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    Mitchell Martin is a Private Pilot!!

    Let’s give a round of applause for the smoothest operator in town, Mitchell Martin, on officially earning his private pilot license today! Mitch has been a flying machine these last few months. From dominating solo like it was no big deal to coming in today and sealing his fate as a full-fledged private pilot, Mitch’s pathway throughout his flight training has been nothing but admirable. Mitch, you’ve put in the work, forgotten your headset a few times, and now you get to enjoy the thrill of the skies! Let that sink in! Mitch loves the adventure that comes with the thrill, and what better way to accommodate that love than becoming pilot? And while Mitch may come off like the thrill seeking, adrenaline junkie who enjoys skiing, motorcycle riding, and everything else in between—well, because he is—he also has a smooth jazz side of him that you’d never really see coming. Mitchell is a madman on the saxophone, laying down only the smoothest and most buttery of beats in town. Mitch intends on celebrating with a well-earned map and potentially some pizza and wings. Awesome work today, Mitch! Let’s give Mitch and his CFI, Eric Harned, a huge congratulations on this awesome accomplishment! Great work you guys!
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    Adam is a Private Pilot!

    Adam Chiamulon is officially a Private Pilot! What can we say about Adam…Well, he’s no stranger to aviation; he’s built a successful career in the industry, working with aircraft parts, cabin systems, and globe-spanning logistics. He’s probably been in more airplane cabins than all of us combined. But now, instead of helping the industry stay airborne, Adam’s the one behind the controls. Despite a work schedule that sends him bouncing across continents, he still found the time, drive, and commitment to knock out his private pilot training. Was it easy? Nope. Did we nag him constantly? Absolutely. Did he still bring us donuts? Like a champ. The man knows how to keep morale high. Let’s be real, becoming a pilot takes serious effort. And Adam’s not the type to phone it in. He showed up, studied, flew, and stuck with it, even when we threw mock checkrides, heat, and Reno’s ever-spicy wind conditions at him. The guy doesn’t quit, doesn’t cut corners, and somehow makes hot, turbulent flights look almost enjoyable. Now, Adam adds “pilot” to his already impressive list of achievements. Huge congrats to him, and to his awesome CFI Cory Kleidosty for keeping him on track and runway ready. The sky’s no longer the limit, it’s just his starting point.
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    Kayleigh Dohm: She Shoots, She Soars!

    Today, Kayleigh Dohm took the ice, er, runway, and absolutely crushed her first solo flight at KRNO on 35R in N495SP! While most dream of breakaways on the rink, Kayleigh’s out here pulling off pattern work like a pro. She left the instructor on the bench and flew three solid landings, totally unassisted. Just her, the airplane, and the goal horn of freedom sounding in her head. Kayleigh is quite possibly one of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet. Her life goal? To play professional hockey and suit up for her beloved New York Rangers. But if that doesn’t pan out, she’ll “settle” for being a pilot, ideally in a plane with Rangers livery (we can respect that). Whether she’s not dreaming of running drills on the ice or rolling out final, she brings the same fierce determination, sharp focus, and quiet confidence to everything she does. While she hasn’t signed with the NHL (yet), today’s solo was definitely a top-shelf moment. Stick taps to her CFI Greg Anthenien for being the coach behind the scenes, guiding her to this big win. From her love of pucks to propellers, Kayleigh’s proving the sky is her new arena.
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    Andrew Bilotti Soloed!

    There’ve been rumors around the ramp these last few weeks that there’s a guy who can take the fuel cap off the top of the plane without having to use the strut to get up. You may have also seen this mystery man walk into the office, nearly hitting his head on the archway of the door entry. The other thing we’ve heard about him is that he recently crushed his first solo flight today! The man, the myth, and the literal legend, Andrew Billoti, who most likely holds the title for the tallest student to train with our school, soared through the skies solo this morning at KRTS in N752DW on runway 26! There are not enough amazing things to say about Andrew Bilotti. From soloing in just 4 weeks, flying sometimes twice a day, being a stud inside the airplane and out, studying at the Naval Academy, having one of the kindest personalities around, and working towards becoming a Navy pilot… it goes without saying that Andrew truly deserves this moment in the sun. Andrew, this has been a crazy few weeks for you, and we couldn’t be prouder of you and your progress! Let’s give Andrew and his apparently miniature CFI, Greg Anthenien, a huge congratulations on this well-deserved accomplishment! Andrew, we can’t wait to see you again soon, but until then, here’s to blue skies and tailwinds!
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    Tony Torres Soloed at KRNO!!

    Good morning, everyone! While all of us were snuggled up in our beds enjoying the start of our Saturdays, Tony Torres was on a mission and arrived at the KRNO airport with his game face on. “Why?” you might be asking. Because today was the day that Tony would crush solo flight! Nearly dragging his instructor, Cory Kleidosty, out of his car at 5AM this morning, they did a couple laps and then the time came. Tony expertly flew the pattern here at KRNO (might I add with the most beautiful rectangular patterns) all by himself in N752DW on runway 17L!! When Tony isn’t studying and flying to his heart’s content, you can find him catching food in his mouth like an absolute pro (apparently, he has the reflexes of a cat!), banishing people for tickling him (seriously, don’t tickle him… he may appear sweet, but Tony can be an absolute menace), going to the lake with friends and family, and working his trusty Trader Joe’s job. Let’s give a huge round of applause to Tony and his CFI and arts and crafts pro, Cory Kleidosty (who has been making his students “solo” cups for these milestones 🥹) on this amazing accomplishment! That checkride is just on the horizon, Tony!
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    Noah Perkins is a Private Pilot!!

    “He’s got 10 seconds on the buzzer everyone; can Noah Perkins make the shot and bring home that checkride win today? He’s got his last chance as he approaches half court, and he sends the shot… andddddd HE MAKES IT!” Noah Perkins is officially an MVP and earned his private pilot license today!! Noah Perkins has been dribbling basketball, aviation club, school, AND flight training all at the same time these last couple of months. While Noah’s definitely been busy, there’s no doubt that he’s handled everything served to him with the utmost care and it’s truly no surprise that he came in today and absolutely dominated his checkride. With that said, we’re also pretty certain that Noah’s mom, Tori, and dad, Adam, who are both professional pilots, will have the biggest smiles plastered on their faces all day today after hearing the news that their son has joined the ranks as a fully-fledged private pilot! Noah, we are so incredibly proud to see how far you’ve come in your aviation journey, and we have no doubt that even more amazing achievements lie ahead of you (college here we come!). Let’s give Noah and his coach/CFI, Eric Harned, a massive congratulations on this absolutely incredible accomplishment! Seriously, way to go, Noah! Now get out there, the sky is calling!
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