​When Matt Smith was a kid he wanted to be a pilot. As many of us know, life sometimes takes some detours, and our dreams aren’t always our first reality. Matt spent the first part of his professional career as an impressive pipe welder. However, that pilot dream kept nagging at him. So, what did he do? He hung up the torch and went all in with flight training. Matt knows that nothing worth having comes easy. He moved through a few different schools earning his private and instrument. Halfway through his commercial training, he had to find a new school again. Despite commuting 4 hours into Reno and battling weather, today Matt can finally shout to the world that he made it! He is a commercial pilot!! He is the humblest guy and such an inspiration of how perseverance and hard work pays off. Enjoy the celebration, Matt! You more than deserve it. Congratulations as well to his CFI, Grant Muzzio!

​What time does Isaak Reid wake up? At the quack of dawn. Why? Well, this brand-new soloed pilot is a water fowl hunting guide. When he is not playing beak-a-boo out in the marshes, he is staying busy learning to fly. Today he soloed on Runway 08 at KRTS in N328ME. No fowl play during his first few solo laps. This fire quacker showed his CFI Kevin Marshall that he has the skills to fly the plane safely and proficiently. Isaak is doing an amazing job in his progression to private pilot. Keep up the hard work! But tonight, sit down, put your feet up, and enjoy some cheese and quackers. Congratulations Isaak and great job as well to his CFI Kevin Marshall!

At one time Claire wanted to paint rainbows black. Thank goodness she grew out her Goth phase because after the storms (the last several months), comes the rainbow! Claire got her rainbow today when she soloed N328ME at KRTS, runway 08. This cute little ray of pure black enjoyed some peace and quiet in the plane as she left her CFI Chazz Sandoval on the ramp, then proceeded to the runway and successfully completed her first few solo laps. Luckily her tears of happiness did not mix with the heavy black eyeliner and streak her face. Despite us making fun of Claire (we thank her Mom for tidbits into Claire’s past), she is a phenomenal young lady. Retired ski racer, avid gym geek, martial arts pro, occasional tennis game, and will be attending University of Michigan in the fall with the goal of earning her law degree. Plus, she endured the constant nagging to get her ground school and knowledge exam complete. Awesome job Claire!! She could not find her black shirt for the picture but she still looks amazing 😁Congratulations as well to Chazz! ​

“Gunter gleiben glauchen globen”…no we aren’t counting down the start of a Def Leppard song, we are getting your attention to announce Jurgen Hirt is a soloed pilot!! This amazing young man soloed this morning in N752DW, runway 26 at KRTS. Jurgen squeezed the incredible achievement in right before he takes off to Germany (not by soloing all the way there in a C172 though). Plus, same day he earned Pilot of the Month!! Gute Arbeit! Wie komme ich dorthin, you may ask? Lots of focus, hard work, hitting the books, and consistency in his flights. When he comes back, there is no doubt he will be able to complete his requirements and be ready for checkride. When Jurgen is not fliegend, he a music teacher, studying at UNR, and working hard on whatever life throws his way. Plus, heavily focused on earning his private Pilot Certificate. Sehr gut Jurgen!! Gluckwunsch as well to his CFI Ryan Mill! Enjoy your trip to Germany then get back and get finished up. Prost! ​