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    Hayden Karam Soloed!!

    You can catch Hayden Karam in the gym hitting PRs like it’s nobody’s business, and you’ll even find him out on the ramp on the other side up the airport tossing bags like they’re warm-up reps. But today, Hayden traded his weight belt for a seatbelt as he took to the skies for his very first solo flight in N292ED at KRNO on runway 17R! That’s right, Hayden’s always been an athlete with a background in every sport under the sun... seriously! But it’s aviation that’s really captured his heart. When he’s not working the line for Southwest here at KRNO or smashing protein shakes, he’s fully locked into his flight training—and it shows. With a family legacy of pilots (some of whom have even trained at our school!), Hayden is continuing that tradition with serious dedication and drive. His dream? Flying commercially. And today, he made a huge leap toward that goal by taking the controls solo for the first time. Please join us in congratulating Hayden and his flight instructor, gym bro, and OTF hater, Cory Kleidosty, on this major milestone. Awesome work you guys! ​
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    John Hamilton is a Private Pilot!!

    We’ve got a brand-new Private Pilot in the skies and his name is nonother than Mr. John Hamilton! John has been steadily working toward this moment with determination and focus, and today, all of that effort has paid off in a big way. One of our younger students, John has shown a level of maturity and commitment well beyond his years. Whether it was studying ground knowledge or refining his skills in the air, he brought his A-game to every step of training. A proud recipient of the Reno Air Race Association scholarship, John is one of the many young aviators whose dreams have been supported by this incredible program, and it’s been inspiring to watch him grow into the confident and capable pilot he’s become today. None of it could have been possible, though, without his right-hand man and flight instructor, Eric Harned. Through every stage of flight training, John was guided by the steady mentorship of Eric who has been a constant throughout his journey. Let’s give John and Eric a round of applause on this incredible milestone. We can’t wait to see where this license takes John next! ​
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    Tyler Shelton Soloed!!

    Don’t let the birthday cake bites and kind heart fool you, because Tyler Shelton came here to fly, and did just that today as he flew solo in N495SP at KRTS on runway 32! Tyler is the kind of person who lights up a room. He’s incredibly thoughtful, generous, and always bringing in snacks to the office (which, let’s be honest, wins instant points around here). But beyond the good vibes and birthday treats is a pilot who means business. Though he’s only been training for just over a month, Tyler has already shown the kind of focus and dedication it takes to go far in aviation. He gives everything he does 110%, and this solo flight is just the latest example of that hard work paying off. Whether he’s baking something new, exploring a fresh hobby, or acting on whatever wild impulse hits him that day, Tyler brings energy and curiosity to everything he does, and it shows in the cockpit... But maybe a little too much energy and curiosity??? Looks like Tyler decided to take a nap on the ramp after his solo. Please join us in congratulating Tyler Shelton and his CFI, Lucas Murphy, on this awesome achievement. Tyler, your solo wings are just the beginning. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
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    Eli Jones Soloed!!

    Fore!! Clear the runway, because Eli Jones just conquered his first solo flight in N37JA at KRTS on runway 8! Eli is one of those guys who is chock-full of personality. From having dreams of soaring around Alaska as a bush pilot, owning his own car detailing business, and playing some serious golf on the side (For real! This kid is only 16 years old and he’s putting all of us to shame!), Eli’s constantly pushing himself to achieve the next best thing. Today is only a small example of that persistence. Using that inner grit, it goes without saying that Eli came in and absolutely dominated the pattern today, and he did it all even despite having a fear of heights! You read that right. The man himself who is “terrified of heights” put those fears aside this morning and let his passion help him soar. This is an incredible day for Eli and his CFI, Andrew Spanier, so let’s give them both of a huge round of applause on this incredible milestone! Eli, this is truly only the beginning. You’re on a path to greatness and we can’t wait to see how far your flight training takes you. ​
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    Brayden Bishop is Instrument Rated!!

    Another month, another rating down; Brayden Bishop is officially an instrument rated pilot!! Seriously, can someone check if Brayden Bishop ever sleeps? Since soloing in April, knocking out his PPL in May, and now earning his instrument rating in August, this guy has been on an unstoppable roll. Brayden’s been fast-tracking his training like it’s a full-time job… and when he’s not studying or flying, he’s still around as one of our new GBA line techs! With all that said, we’re not totally convinced Brayden doesn’t live here. And yet, somehow, we’re not sick of him. Quite the opposite actually. Brayden is one of the most genuine, kindhearted, and down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet. His dedication, attitude, and presence make him not just a fantastic aviator, but a genuinely awesome human to have around. This latest rating is just one more milestone in what’s already been an amazing journey, and we know he’s nowhere near done. Please join us in congratulating Brayden Bishop and his CFII, Andrew Spanier, on this well-earned achievement. Brayden, your path is climbing fast, and we’re so proud to be along for the ride.
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    Jason Dorn is Instrument Rated!!

    Well, he’s done it again. Jason Dorn has officially added Instrument Rated Pilot to his ever-growing list of accomplishments… and honestly, are we even surprised at this point? This guy’s a stud. Jason’s no stranger to hard work and earning an instrument rating is no walk in the park. It takes grit, precision, mental endurance, and a whole lot of hood time. But, true to form, Jason tackled it all with calm confidence, sharp instincts, and the kind of focus that makes the rest of us wonder if he actually is a secret agent in disguise... This rating specifically, though, is pretty special. Not just because it marks another huge step toward Jason’s aviation career, but because it’s also the final sign-off for his CFII and friend, Ryan Mill, who is wrapping up his time here at GBA. These two have been through a lot together—from first flights to long XC legs—and this milestone is a fitting end to an incredible flying chapter. Please join us in congratulating Jason Dorn and Ryan Mill on this well-earned and meaningful achievement. The sky keeps getting bigger, Jason—and you keep rising to meet it!!
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