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.

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.

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.

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.