- GREAT BASIN AVIATION

Published on: June 20, 2024

Andy's a Private Pilot!!

Wait, we know this guy! We’re thrilled to announce that our weekend line tech and avid golfer, Andy Glenn, has just scored a hole-in-one by earning his private pilot license today! Andy hit off his training with the same precision he brings to the golf course. Dressed in one of his golf outfits, and sporting his legendary mustache, he came ready to take a checkride but then also play a game afterwards... if you didn’t know he was a character before, then I’m sure that little tid bit tells you all you need to know. From fairways to runways, Andy’s precision both on the golf course and in the cockpit is inspirational, showing that he’s a truce ace. And to no one’s surprise, right after earning his certificate, Andy quite literally went to the golf course to celebrate… unreal 🙄. As much as we love to give him a hard time, this smiley guy has worked incredibly hard to get to this point in his training. Awesome work, Andy! Also, huge shoutout to his quite literal partner-in-crime and CFI, Nathan Morin, who has been by Andy’s side coaching him the HOLE time… okay I’ll stop. Great work you two! Now onto instrument!

Published on: June 20, 2024

Nathan's Cracked the Code on Instrument!

Computer whizz and pilot extraordinaire, Nathan Sargent, has officially debugged the skies and earned his instrument rating today! Nathan, known for his binary brilliance and terminal tenacity, has officially added a new line of code to his aviation skills repository. His passion for computers seamlessly integrates with his love for aviation, making him a high-flying programmer with a knack for navigating both the digital and aerial realms. Nathan’s journey has been nothing short of a masterclass in persistence and precision. Whether it was interpreting ATC instructions as seamlessly as reading code or navigating through clouds as confidently as debugging software, Nathan has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. When Nathan isn’t hacking into the mainframe, this computer scientist is anything but a hermit and loves to spend his time outdoors basking in all that natural glory. Huge congratulations to Nathan and his CFII, Shane Smith, who was the key function that made it all possible and provided the perfect algorithm to Nathan’s success. Awesome work, Nathan!

Published on: June 19, 2024

Preston is a CFI!!

Preston Parrish is now an airplane CFI!! Why are we being specific with "airplane?" Well, because this guy has more ratings and certificates than you can shake a propeller at. If he had business cards, they’d be legal paper size! Not only does this amazing aviator have all his glider certificates and ratings, including Glider CFI, but he's also racking up all the airplane ratings and certificates. Is this part of his plan for world domination? Who knows at this point! While Preston has been out there hustling on his aviation career goals, he’s also a full-time student at UNR, studying business finance. And did we mention he commutes in from Truckee? Talk about dedication! Where will Preston land with his newfound certificate? Maybe the real question is, does this guy ever land because he certainly doesn’t sit still. CFII is definitely in his future. Huge congratulations to Preston and a big shoutout to his CFI Richard Brong for guiding him to this milestone. Keep soaring, Preston! The sky’s not even the limit for you.

Published on: June 14, 2024

Shane is a Commercial Pilot!

Line tech extraordinaire Shane McAlister is now a commercial certificated pilot!! That's right, the hardworking, bug-washing, fuel-ordering, marshaling guy you all know and love on the ramp is now ready to turn his aviation passion into a job. Who knew all that plane pampering was just a warm-up? Shane is the most patient guy (he has to deal with Jenn and Hailey 😜), always smiling, and undoubtedly the hardest worker you’ll ever meet. He makes sure your planes are ready to go and even moonlights as your flight line Uber. But did you know he’s also been busting his booty behind the scenes, studying and flying to make this goal a reality? Talk about multitasking! In true Shane fashion, after downing a couple of sandwiches and a chicken pot pie (even in the summer), he’ll be right back at it, working toward his next goals of CFI and then CFII. At this pace, you’ll be reading more about him very shortly. Who needs rest, right? We gave Shane the day off (finally!), but next time you see him on the ramp, make sure to congratulate him. Awesome job, Shane! And a big shoutout to his CFI, Ryan Mill!

Published on: June 13, 2024

Glider Pilot Turned Private Pilot!

While normally gliding through life one thermal at a time, Makaela traded in her glider wings today for the hum of an engine and earned her private pilot certificate! From tackling black diamonds to mastering thermals, Makaela’s proven that whether it's on snow, in the sky, or riding the wind, she's a force to be reckoned with. Although she would’ve like to catch a couple more zzz’s before coming in this morning, Makaela came in bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Well, as much as she could be especially since she drives in from the lake… sorry Makaela. But nonetheless, she was ready to flaunt her stuff and glide straight to victory. To no one’s surprise, she did just that and passed with flying colors. Huge congratulations to Makaela on this incredible accomplishment! Let’s all give a huge round of applause to her instructors Trey Casini and Eric Harned who’ve helped persuade this seasoned glider pilot to embrace the power of an engine. Fly high, Makaela, and keep carving those new horizons!

Published on: June 12, 2024

Scott is licensed to fly!

Scott Grady is now a Private Pilot! Despite battling weather delays over the winter and heat restrictions this summer, Scott reached this monumental milestone with unwavering determination and a laser focus on his goal. And he did all this while juggling a full-time job, serving in the Nevada Air National Guard, and taking some heat from the office (literally and figuratively)! He always thinks he’s in trouble... guess we need to work on our warm welcome! When Scott’s not busy soaring through the skies, you can find him backpacking through the wilderness, casting a line while fly fishing, or getting lost in a good book. He's a true adventurer on land and in the air! Scott’s journey to becoming a Private Pilot is a testament to his incredible work ethic and passion for flying. Big shoutout to his CFI, Kevin Marshall, for being an amazing mentor and guide throughout this journey. Congratulations, Scott! Here’s to smooth flights, perfect landings, and plenty of fish tales. You’ve earned every bit of this success!