmas already happened, because she has been living in a world of checklists, airspace, and ACS standards for weeks. The only time she came up for air was to outrun Richard on the treadmill… and honestly, that alone deserved an endorsement.

Cassidy has been grinding harder than anyone wants to admit. Sunrise study sessions, late-night chair flying, flashcards in her lunch, quizzing herself between phone calls, she has put in the work. The discipline, the focus, the “don’t talk to me, I’m memorizing cloud clearance requirements” energy… it all paid off today.

And now? Now she gets to breathe. Maybe put the books down. Maybe enjoy that shiny new freedom certificate. Maybe, just maybe, have a glass of wine and relax for five minutes before she starts instrument training. (We know her. It’s coming.)

Huge congratulations to Cassidy and a shoutout to her CFI, Cory Kleidosty, for guiding her through the chaos, the confidence-building, and every steep turn in between.

Cassidy, you did it. We’re proud of you. Now go celebrate like someone who just earned their wings… and please, for the love of all things GBA, put the books down for 5 minutes! You earned it.

Nicole has officially added another set of wings to her name, and we couldn’t be more proud. Already one of our resident rockstar CFIs, she continues to raise the bar with her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for the students she guides. Anyone who has trained with Nicole knows how much she pours into her lessons, her patience, her high standards, and her ability to make complex topics click are what set her apart.

Achieving the CFII is no small feat. It takes discipline, strong aeronautical knowledge, and the kind of work ethic that doesn’t happen by accident. Nicole showed up for every challenge, pushed through the tough study days, and refined her craft with the same focus she brings to every flight. This is a milestone she truly earned.

A huge shoutout as well to her instructor, CFII Richard Brong, for helping her sharpen her instrument instruction skills and preparing her for the next level of teaching excellence.

We’re excited to see Nicole bring her trademark energy and student-first mindset into the instrument side of flight training. Our future instrument pilots are in incredibly good hands.

Congratulations, Nicole, welcome to the CFII crew!

A huge congratulations to Dalton Drum, who officially earned his Private Pilot Certificate today!

Dalton is one of the most laid-back, unshakeable people you’ll ever meet in flight training. No matter what the day throws at him, weather delays, busy patterns, last-minute schedule changes, or the general chaos that is aviation, he stays calm, focused, and steady.

But don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you, Dalton put in the work. Hours of study, early mornings, late evenings, and the grind that comes with turning “someday I’ll be a pilot” into “I passed my checkride!” He earned every bit of this accomplishment, and then some.

As a lefty, Dalton proved that southpaws really do have superpowers, from the left seat to those buttery left turns, he made it look easy. And through it all, he was nothing but respectful, kind, and an absolute pleasure every time he walked through the office door.

Huge shoutout as well to his instructor, CFI James Morgan, for guiding him through the journey with skill, patience, and a whole lot of good teaching.

Dalton, congratulations on becoming a Private Pilot. You worked hard, you stayed humble, and you crushed it.

Now someone get this guy a beer.

Please join us in celebrating Aki Nyrhinen, who just earned his Instrument Rating! This is one of the biggest milestones in a pilot’s training journey, and Aki tackled it with calm focus, humility, and the kind of patience he listed as his favorite personal trait, and it absolutely showed.

Originally from Finland, Aki brings a unique blend of precision, curiosity, and quiet determination into every flight. When he’s not in the air, you’ll find him skiing, riding bikes, writing software, or shoveling snow, which honestly makes flying through IMC seem pretty relaxing in comparison.

Aki excelled in instrument flying from the start, especially when it came to smooth, controlled approaches and landings. He even noted that he is good at landing, and he proved it over and over. One of our favorite facts about him is that he’s smooth enough on steep turns that it used to rock his daughter to sleep. That’s exactly the kind of finesse you want in a newly minted instrument pilot.

Huge shoutout to his CFII, Andrew Spanier, for guiding, teaching, and flying alongside Aki all the way to this accomplishment. Your mentorship played a key role in today’s success.

Aki, congratulations. Earning your Instrument Rating is a serious achievement, and you’ve handled the training, the workload, and the challenge with true pilot discipline. We are incredibly proud of you.

Blue skies and even smoother approaches ahead. Great job, Aki! 🛩️❄️💙

Huge congratulations to Josh Gilmore, officially Reno’s newest CFI! That’s right, the same Josh who has graciously become whatever we needed for social media content, our T-Rex on the line, our Most Interesting Man in the World, and the man we’re all eagerly waiting to watch make his full redneck debut (just wait for it). If GBA needed a mascot, a model, or a meme… Josh showed up.

He’s worn just about every hat imaginable here, line tech, Dungeons & Dragons master, reluctant influencer, occasional dinosaur, and part-time chaos generator, all while being one of the hardest-working and most genuine people you’ll ever meet. And yes, even as a line tech, he somehow still parks a plane in the wrong spot every now and then… like today, his checkride day. But, at least he checked it in.

Through all the jokes, characters, and social media antics, Josh has remained steady, humble, and dedicated. He’s the kind of guy you can’t help but roast a little, because he makes it too easy, but you also can’t help but respect him, because he works hard and cares deeply. That’s exactly the kind of instructor students will be lucky to have.

Huge shout-out to his CFI, Richard Brong, for guiding him through this journey and helping him unlock the mighty “CFI” achievement.

Congrats, Josh,  time to take that right seat, start shaping new pilots, and maybe, just maybe, learn to park an airplane where it actually belongs. We’re proud of you!

Huge congratulations to Skyler Steele, who earned his Private Pilot Certificate today! Skyler has put in the work, stayed focused, and showed up day after day with determination, and today all of that effort paid off in a big way. This achievement is no accident, it’s the result of commitment, consistency, and a whole lot of heart.

Skyler is one of those genuinely good people we’re incredibly lucky to have as part of the GBA family. He’s humble, hardworking, and one of our silent frost heroes who quietly comes in at night to put wing covers on so your airplane is ready to go first thing in the morning. He never asks for recognition, but he absolutely deserves it.

All of these amazing qualities still don’t compensate for him being a 49ers fan, but we’ll keep him around anyway. His loyalty runs deep, even if it’s to the wrong team.

Now Skyler gets to enjoy the holidays, watch some football tomorrow, maybe a strong margarita tonight, take a well-earned breather, and then jump right back into training as he starts charging toward his instrument rating. The momentum is strong, his attitude is exactly where it needs to be, and we have no doubt he’ll keep climbing.

Awesome job, Skyler, and great work as well to his CFI, Lucas Murphy.

Join us in celebrating Kayleigh Dohm, our newest Private Pilot! Kayleigh has absolutely poured herself into this goal, especially over the past week. She has been at Great Basin Aviation nearly nonstop, studying from open to close, reviewing every detail, and preparing with a level of drive and focus that inspired everyone around her.

Kayleigh’s dedication is no surprise to anyone who knows her. With her master’s degree, she’s already proven she can take on big goals, and she brings that same intensity to her aviation journey. Add in her unwavering loyalty as a New York Rangers fan, and you can see exactly where her determination comes from.

This week alone, Kayleigh put in full days of study and preparation, showing up ready to learn and ready to work. Her hard work paid off today in the best way possible. She completed her checkride with confidence and earned the title of Private Pilot.

Kayleigh, we’re so proud of you. Your commitment, passion, and heart for aviation shine through in everything you do. We also want to extend a huge congratulations to her CFI, Greg, for guiding her, supporting her, and helping her reach this milestone.

Congratulations, the sky is yours! 🛩️💙


Huge congratulations to Randy Scheffler, who officially earned his Instrument Rating today!

Randy is one of the most humble, steady, quietly exceptional people you’ll ever meet. He drives in from Susanville without blinking an eye and somehow balances law enforcement, military service, family life, and flight training like it’s just another Tuesday. The kind of service-before-self mindset he brings to his work on the ground absolutely shows up in the cockpit, calm, disciplined, and always pushing himself to be better.

We’re incredibly honored to support someone who gives so much to his community and country, and still shows up ready to learn, ready to fly, and ready to do whatever challenge we throw at him… including being a social media model. (He may be humble, but the camera loves him.)

Huge shoutout to his instructor, Richard Brong, for guiding Randy through the grind, the precision, and the IFR brain-melt moments that come with earning this rating.

Randy, your dedication is inspiring, your service is deeply appreciated, and your achievement today is beyond well-earned. Congratulations on becoming an instrument-rated pilot! Now onto your Commercial Certificate!

Pilot of the Month: Cassidy Bell

You see her all the time in the office, but that’s not why she’s Pilot of the Month (and definitely not because she puts up with Jenn). Cassidy earned this title because she’s been absolutely crushing it in the air and on the ground.

She’s taken charge of her flight training journey and it shows. Cassidy continually proves that the effort you put in on the ground directly translates to performance in the airplane. She doesn’t wait for answers, she seeks them out, asks smart questions, and puts that knowledge to work every time she flies.

Lately, all that solo time has sparked a major transformation, from student to true Pilot-in-Command. The confidence, the decision-making, the smooth landings… it’s all coming together.

Keep leading the way, Cassidy! Your dedication, curiosity, and drive are what the GBA spirit is all about.

Big applause (and maybe a fuel truck horn or two) for Brayden Bishop, who just earned his Commercial Pilot Certificate!

If you’ve spent any time around Great Basin Aviation, you’ve probably met Brayden, one of our dedicated line techs who keeps the ramp running like clockwork. From early morning preheats to late-night refuels, he’s part of the hardworking crew that keeps every C172 fueled, spotless, and mission-ready.

What stands out about Brayden isn’t just his work ethic, but his character. He shows up every day with a genuine smile, steady attitude, and quiet professionalism that make him the kind of person you’re just glad to have on your team. He treats everyone with respect, takes pride in every task, and carries himself with the same calm confidence you’d want in any pilot.

Now that the Commercial Certificate is in the books, the next chapter begins, and knowing Brayden, it’s just the start. Whether it’s instructing, military, charter, or even airline life, we know he’ll bring the same dedication and humility that got him here.

Big congratulations as well to his instructor, CFI Andrew Spanier, for the expert guidance and mentorship that helped make this milestone possible.

Brayden, you’re proof that great pilots aren’t just made in the cockpit , they’re also built on the ramp, one hardworking day at a time.

Family, Flight, and Focus! Huge congratulations to Holden Stone on earning his Commercial Pilot Certificate! This accomplishment didn’t just come from flight hours, it came from countless early mornings, late nights, and the kind of determination only a dad with young kids, a full-time job, and a long commute could pull off.Holden’s the definition of calm and steady, the kind of pilot who makes everything look easy even when life’s throwing in turbulence from every direction. Between diaper duty, deadlines, and distance drives, he still managed to chase this goal with focus and heart. That quiet dedication and “get it done” attitude have paid off in the best way possible.

Next stop? Maybe CFI, maybe something else, but whatever direction he flies, you can bet he’ll handle it with that trademark dad composure and a few good dad jokes in his flight bag. (We can already hear it: “You know what the prop said to the spinner? Stop spinning my stories.”)

Awesome work as well to his instructor, CFI Eric Harned, for guiding Holden through the training, checkride prep, and the million other details that make this level possible.

Holden, your example shows that you don’t have to put your dreams on hold, just strap them into the backseat and keep climbing.

Every pilot has a story, but Bobby Yarhi’s is one that truly inspires. His path to earning a Private Pilot Certificate is a testament to perseverance, grit, and determination. Life threw him its fair share of challenges, yet Bobby faced every one of them head-on, never losing sight of his dream to fly.

Balancing the demands of flight training while juggling school and everyday responsibilities is no small feat. Through long study nights, early mornings, unpredictable weather, and the occasional setback that every pilot knows too well, Bobby stayed the course. He showed what happens when passion outlasts every obstacle, and today, that dedication has officially paid off.

Now, with his wings earned, Bobby joins the ranks of licensed pilots, ready to take on new horizons. His story reminds us all that persistence and purpose can lift you higher than you ever imagined.

A big congratulations also goes to CFI Nicole Gonzalez for her incredible instruction, mentorship, and commitment to her students’ success. Bobby, your hard work and heart have taken flight, and we can’t wait to see where you go from here.

Superwoman Takes Flight! 

Huge congratulations to Elizabeth Francis, who took to the skies solo today at KRTS in N328ME on runway 08! 

Elizabeth’s journey is the very definition of persistence, grit, and heart. She started her flight training, hit pause to serve our country through boot camp and tech school, and came right back ready to climb higher than ever. Balancing her duties with the Nevada Air National Guard, her college coursework, and flight training would be a challenge for anyone, but Elizabeth handles it all like a pro, with focus, determination, and a sense of humor that keeps everyone around her smiling.

And yes… we have to mention that ridiculous email address, because it’s pure Elizabeth: unforgettable, a little chaotic, and full of personality. It’s the perfect reflection of someone who refuses to fit into a box (or stay on the ground).

Today, all her dedication paid off as she lifted off alone for the first time, just her, the sky, and that unbeatable feeling of true freedom.

Outstanding job, Elizabeth! Your hard work, drive, and fearless energy make you an inspiration to every pilot chasing their dream. Huge shoutout as well to her CFI Andy Glenn for the excellent instruction and support leading up to this milestone moment.

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Huge congratulations to Sam Klem, who just carved his name into the skies as Great Basin Aviation’s newest Private Pilot!

Sam takes his love of adventure from the slopes to the skies. Whether he’s dropping into a powder day or a steep final approach, he’s always calm, focused, and in control. His hard work, preparation, and determination are second to none , and he makes it all look as smooth as fresh corduroy at sunrise.

He’s the kind of pilot who shows up early, studies late, and keeps the same upbeat attitude no matter what challenges the weather, the lesson, or the office harassment brings. Truly one of the most pleasant, easygoing, and hard-working students to grace our ramp.

When he’s not preflighting or briefing, Sam’s out there doing what he loves, chasing peaks, exploring the outdoors, and getting ready to shred the pow-pow the way he just shredded his checkride.

Big shoutout to CFI Greg Anthenien for helping Sam navigate the bumps, find the lift, and carve out a perfect line to success. Congrats, Sam, your turns just went from carving slopes to carving clouds. Keep shredding, Private Pilot!

Huge congratulations to Cristobal “Cris” Alvarenga, who just soared into the skies as a freshly certified Private Pilot!

Cris has been one of the most dedicated and prepared students to ever taxi onto the Great Basin Aviation ramp. From day one, he’s shown unmatched focus, drive, and grit, never cutting corners, never showing up unprepared, and always putting in the extra work to be ready for whatever the day (or the weather) throws at him.

Outside of aviation, Cris is just as impressive. He’s a devoted family man who somehow manages to balance his flight training with his beautiful family and full time flight training, making sure every part of his life gets the attention and heart it deserves. That kind of balance takes real skill.

But let’s address the turbulence in the room, Cris is a Giants fan. Yep… those Giants that finished third in the NL West. So naturally, it’s only right that we take a moment to say…HOW ‘BOUT THEM DODGERS?! 

All jokes aside, this accomplishment took dedication, sacrifice, and true passion. We’re beyond proud of you, Cris, and a big shoutout to your incredible instructor, CFI Nicole Gonzalez, for her guidance, patience, and top-notch instruction. Enjoy the view, Private Pilot, you’ve earned every bit of it! 

From mastering the ramp to mastering the hold entries, Lucas Murphy is officially a CFII!

Humble, sharp, and always up for a challenge (or a HIT workout), Lucas brings the same energy to the gym that he does to the cockpit. Total precision, no excuses, and a steady, coach-style vibe that lifts everyone around him. If you’ve seen him on those early-morning briefs, you know: weather, approach plates, frequencies, and plan B/C are dialed before the Hobbs even turns.

As a CFII, Lucas is stepping fully into the clouds: teaching rock-solid instrument scan, radio calm under pressure, holds and entries, approach strategy, missed-approach discipline, and real-world ADM. He’s the instructor who turns “I think I get it” into “I’ve got this”  building confidence one briefing, one procedure, one stabilized approach at a time. Our safety culture is better because of the way he prepares, teaches, and cares about every student’s progress.

Huge congrats as well to CFII Cody Klein for top-tier mentorship and guidance along the way. The teamwork shows.

Cleared for the ILS to Awesome, Lucas! If you’re ready to level up your IFR game, come train with Lucas.

Huge congratulations to Tyler Macke!

Tyler just completed his first solo flight, and we couldn’t be more proud! From day one, he’s brought an incredible work ethic, a sharp sense of humor, and a genuine love for aviation to every lesson. He’s always here bright and early, 6 a.m. sharp, ready to preflight, learn, and take off toward his goals. Tyler is one of those students who never cuts corners; he studies hard, asks smart questions, and gives 100% effort whether he’s in the pattern or in ground school. Today, all that dedication truly paid off as he took to the skies solo for the very first time!

Originally from Las Vegas, Tyler is working toward becoming a commercial pilot, and if his determination so far is any indication, he’s well on his way. When he’s not flying, you can find him at the gym, at work as a server, or spending time with friends, but we have a feeling his favorite place to “serve” might now be a few thousand feet above the ground.

Big shoutout to his instructor, Cody Klein, for guiding him through every checklist, crosswind, and confidence boost that led to this milestone. Congratulations, Tyler, your solo flight is just the beginning. You’ve truly earned your wings, and we can’t wait to watch your aviation journey keep climbing!

Pilot of the Month: Skyler Steele ✈️

Meet Skyler Steele, our newest Pilot of the Month, and honestly, it’s about time! Skyler is one of those people who makes everyone’s day a little brighter the moment he walks in. He’s endlessly kind, always willing to help, and just has that calm, positive energy that makes you think, yep, I’d totally trust him with the controls.

Skyler has been flying through his milestones like it’s nothing, showing up with focus, consistency, and a great attitude every single time. When he’s not in the air, you’ll catch him helping out around the school, or even starring in one of our social media videos (because of course he nailed that too).

Originally from Livermore, California, Skyler’s working toward becoming a commercial or private pilot, and with his drive, work ethic, and kindness, he’s absolutely on track to make it happen.

A big congrats to Skyler and his instructor, Lucas Murphy, who nominated him for this well-earned recognition. Skyler, you make GBA a friendlier, happier place, and we couldn’t be prouder of you! 🌤️

Congratulations to Trey Casini, CFII!

The smartest guy in the room (still out for debate) just proved that brains and dedication make quite the combo. Sure, he can solve a Rubik’s Cube, whatever…but now he can also teach others how to fly confidently through the clouds.

Trey has been full-throttle at Great Basin Aviation since his private pilot days, grinding through each rating with focus, grit, and that trademark grin that somehow survives even our worst sass. He’s no stranger to hard work, early mornings, or showing up in his PJs… or in shorts and a t-shirt when it’s subzero outside. Dedication and questionable wardrobe choices run deep.

And then there’s the hair. Always perfect. Always camera-ready. Not even a headset can mess it up. If great hair and great flying were Olympic sports, Trey would medal in both.

Huge congrats as well to his instructor, Richard Brong, for helping guide Trey to this next level of aviation excellence. We’re so proud of both of you and can’t wait to see Trey pass along his knowledge (and maybe his haircare secrets) to his students.

Big news: Andy Glenn is now a CFII! Proof that focus and determination, sprinkled with tee times, a concert or two, and our trademark “so…how’s that checkride prep?” nagging, can carry you all the way across the finish line. Andy put in the reps and showed up ready every time, and it shows in the way he teaches: calm cockpit, sharp standards, real-world IFR scenarios, clean Garmin flows, and weather judgment you can actually use when the mountains get moody. He’s the kind of instructor who meets you where you are, pushes you one notch further, and makes every rep count. Huge thanks to Richard Brong, CFII, for the steady mentorship and instruction that helped polish the edges. If you’re looking to level up before winter, instrument students, rusty IFR pilots, or VFR folks getting serious, reach out to get on Andy’s schedule. Let’s turn “I hope” into “I have it.”

Congratulations to Jared Garrido! 

Jared just soared through his Instrument checkride with flying colors, and immediately announced he was heading home for the most well-deserved nap of his life. After countless hours of studying, flying through simulated clouds, and proving he can handle anything ATC throws his way, we’d say he’s earned it.

From Sparks, NV, Jared has been all about aviation since day one. When he’s not flying, he’s playing video games, making aviation TikToks, or brushing up on flight knowledge (because apparently, this guy doesn’t know how to not talk about airplanes). He’s incredibly sharp, the kind of student who can nail steep turns one day and ace math problems the next.

And get this, Jared graduated high school as a junior so he can dive into his aviation career even faster. Talk about commitment! His dream? To become an air traffic controller, though he’s so talented he could easily do both, pilot and controller. Basically, the guy could be giving himself clearances one day. ✈️

He loves blue skies, Mexican food, and a smooth flight, but don’t even mention bad weather or the Dodgers, instant no-fly zone.

Huge shoutout to his instructor, Shane Smith, for helping him reach this incredible milestone. Amazing job, Jared, the sky (and the tower) are both yours for the taking. Now go enjoy that nap, Captain… you’ve earned it. 😎🛫💤

October 1, 2025

Big congratulations to Grant White for passing his Instrument Rating check ride!

Grant has shown incredible dedication throughout his training here at Great Basin Aviation. From the very beginning, he’s put in the hard work to sharpen his skills and continue progressing toward his dream of becoming a pilot. His strong work ethic, passion for aviation, and drive to keep learning have all carried him to this milestone.

Outside the cockpit, Grant enjoys the outdoors, whether it’s hunting, fishing, or just staying active, and he always brings that same determination and focus into his flying. Achieving the Instrument Rating is no small feat, and it marks a huge step forward in his aviation journey.

Huge congratulations to Grant on this incredible achievement, and to his instructor, Greg, whose guidance and support were instrumental throughout the journey. This accomplishment is a true reflection of their hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

We’re so proud of you, Grant, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish next. Congratulations on earning your Instrument Rating! 🎉👏

Today, Skyler Steele taxied out on Runway 26 at KRTS, took a deep breath, told gluten to mind its business (no bread for this guy), and flew a clean, confident first solo. Not bad for a California transplant (we won’t hold it against him), a Costco power shopper, and a football diehard who knows the value of yardage, because every lap in the pattern is earned.

Here’s the deal with Skyler: he doesn’t make noise; he makes progress. Shows up. Listens. Practices. Shows up again. That kind of consistency turns “someday” into rotate faster than you can say “Costco taco kit.” He took the long list of little things like checklists, crosswinds, centerline discipline, and did the unglamorous work until it looked effortless. (It isn’t. He just makes it look that way.)

In the office, he’s the kind of pilot who makes the room lighter, even when we’re giving him a good-natured hard time. On the ramp, he’s disciplined and calm. In the cockpit, he’s the pilot you want in the left seat when the air gets honest. That’s why today happened quickly: not luck, not a loophole, work.

Major kudos to CFI Lucas Murphy for the coaching. Great instruction, combined with a teachable student, is a dangerous combination, in the best possible way. Awesome job guys!!

Big congratulations to Riis on earning his Instrument Rating!

If there’s one thing that stands out about Riis, it’s that he doesn’t do anything halfway. From working sunup to sundown (or sometimes even sundown to sunup) as a plumber, to being a true workout fanatic, to his love for pitbulls, everything he takes on gets his full commitment. That same relentless drive carried him through the challenges of instrument training, and it’s no surprise he came out successful.

The instrument rating is no small accomplishment, it takes focus, discipline, and persistence. Riis showed all of that and more, proving once again that when he sets his mind to something, he gives it everything he’s got.

Huge congratulations to Riis on this incredible achievement, and to his instructor, Andrew, whose guidance and support were instrumental throughout the journey. This accomplishment is a true reflection of their hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

We couldn’t be more proud of the effort he’s put into reaching this milestone. Congratulations, Riis! Your hard work in and out of the cockpit continues to inspire, and the sky is truly the limit from here. 

We are proud to recognize Alex Florez as our Pilot of the Month! Alex, a commercial pilot currently working toward his CFI under the instruction of Eric Harned, has shown outstanding dedication and professionalism throughout his training.

From the very beginning, Alex’s consistency, preparation, and maturity have set him apart. He approaches every lesson with determination and focus, balancing the demands of advanced training while maintaining the same enthusiasm that first brought him into aviation. His commitment is evident in the steady progress he continues to make and the positive presence he brings to the hangar.

As a recipient of the Reno Air Races Scholarship, Alex exemplifies what it means to carry ambition through every stage of training. He has taken that opportunity and built upon it with tireless effort, proving that his success is no accident but the result of hard work, persistence, and a passion for excellence.

Alex’s pleasant demeanor, professionalism, and dedication make him not only a deserving recipient of this award but also a role model for fellow students. We are excited to see him continue his journey toward becoming a CFI and sharing his passion for aviation with others.

Huge congratulations to Alex on this incredible achievement, and to his instructor, Eric, whose guidance and support were instrumental throughout the journey. This accomplishment is a true reflection of their hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Congratulations, Alex, your hard work and consistency have truly paid off, and this recognition is well earned! 

Huge Congratulations to Reeve Lester on His First Solo Flight! 

Today, Reeve reached one of the biggest milestones in any pilot’s journey, the very first time flying completely solo! After hours of hard work and training, he lifted off, flew the pattern, and made smooth landings with no instructor in the right seat. That moment of quiet in the cockpit when it’s just you, the plane, and the sky is one every pilot remembers forever, and now Reeve has that memory to hold onto. 

Reeve comes to us from Oregon, and has big dreams of becoming a pilot. When he’s not flying, he’s often diving into robotics or playing video games, a true mix of curiosity and creativity. He’s also got a fun side: his favorite food is fresh pineapple, his favorite color is heliotrope, and he proudly calls himself a “nerd,” which in aviation, usually just means passionate and detail-oriented.

Huge congratulations to Reeve on this incredible achievement, and to his instructor, Eric, whose guidance and support were instrumental throughout the journey. This accomplishment is a true reflection of their hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Reeve, we’re so proud of your hard work and determination. Your first solo is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where your flying journey takes you next. Congratulations again on this unforgettable achievement, the sky is yours!

Brendan Gomez is now Instrument Rated!! Nerves? Only in the photos.

Another one of our line-tech extraordinaires put the foggles on and flew like a metronome. Localizer alive, centered. Glideslope captured, smooth. Intercepts on point, holds tidy, and the 3 Ts (turn–time–twist) happened before you could even say “procedure turn.” When visibility went blah, Brendan’s scan stayed calm and crisp, needles living inside half-scale like they pay rent. Missed approach briefed, timer running, calls clean, pure IFR discipline.

He may look a little tense in the pictures, but there were zero nerves in the cockpit, just a pilot doing the work, step by step. Former ski racer, which tracks: he carves the airway like fresh corduroy, precise lines, measured corrections, no drama. He briefed the plate, set up the box, verified fixes, and stayed ahead of the airplane the whole time. Even the little IFR gotchas, timing, wind correction, and that “don’t chase the needle” patience, were handled like he’s been living under the hood for years.

Huge congrats to CFII Eric Harned for the right-seat zen and sharp coaching. Next time you see Brendan on the ramp, hit him with a congrats. He’s probably celebrating tonight, and it’s well deserved. Enjoy the new superpower, Brendan: when visibility is optional, your precision isn’t.

A huge congratulations to Kiera Grange on passing her CFI checkride!

From day one, Kiera has shown that persistence and discipline are the cornerstones of her journey. Whether she’s training for triathlons, perfecting her swimming, or putting in the countless hours of study and flight time, she approaches every challenge with determination and focus. That drive has carried her all the way to earning her Certified Flight Instructor certificate, a milestone that proves just how dedicated she is to chasing her dreams.

Her ability to balance being active, disciplined, and passionate about aviation is a true example for others. A big shoutout to her instructor, Danny, for his mentorship and support throughout this journey. 

We couldn’t be prouder of you, Kiera. Your persistence and passion are proof that when you stay committed to your goals, the sky is truly the limit. Here’s to inspiring future aviators and all the incredible adventures ahead!

Huge congratulations to Sanddon for passing his CFI check ride!

What makes this milestone even more special is that Sanddon has been with us at Great Basin Aviation since day one, from private pilot all the way through earning his Certified Flight Instructor certificate. Watching his dedication, perseverance, and growth as a pilot has been nothing short of inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder to see him reach this point.

Outside the cockpit, Sanddon is a personal trainer who loves lifting heavy weights, and he’s brought that same drive, discipline, and passion to his flight training. Just like in the gym, he’s been racking up the reps, one flight at a time, building the foundation that got him here today.

A big shoutout as well to Bob, his instructor, whose guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in Sanddon’s journey. Bob’s expertise and support helped shape Sanddon into the pilot and instructor he is today.

We’re excited to see Sanddon step into this new role as a CFI and begin sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation with the next generation of pilots.

Helping people make connections, strengthen community, and be a part or something bigger than individual pursuits. That is one thing Great Basin Aviation’s owner, Jennifer Fonda, does and does well. Today she was honored with the Education and Lifelong Learning award at the Accentuate the Positive ceremony hosted by Truckee Meadows Tomorrow, a local non-profit that provides important data on quality of life for our community. Jenn is a constant reminder that aviation is about more than flying solo. It is a pathway to develop leadership, build bridges in the community, and inspire the next generation in all their pursuits. Congratulations on this well deserved honor!

Today we celebrate a huge milestone—Maile has officially completed her very first solo flight!

Maile, who comes to us from Las Vegas, has always been a high achiever on the ground and now in the sky. When she’s not training, she’s hard at work as a mechanical engineering intern at SNC and pursuing her dream of becoming an aerospace engineer.

But what makes Maile especially inspiring is how much she gives back outside the cockpit. She’s been deeply involved in extracurricular clubs and community organizations—from volunteering with FIRST Robotics to touring a nuclear reactor with the American Nuclear Society. Her dedication, teamwork, and curiosity know no bounds.

On top of that, Maile has spent twelve years playing piano, mastered Taiko (Japanese drums), and is also skilled in Hula dancing. Whether it’s music, science, or aviation, she pours herself fully into everything she does.

A big congratulations also goes out to her instructor, CFII Andrew Spanier, whose guidance and support helped prepare Maile for this unforgettable day.

Soloing isn’t just about flying an airplane alone—it’s about trust, growth, and courage. Maile, you’ve proven that you can rise to any challenge, and your journey in aviation is just beginning. We can’t wait to see where the skies take you next!

GOOOAAAL! Cassidy Bell soloed!!

If you’ve ever been greeted by the friendliest face in the GBA office, you already know Cassidy Bell, but don’t let that sweet smile fool you. Today she laced up for her biggest match yet and soloed Runway 17L at KRNO in N752DW, a true one-player breakaway to the net.

On the pitch and in the pattern, Cassidy plays box-to-box: D-1 soccer standout, miles-for-breakfast runner, MBA brain, and now pilot, reading the field, keeping her head on a swivel, and making crisp, purposeful moves. She widened the touchline on downwind, set up a perfect cross on base, and finished on final with a top-corner landing. Call it a captain’s performance: composed, disciplined, and clinical in the last 100 feet.

Originally from Dallas (and a loyal Cowboys fan), Cassidy clearly knows her footballs, both kinds, but today was pure soccer poetry: patience in the build-up, precision in the approach, and a calm finish when it counted. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and this solo is only the first goal in a very long season.

Huge congratulations to Cassidy, and to her CFI Cory Kleidosty for the perfectly timed assist. First solo in the books. Scoreline: Cassidy 1, Nerves 0

Critical Hit: Josh Gilmore Levels Up to Commercial Pilot! Roll initiative for applause, because Josh Gilmore just completed the ultimate boss battle, the commercial checkride, and scored a Nat 20. Our line-tech extraordinaries (keeper of the ramp, vanquisher of belly grime, and occasional caster of the Golf Cart Donut spell) proved he’s not just a pretty face sprinting across the flight line, he’s a bona fide Commercial Aviator.

Here’s the part the whole party already knows: Josh is the teammate you always want in your adventuring group, steady hands, quiet leadership, and clutch saves when the quest gets weird. He’s the first to pick up a side quest, the last to leave the dungeon, and the one who keeps morale high with equal parts humility and humor. That same character showed up in the cockpit: ACS maneuvers like well-timed spell slots, communication that would make any tower bard sing, and professionalism that rolls a reliable 20 every time.

By day, Josh is the Ranger of Refuel and Paladin of Pavement, herding arrivals, dispatching departures, and keeping the realm (ahem, ramp) lawful and orderly. When the quest marker lit up, he swapped chocks for checklists and crushed the commercial, chandelles, lazy eights, and a power-off 180 right on the treasure tile. Consider this an official multi-class: Line Tech ➜ Commercial Pilot. Same hustle, new proficiency bonus.

A huge well played to his party wizard, CFI Greg Anthenien, for masterfully DM’ing the campaign and guiding our hero through every trap, trial, and turbulence hex.

Raise your d20s (and maybe a donut) for Josh. He’s proof that when you prep like a pro, keep your party tight, and stay humble, you level up, and make the whole guild better while you do it. Onward to the next quest!

Congratulations to Jeremy Ellison, Reno’s newest Private Pilot! For months, we thought Jeremy was a ghost. Why? Because we never saw him but the plane flew. While the rest of us were still fumbling for coffee and unlocking the office, Jeremy had already been here, grinding away at his training before heading off to tackle work and family life. Turns out he wasn’t invisible, he was just outworking the rest of us.

Balancing flight training is tough. Balancing flight training while being a dedicated dad and professional? That takes a whole different level of discipline. Jeremy showed us all how it’s done: he carved out the time, showed up prepared, and made every lesson count.

Now, let’s not overlook his questionable taste in pizza toppings. Yes, Jeremy is that guy who proudly orders pineapple on his pizza () And while we’ll save the “hot fruit debate” for another time, one thing’s for sure, his work ethic is just as bold as his menu choices.

Jeremy’s story is proof that if you want something badly enough, you don’t make excuses, you make it happen. All while staying humble, coachable, and focused on what matters. Major kudos also to his CFI James Morgan for being the steady hand guiding him through this journey.

Jeremy, we’re proud of you. Your kids have a dad who just proved what determination looks like. Way to go, Private Pilot Ellison!

That’s right, after decades of helping build the world from the ground up, we finally got Monk off the ground accompanied by Chief CFI Richard.

If you haven’t had the privilege of meeting him, Monk is in our office every Thursday from noon to 4pm. He’s a retired engineer who literally left his fingerprints on America. From Boeing facilities, iconic LA hotels, 1/2 of San Francisco, and even the original Reno MGM. This guy knows steel! He’s also a huge community volunteer, a U.S. Marine and a Vietnam Veteran, a man whose lifelong commitment to service continues to inspire. Monk has been both an Honor Flight honoree and an escort, honoring his brothers and sisters in arms while keeping their stories alive.

These days, Monk channels that same grit and passion into aviation. Seeing him take flight is just another reminder that you’re never too seasoned to chase new adventures. Stop in on a Thursday to say hi, but fair warning: stick around too long and you might find yourself roped into helping him with his ground school.

Here’s to Monk! Proof that legends don’t just stay on the ground, they take to the skies. Next up, we get Noreen airborne. She just does not know it yet.

Big congratulations to Jacob Hulsizer on passing his Instrument Rating checkride! Jacob continues to prove that hard work and discipline pay off, whether in the air or on the ground. If you know Jacob, you know he’s never one to do things halfway. From the moment he started training, he’s brought his trademark energy and determination into every lesson. Outside of flying, he keeps busy with fishing, snowboarding, and following his favorite team, the Chargers.

As a die-hard Chargers fan, Jacob knows how to “bolt” through challenges, “charge” into new opportunities, and keep his eye on the end zone. Just like his team, he’s powered up for success and ready to take on any IFR conditions that come his way.

We’re proud of Jacob’s work ethic, dedication, and passion for flying. His determination, enthusiasm, and love for chasing his dreams set him apart, and we can’t wait to see where he’ll go from here. This milestone is just another step toward an exciting future in aviation. We also want to congratulate Andrew Spanier, Jacob’s CFII, for successfully guiding him through this journey.