With the onset of bug season and decreased window visibility, it is wise to pursue the instrument rating . Not the reason Mustafa Shah took on the challenge, but today he was successful demonstrating he can focus on his instruments as he passed his instrument checkride!! Mustafa flew N752DW around Northern Nevada fulfilling the requirements of this difficult rating. Plus, he reported BREAD (our favorite). If Mustafa was nervous, he did not let it show. He was prepared for this moment. When he started training, he came prepped, having already completed his written and logging some PIC XC time. In the plane he is strictly business, but outside, he talks about his love of flying, especially the technical side. He has been known to get slightly annoyed when he is half a degree off on an approach. Mustafa is always aiming for perfection. Must run in the family because this UNR Alumni is the child of two surgeons. I am sure they are super proud of this awesome accomplishment. Congratulations to Mustafa and his CFII Ethan Chinowsky!


​****To clarify, even with the bugs, you can still see out the window. We do regularly clean them. Meant to be a joke ****

Greg Rudman soloed!! The former NASA cyber security rocket man, turned pilot, soloed at KRTS this morning in N37JA. His CFI, Jack Darlington, stood shivering on the side of the runway watching Greg perform with ease. Greg was in no hurry to let Jack back in as that bit of freedom is an indescribable feeling and you never want it to end. Greg is a pretty accomplished fella. Has his masters in cyber security and still works full time in the industry. When he has time off, he is not out phishing (haha!), he is listening to live ATC, acing his knowledge exam, and flying around northern Nevada. Greg is also a joy to have around the office and ramp. Like the F5 key…so refreshing. As much as he loves flying and he being at the airport, there is no place like 127.0.0.1 where he can study chill with his cats. Another awesome accomplish to add to Greg’s success. That private pilot will be here before you know it. Congratulations to Greg and Jack! And, a friendly PSA, think before you click :) ​

What does it take to be a CFI? Ask Northern Nevada’s newest addition to the instructor pool! Austin White accomplished the next milestone in his aviation career by showing the examiner his ability to maintain calm and cool while a ‘simulated student’ does their best to upset the proverbial apple cart. Austin flew in N495SP, his favorite bird, all around the neighborhood and danced in the less than perfect flight conditions. Once he finished, he heard the hard earned “Congratulations!” from the examiner. I think you may be seeing more of Austin in the future. Excellent work to you and your instructor Danny!

House it going everyone?! Local star realtor and GBA’s best dressed student, Kaitlyn Lera, is on cloud nine this morning because she is officially a soloed pilot! After a couple of successful practice landings, Kaitlyn kicked out her instructor, Ethan Chinowsky, and buttered N37JA onto runway 8 at KRTS! But KRTS obviously wasn’t enough, so with some extra time, Kaitlyn kicked out her instructor, yet again (we don’t blame her), and did another beautiful lap back at KRNO. With her home in Minden, Kaitlyn makes the impressive trek up to Reno to pursue her flight training, and with her success so far, Kaitlyn has interests in potentially making a career within the field! There’s so much to love about Kaitlyn, especially her fashion sense, and here is another impressive accomplishment to add to the list! Congratulations to Kaitlyn and her instructor Ethan Chinowsky!