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    Marlenne Urena-Gonzalez Soloed!!

    She’s fabulous, she bakes a mean sourdough, and today she soared to incredible heights and soloed at KRTS on runway 32 in N37JA! That’s right everyone, it’s none other than the marvelous Marlenns Urena-Gonzalez and she’s been crushing the flight training game as of late! Marlenne has been studying and flying diligently these last few months and today was the day: the illustrious moment where Marlenne got to give her flight instructor, Andrew Spanier, the ceremonial boot out of the plane. While Andrew was saying his prayers on the sidelines (just kidding ), Marlenne taxied to the runway with a sense of calm and determination. If you’ve met Marlenne, you know that she may come off quiet, but she is an incredible woman. From going to college to become a teacher, volunteering in the community, and commuting all the way from Yerington, she was already impressive enough, but this is truly the icing on the cake. Marlenne, we are so incredibly proud to see you progress through your training, and we have no doubt that you’re going to accomplish incredible things as you continue on this path. Let’s give Marlenne and Andrew a massive congratulations on this incredible accomplishment! Keep it up Marlenne and get out there and fly! ​
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    Ben Novello is a Private Pilot!!

    Looks like Ben Novello just took his talents from the slopes and trails straight to the skies by earning his Private Pilot’s License! Hailing from Kings Beach, CA, Ben has always had a need for speed—whether it’s carving turns on his snowboard or tearing up the trails on his dirt bike. But now, he’s taken that same adventurous spirit to the air, logging hours in the left seat and trading ground speed for airspeed. With a headset on and eyes to the sky, Ben’s swapped berms and backflips for run-ups and radio calls, proving he’s got the skills to navigate both mountains and meteorology. His love for all things fast and fun has officially taken off—literally—and now he’s chasing horizons instead of just hills. From pre-flights to perfect landings, and every pattern entry in between, Ben’s shown he’s got the right attitude and altitude. A huge congratulations to Ben and his awesome CFI, Eric Harned. What a high-flying accomplishment!
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    Hailey Bogle is Instrument Rated!!

    Every now and again that perfect combination of grit, determination, and brains fills the roll of student and just makes a CFI feel like the world is going to be okay! Hailey Bogle is that student today as she rock-and-rolled her way through a successful Instrument Pilot checkride! It is impossible to say enough complimentary things about this human being. Her journey is nothing short of textbook form start to finish. Hailey IS the example. She earned this rating all while balancing the task of managing the office, politely reminding you all to keep your paperwork current, putting up with Richard going off the rails, and earning a slot as a future Air Traffic Controller! C’mon, Hailey! You make us all look bad! Top that all off with one of the nicest compliments in the world from Bob after Hailey’s mock oral. He said, “You oughta’ teach the class!” True story, Hailey even made Richard cry be executing an ILS with such grace, he had absolutely nothing to say. Nothing! I kid you not! We are so proud of you, Hailey Bogle! CONGRATULATIONS! You earned every last drop of this! ​
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    Brayden Bishop is a Private Pilot!!

    Wait a minute… we know this guy! Our recent solo pilot and former Pilot of the Month is officially a Private Pilot! To no surprise, Brayden Bishop aced his checkride with ease! From day one, Brayden has brought passion, drive, and a contagious sense of positivity to each flight and let’s be honest, we all knew he was destined to soar. Brayden is truly an amazing aviator, and character. It’s truly no surprise that Brayden has conquered this milestone and we’re so incredibly proud of him and all the hard work he’s put in to get to this point in his training. When he’s not flying like a mad man, you can find him enjoying the great outdoors, cooking up a chef’s masterpiece, living on the edge while riding motorcycles, and being with his friends and family. Awesome work Brayden, and huge congrats to his CFI Andrew Spainer! We hear instrument is right around the corner.
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    Troy Cook Soloed!

    Ahhhhhh, the great outdoors. When the monotony of life seems to be taking over, there’s nothing like a new hiking trail, camping site, skiing/ snowboarding route, or an unexplored view to reinvigorate the soul. For Troy Cook, this isn’t just a way to recharge, it’s a way of life. Forever chasing new adventures, Troy recently set his sights even higher by beginning flight training! What better way to explore the world than by seeing it from a bird’s eye view. Troy achieved his first major milestone today of his flight training pursuit and soloed at KRTS on runway 8 in N37JA!! That’s right, adventure extraordinaire Troy Cook took to the skies this morning and kicked out his flight instructor, Lucas Murphy, to the curb to flaunt his stuff. Despite weather being deceivingly rocky this morning, Troy came in ready and prepared and dominated the pattern like a skilled and safe pilot. Troy, you’ve been crushing your ground, you’ve been flying to your heart’s content, and today you’ve officially mastered the skies! Awesome job to Troy and Lucas on this incredible achievement! We have no doubt you’ll see more of Troy here in the future. Here’s to the next great adventure!
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    Shawn is a CFI!!

    ​Shawn Plunket is officially a Certified Flight Instructor—because apparently, being a Cal Fire badass, retired Nevada Air National Guard Chief, and full-time family man wasn’t quite enough. If you know Shawn, you know this guy does not stop moving. The man wrapped up his checkride, shook hands, grabbed his temp cert, and was already halfway over the hill before we could even snap a photo. He’s got about 12 things going on at once and somehow crushes all of them, honestly, someone nominate him for mayor.
    His checkride got a little sporty, but no surprise, Shawn powered through like a pro. Huge congrats to him, and big shoutout to his CFI, Danny Britson, for getting him checkride-ready. Way to go, Shawn! You’ve officially added “Flight Instructor” to your already stacked résumé, and we’re lucky to have been part of your journey! 
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