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    Christian is a Private Pilot!!

    Wake up, fly, gym, fly, sleep, repeat. That pretty much sums up Christian McCabe’s days. High School fits in there somewhere too. Today he may or may have not played a little hooky but it was for a good reason, he earned his Private Pilot Certificate!! Came in at 6am and walked out a few hours later as a certificated pilot. Talk about full immersion into aviation...he is here all the time (seriously, ALL THE TIME), flew more solo hours than dual (we could not keep him out of the sky), always sporting aviation gear, every conversation is about aviation, has started his model aircraft collection, wearing out his simulator at home, plane spotting, and now, once he graduates in June, taking his certificate to Embry-Riddle to continue on his path to a career in aviation. Begin with the end in mind, right? Today he began with that first hard-earned success on his goal to a permanent window office in the sky. Huge congratulations to Christian and his CFI Austin White!!
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    Pablo Soloed!!

    New York is known for many things. The city that never sleeps, fast-paced living, pizza, New York slang, and accents, to name a few. But, most importantly, New York State’s greatest “known for” is Pablo Stein, GBA’s most recent soloed student! Today Pablo logged his first PIC time in N670CS on runway 26 at KRTS! Does he need an instructor? Fuhgettaboutit. Pablo was mad good up there. Pablo recently moved to Reno from Rochester, NY and is loving this high sierra flying. His goal is to fly as a career and is today he hit that first milestone to an incredible life in the cockpit. Huge congratulations to Pablo and his CFI Ryan Mill! Stop by the bodega, get some mimosa fixin’s and celebrate your success! 
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    Party in the US of Yay!!

    Home of the free and the soloed! 🇺🇸Cole Atkinson soloed this evening at KRTS, runway 08 in N328ME. His CFI, David Lynn, watched from the ramp as Cole experienced that first taste of aviation freedom. Cole is no stranger to hard work. This incredible guy put in the time and effort to earn his American Citizenship last fall and also decided to take on another hard-earned task, his Private Pilot Certificate. Today was a huge step toward his aviation goal. Current mood: Cue the sparklers. Keep up that American Dreamin’ Cole! Huge congratulations to Cole and David on this memorable milestone! Sip on some libertea and celebrate like a Patriot!
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    This Marine can fly!!

    ​Chris Buell soloed!! Runway 08 at KRTS will forever hold a special spot in this former Marine’s heart. That is where he greased his first four PIC take-offs and landings in beloved N37JA. His CFI Matt Helleckson watched from the ramp as Chris showed off his skills. And, like a Marine, he left no one behind. Despite the better climb performance, he still went back and picked up Matt and gave him a ride back to KRNO. Chris is such a joy, always has the biggest smile, shows up early, and even after spending a couple hours with Matt, he is still smiling when he leaves. Chris is making awesome progress toward his private pilot while working full time, flying his RC plane, and probably keeping his tactical skills up to speed. Already finished his ground school and written test with a brag worthy score. Awesome job Chris!! Huge congratulations to him and his CFI Matt! 
     
    ***You all might think we are being too nice to a Marine, but we are saving the crayon jokes for his next milestone***
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    Chris is a Private Pilot!!

    What do the Dallas Cowboys and the Postal Service have in common? Both don't deliver on Sundays. Ouch…the last thing we want to do is offend native Texan and loyal Cowboys fan Chris Rentfrow. However, unlike the Cowboys, Chris is able to celebrate success as today he earned his Private Pilot Certificate! Chris was worth putting a bet on (unlike the Cowboys). Would totally risk it for a brisket. Chris was well prepared and wide a-Waco heading into his early morning checkride. After demonstrating all the required maneuvers and procedures, Chris received that hard earned temporary certificate. Based on his huge smile it was definitely Fort Worth it! Chris is a busy guy. Runs a business here in Northern Nevada, travels back and forth to Texas for more work, and in his spare time enjoys fly fishing and shredding the pow-pow up at Northstar. Huge congratulations to Chris and his CFI Troy Ware!! Enjoy this success one sweet tea at a time.
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    Colin is a private pilot!!

    Great Basin Aviation camp believe what a beautiful morning this is shaping up to be! Colin Powell (no not that one, which only those of us over 40 will understand) became a private pilot today! Colin spends his free time mixing drinks (for work) and spending time outdoors. Colin and camping are a perfect match. But today, he was in the air. No  tent-sion at all when it came down to nailing his maneuvers. Between pitching tents and pitching for airspeed, this guy is very well versed. Colin is going to keep getting smore instruction to work towards his aviation dreams. We hope these camping puns don’t yurt you, but Colin is a very happy camper today! Huge congratulations to Colin and his CFI Kevin Marshall!
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