Congratulations to Austin White who is now free to legally roam the friendly skies (below 18,000 feet in VFR conditions)!! Today Austin demonstrated the proficiencies of a private pilot as he maneuvered in the north valleys and easily made his way back into KRNO. Austin is pretty stinkin’ impressive. He came to us from another school after a discovery flight and from start to finish, he was motivated and able to complete his requirements, including ground school and written exam, in 7 weeks and 1 day. Totally out of the norm but it shows it is possible. Austin flew 3-4 days a week while also working full time as a project manager/estimator for a heavy civil construction company. He already has his first certificated pilot flight tomorrow morning to take his wife up and share his love of aviation with her. Awesome job to Austin and his instructor, Levi Mellows!! ​

Why do we become pilots? We all have our reasons but one thing we all share are the opportunities for adventure in the sky.  As pilots, we have the freedom to soar over beautiful landscapes, visit exciting locations, and share our love of aviation. Pilot Cody did exactly that this last weekend. Loaded up N670CS and took his sweet Mom for a flight to their hometown of Page, AZ. The way back gave them the opportunity to tour the Grand Canyon at a few thousand feet above the ground. It it true what “they” say…"a mile of highway will take you a mile, but a mile of runway will take you anywhere.” In Cody’s case it took him on a truly unforgettable flight. ​

​Congratulations to Lee Gerwitz who soloed in N670CS at KRNO, runway 34R. Lee is pretty amazing…not only is he a super cool guy, Lee works in the medical field which, as we alll know, has been crazy these last several months. Lee finds his escape in the sky. He came to us from a flight school in NY and started learning the intricacies of Northern Nevada and showed his instructor he has what it takes to PIC an aircraft in the NV terrain and winds. We are so excited and fortunate to assist Lee as he keeps  progressing toward his goal of earning his Private Pilot. Congratulations as well to his strawberry pop tart loving instructor Danny Britson! Awesome job guys!! One step closer to your goal Lee! 

Congratulations to John Simonsen who soloed today in N752DW at KRTS, runway 08!! His instructor, Mark Montague, watched from the taxiway as John flew his first few solo laps in the pattern. COVID definitely messed up John’s flight training plans but he is now back at it and determined and focused. Between UNR classes, cracking jokes with Mark, and ground school studying, John has a plan and will definitely get there. He was "feeling pretty good,” as he put on his aviators and strolled out of the office. We hope he is out celebrating (responsibly) right now. Awesome job to John and Mark!! ​

Congratulations to Sam Armstrong for successfully completing his Instrument checkride and becoming Northern Nevada’s newest instrument rated pilot! Sam can attest that this rating is tons of work, lots of flying, and even some fun. Today he took to the sky, missing out on the gorgeous flying weather due to being under the foggles, flew his approaches, reported Bread, and showed the examiner he has what it takes to fly in the clouds. Congratulations to his instructor, Danny Britson, as well! Stay tuned for more news from Sam as he is working on taking his training to bigger and faster aircraft. Awesome job Sam!! This is a well-earned and a significant achievement that is inspiring to many of us.