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    Anthony is a Commercial Pilot!!

    ​No, it is not déjà vu, but yes, you have seen this name very recently… Anthony Futch is a Commercial Pilot!! Anthony was very well prepared which was evident in his oral exam and his smooth flight. It wasn’t long ago that this high-speed 141 student earned his Instrument Rating. He embraced the rigorous schedule and pretty much lived at GBA (seriously), and in the end, success!! We might even make him the new 141 poster boy. Remember this name because you will be reading about his CFI accomplishment very soon. Awesome job Anthony and also incredible work by his instructor, Danny Britson! 
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    Alex is a Private Pilot!!

    Now that the snow is almost gone, Alex Monroe, avid shredder, has had more time to work on his pilot skills. Today, he showed that he can also shred in the sky because he earned his Private Pilot Certificate!! Nothing like some summer afternoon winds and thermals to add to the mix when trying to demonstrate all required maneuvers within standards. Like hitting the moguls of the sky. No problem for Alex though. He fought through it and definitely worked hard to earn this awesome first step toward a career in aviation. He has successfully balanced work, probably a bunch of fun, family, and flying. It can be done and now Alex will start on that next step, his instrument rating. Relax a little but get right back at it. Huge congratulations to Alex and his CFI Ryan Mill!!
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    Dan is Instrument Rated!

    The overachiever achieved again. Dan Newton is now instrument rated! A few clouds, a little fog, no problem, Dan can handle it. If you remember, Dan is the GBA student who completed all of his knowledge exams, Private to CFII, before he started his private pilot training. He is definitely a goal setting, go-getter who is exceeding his own expectations. All while working full time as a hydrologist and providing comic relief in the office (us making fun of him). We truly enjoy having Dan around and are so excited to see his success. It definitely does not come easy but he is putting in the work and seeing results. Awesome job Dan!! Great work as well to his CFII Greg Rudman!

    He ran out before we could corner him for a picture so this is his Private Pilot one :) ​​
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    Austin soloed Austin!

    Austin Fullmer soloed!! What an awesome way to start a morning. Local geological engineer, Austin, got his first PIC time circling, and landing, at KRNO, runway 35R today in N670CS. No pressure at all when you have an audience of his CFI Austin White, commercial airlines, ATC, other CFIs, and other students watching your very first solo landings. But, Austin handled it like a pro, or I guess you can say he “rocked” it (geological engineer and all). Austin is another example of incredible time management. He is at GBA 3-4 times a week flying, goes to work at his engineering job, proudly serves in the Nevada Air National Guard, plus finds time to golf and go camping with his girlfriend. He also passed his knowledge test last week (he was sick of us nagging him) and is on track for his Private Pilot in the next several weeks. Awesome job Austin and Austin! All that hard work is paying off! ​
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    Who needs a CFI?

    Some people are just born to fly. Carson Smith is one of them. Since he was a kid he has been staring toward the sky, enamored by airplanes. Today, the tables turned, and people were staring toward the sky watching him. Carson experienced the sweet freedom of solo flight this morning at KRTS in N495SP. His CFI, Ryan Mill watched from the ramp as Carson flew his most memorable laps. Carson is home from college this summer and powering through a rigorous training schedule. His self-discipline is apparent in everything he does as he is hitting all the marks ahead of schedule. When Carson is not flying, he is staring at airplanes overhead, working out, or busy at his summer job at Chick Fil A. Make sure to say hi to him, as we know many of you frequent that place. It won’t be long and you will reading about his Private Pilot Certificate success. Awesome job Carson!! Great work as well to his CFI Ryan. ​
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    Nishan Soloed!!

    Today Nishan felt the need, the need for speed. But 110 knots (if he was lucky) was going to have to suffice. This future fighter pilot, Nishan Riar, soloed today in N328ME at KSPZ, runway 24. Granted he got a little extra speed after booting his CFI Nik Joshi out of the plane, but nothing like a jet. Regardless, he felt the freedom of solo flight. We have been so lucky to have Nishan as part of the GBA team for the last couple years. He started flying here when he was 14. Now he is 16, soloing, having the time of his life, and definitely on track for his private pilot right at 17. With his skills and precision, he will move though his advanced ratings in no time. The best of the best right here. Awesome work Nishan! We are so happy you hit this milestone. Now the real fun begins, just no buzzing the tower. Congratulations as well to his CFI Nik!
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