​How does a bartender get to know his customers? He establishes a good re-pour (haha). How does a bartender solo an aircraft?  By working hard and consistently meeting the requirements for solo! That is what mixologist Colin Powell did today at KRTS runway 08!! He was pretty fly for a Mai Tai as he logged PIC time in his favorite plane, N328ME. Call him neat and a little old fashioned, but he is killing it on the traditional 6-pack aircraft. In all seriousness, Colin has been great to work with. Extremely focused on his flying and his ground studies. Like most, weather has delayed his motivated progress, but the hard work paid off. No pour decisions made. Best day yet for Colin in achieving this most memorable milestone! We are so hoppy for you! Congratulations as well to his instructors Kevin Marshall and Troy Ware!  Sip back and relax and celebrate! 

​Tara Tate is a soloed pilot!! Runway 26 at KRTS will be a runway she’ll never forget. Today she flew N752DW for her first several laps of true freedom. Her CFI, Troy Ware, watched her from the ramp as Tara flew this most memorable flight. If the word persistence took on a human form, it would be Tara. She has had obstacle after obstacle on her path and never gave up. Persist until you succeed, which she did. Huge congratulations to soloed pilot Tara Tate!! That PIC column is now in use! You are an inspiration. Awesome job as well to her instructor Troy!

​Nacayla Franey is a private pilot!! Part of the extraordinary GBA office team, you know her best for nagging you for documents, but this gal can also fly!! Today she proved that to the examiner by proficiently flying the required private pilot maneuvers. Nacayla is an example of efficient time management; full time UNR student, keeping all of you entertained here at GBA, and also learning how to fly. She can check private pilot off the list and now onto her next goal which will eventually lead her to her dream career at Southwest Airlines. Next time you see Nacayla in the office, give her a huge congratulations. She also can be won over with food (pickles and goldfish as her favorites). Awesome job Nacayla!! What you do today can improve all your tomorrows. We are so excited to see you succeed. Huge congratulations as well to her CFI Chazz Sandoval!

​Some people live, sleep, eat, and breathe aviation…Nathan Morin is one of those people. While you usually see him on the ramp taking pictures and videos of planes taking off, or eating all the food in the office (when he should be working), he does also actually study and fly. Today, all the pieces came together, and his love and knowledge of aviation turned into another accomplishment, his Commercial Certificate! Nathan had the goal of getting his Commercial before his birthday and it came true being tomorrow is the big day. We could not be more proud to see Nathan earn this privilege. He has been with GBA since his solo flight and now will move forward with his Instructor Certificate. Perseverance, dedication, and maybe a little divine intervention has gotten him this far and, at this momentum, will definitely propel him toward his next goal. When you see him on the line, tell him to get back to work, but also congratulate him on this huge success!! Great job to Nathan and his CFI Cody Lucero!

Great Basin Aviation is excited to partner with Stratus Financial to bring an additional financing option to all (yes, even Nevada residents!!) flight students. This, as well as Meritize, who we will continue to partner with, both offer programs zero-CFII.

More about Stratus Financial:
Stratus Financial was founded by FAA Certificated Flight and Ground Instructors passionate about helping others achieve their aviation dreams.  We know it’s not just about achieving your dreams (because we looked up in the sky every time, we heard an airplane too!), but funding your family’s dreams as well.  That’s why Stratus was created, because with Stratus, the sky is no longer the limit. 

Learn more about this option by clicking on this link: Stratus Financial

​Introducing CFI Ryan Mill! On a beautiful skiing day, Ryan traded in his skis, bypassed the fresh powder, and instead put his teaching hat on and successfully obtained the title of Flight Instructor. Another break in the storm systems and Ryan took full advantage of it teaching the examiner a few things. And for those of you who think you are done with the E6B (nerd-wheel, flight computer, whiz-wheel) at private pilot, think again. Ask Ryan all about it 😉It has been awesome seeing Ryan earn his private pilot, instrument rating, commercial certificate, and finally his CFI here, at Great Basin Aviation. Took Ryan about 18 months while working and playing full time. He even earned the coveted Pilot of the Month during his training. We are thrilled to see how far Ryan has come and can’t wait to see what he does as a freshly minted CFI. Congratulations to Ryan and his CFI Kurtis Hornung!! 

Picture is Ryan when he soloed and today as CFI.