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    Shon is a commercial pilot!!

    ​Flight Deck Announcement – Great Basin 737 to Career Altitude!
    Good morning, passengers, this is your captain speaking. We’re cruising at a celebratory altitude today because Shon Plamondon just earned his commercial pilot certificate! That’s right, he’s cleared to fly for hire… which means his flying is now FAA-certified and invoice-worthy. Shon’s journey has had its share of laughs, lessons, and… questionable life choices, like losing a bet and ending up with a tattoo on his backside (no, we’re not showing you). He’s also developed a healthy respect for turbulence and for Jenn’s “motivational yelling”, both of which seem to keep him sharp. All jokes aside, Shon has put in the work and flown through the challenges to get here. We’re proud of his growth, his determination, and his ability to make every checkride prep just a little more entertaining. A huge shoutout to CFI Cory Kleidosty, who expertly navigated the left seat alongside Shon and made sure everything stayed on heading. Congratulations, Shon, next stop: wherever the aviation winds take you. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the view… from the paid pilot side.
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    Holden Stone is Instrument Rated!!

    Aloha! It sure does feel like paradise with how hot temperatures have been! And while we’re all whining and wiping the sweat off our brows, Holden Stone, a Hawaiian native from Lahaina, is enjoying the heat, living his best life, and staying cool even under the pressure of his instrument checkride. While Holden likes to spend his time outdoors, whether that be hiking, snowboarding, surfing, or training in jiu jitsu, he’s been holed up inside studying the intricacies of instrument flying and itching to apply his knowledge in the plane. And today, he can finally say that after all his grit, hard work, and determination that he’s a fully-fledged instrument rated pilot! That’s right, Holden Stone can now soar in the clouds to his heart’s content! Holden is incredibly driven and absolutely fearless. From balancing his flight training, being a loving father and husband, and flying like the madman he is, it's truly no surprise that Holden has crushed this milestone! Holden, we are so incredibly proud of you, and we can’t wait to see you further your training as you push for your commercial license. Until then, huge congratulations to Holden and his CFII, Eric Harned, on this awesome accomplishment! Great work you two!

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    Caleb Lin Soloed!!

    While most people were still hitting snooze this morning, Caleb Lin was already at KRNO 17L, cool as ever, launching N37JA into the sky solo. No audience, no big scene, just one student, one plane, and a calm morning that never stood a chance. This wasn’t luck. It wasn’t a fluke. It was the result of dedication, discipline, and laser-sharp focus. Caleb has been putting in the work for this milestone, and let’s be honest, hard work is more afraid of Caleb than the other way around. Born in Guam, fluent in five languages, and now thriving in the dry Reno climate (despite claiming to hate the heat), Caleb brings serious brainpower and humility to everything he does. He doesn’t make a big deal about being impressive; he just is. Today, he added “soloed an aircraft” to an already long list of accomplishments. Huge congratulations to Caleb, and to CFI Lucas Murphy, who helped guide this sky warrior to solo success. The bar just got raised.
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    Ryan is a Private Pilot!

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    Help us give a big GBA shoutout to Ryan Madole, who just earned his Private Pilot Certificate! Ryan has been the epitome of quiet determination throughout his training, steadfast, focused, and all in. Whether he’s fly fishing in the great outdoors, strumming his guitar, or jamming out to some good ol’ country music, Ryan brings a calm, steady energy that served him well in the cockpit. With the guidance of CFI Andrew Spanier, Ryan put in the time, effort, and heart it takes to reach this milestone. He showed up, stayed motivated, and never let a rough day knock him off course. His journey wasn’t about checking a box; it was about growth, skill, and purpose. And now, he’s got the certificate to prove it. So what’s next? Military? Civilian? Whichever runway Ryan decides to take, we know it’ll be one with direction and meaning. He’s not just another pilot; he’s a pilot with purpose. And whether he’s flying high or kicking back with some country tunes, we know his path is going to be a good one. Congrats again, Ryan! Your hard work and humble spirit have truly stood out, and we can’t wait to see where you go from here. 
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    Zach Wilson is One With the Force and Got His Private Pilot License!

    There’s something poetic about a person who lives for challenges choosing to become a pilot. For Zachary Wilson, earning his private pilot license wasn’t just a goal—it was a natural extension of everything he already loves: Star Wars lore, Marvel story arcs, the thrill of a good escape room, and the satisfaction of cracking a complex puzzle. Aviation is full of unknowns, problem-solving, and trust in both skill and instinct. It’s basically a real-world mashup of every galaxy, dimension, and riddle Zachary thrives in. Over the past months, he’s taken that mindset and poured it into the cockpit, radios, maneuvers, and cross-country flights with the determination of someone chasing something bigger than a certificate. Today, all that work paid off and Zachary is officially a private pilot!! And while the Force may or may not have played a role, there’s no doubt that this success was a result of all of Zachary’s hard work and dedication. Let’s give a huge congrats to Zach and Ryan Mill, Zach’s Jedi master and CFI, on this next level achievement! Congratulations, Zach! The adventure is just beginning!
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    Andy is a CFI!!

    What can we say about Andy Glenn… well, for starters, he’s now a Certified Flight Instructor! From zero hours to line tech to CFI in just 15 months, Andy’s journey has been nothing short of impressive. He came to GBA ready to trade the desk life for the cockpit, and with laser focus, discipline, and just the right amount of sarcasm, he made it happen.
    Whether he was washing bugs off planes, jumping in to help around the school, or becoming an unintentional social media star, Andy has been all in. His work ethic, consistency, and commitment to the process made him a standout, and now, he's ready to pass that passion and knowledge on to the next generation of aviators.
    Huge congrats, Andy! Your hard work, focus, and unique energy make you an unforgettable part of the GBA crew. You’ve proven this path is possible, and somehow made it look fun along the way. And big kudos to CFI Richard Brong for helping guide him along the way. Now go change lives, but keep the mustache.

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