- GREAT BASIN AVIATION

Published on: September 22, 2022

September's Pilot of the Month

NACAYLA FRANEY - Nacayla is our September Pilot of the Month! Nacayla has been working super hard to expand her knowledge in and out of the classroom. When she’s not at UNR in class, she’s watching ground school videos to prepare herself for her next lesson (while also taking the most organized, color coordinated notes her CFI Chazz has ever seen). She is constantly asking questions in the airplane to better understand the aircraft. Solo post coming soon for her! Between college, work, flight training, this girl is a superstar.

Published on: September 11, 2022

New Lending Partner

New Full Financing Option Available to Students at Great Basin Aviation!

Students enrolled in Great Basin Aviation who need deferred full financial assistance (zero-CFII) will now have access to an innovative new financing option to pay for their courses, thanks to our partnership with the Meritize platform.The new financing option will help students finance their career path in aviation.

Unlike traditional lenders that rely solely on FICO scores, and other financial records to determine whether to lend to an individual. The Meritize platform considers the full depth of an individual’s academic or military achievements to enhance credit evaluation and potentially improve loan options.

Because the new financing option considers previous academic or military experiences, merit-based financing may provide a significant source of financial and credit assistance for students who are self-financing their private pilot, instrument, commercial, CFI, and CFII. Applications are currently open to residents of 38 states (see below). Unfortunately, NV is not yet on the list but stay tuned. Residents of our neighboring states are eligible to apply.

Contact Jenn at Great Basin Aviation for more information about this financing option, jenn@greatbasinaviation.com

*Great Basin Aviation does not endorse a particular lender, nor is it affiliated with Meritize Financial, Inc. ("Meritize") or the Meritize Platform.
Meritize Lending, LLC, NMLS ID 1661035 (NMLS Consumer Access https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/)
Meritize Financial, Inc. NMLS ID 1986399 (NMLS Consumer Access https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/)
Terms and Conditions apply. Meritize branded loan products are educational loans issued by Meritize Lending, LLC**. Meritize reserves the right to modify or discontinue products and benefits at any time without notice. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or hold an Employment Authorization Document and meet Meritize’s underwriting requirements. If approved for a loan the actual loan amount, term, payment, and APR amount of loan that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination, state law and other factors. Meritize does not warrant or guarantee any claims made herein, including, but not limited to, gaining admission to a program, concerning the quality or financial strength of any educational institution, securing funding or obtaining employment. Our final loan offer may differ as a result of the school chosen and the associated cost of tuition. Not all schools are eligible for funding. Meritize does not offer educational loans in the following states: IA, IN, KY, ME, MI, ND, NV, SD, VT, WI, WV, WY, PR. All rights reserved.
**For residents of SC, loan is made by Meritize Financial, Inc.

Published on: September 11, 2022

Patriot's Day

Patriot Day is our Nation's way of remembering the victims of the September 11th attacks and to remind us the heavy sacrifices that were made. This is a day for us to pay tribute to our Nation's fallen and to never forget our heroes and their sacrifices.

"One of the worst days in American history saw some of the bravest acts in American history. We'll always honor the heroes of 9/11. Here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice." — Former President George W. Bush

Published on: September 10, 2022

Another Dad solos!!

What is better than one Dad soloing on a smokey Saturday? How about two! Justin Cooper soloed this morning at KSPZ, runway 24 in N752DW! This Marine is no stranger to adverse conditions being he spent his time in service as an infantryman. The smoke was out there, his CFI had jumped ship, but he was able to focus on the task at hand and successfully complete his first few solo laps. His CFI Kurtis Hornung watched from the ramp as Justin flew with ease. Now an electrician, husband, and dad (youngest is just about a week old), Justin definitely has his hands full, probably sleep deprived (but still safe) and is in a few times a week working on his private pilot. His ultimate goal is back country flying, just not in a GBA 172 though :) Huge congratulations to Justin and Kurtis!

Published on: September 10, 2022

Smokey Solo!

More smoke in the valley this morning…ugh…but that did not stop Enrique Calderon from showing up for his lesson today ready to make his mark in aviation. This local photographer, husband, and dad can now add soloed pilot to the list! Enrique soloed N495SP at KRNO, runway 16L. With our awesome tower crew calling the shots, Enrique was able to add 5 solo take-offs and landings to his logbook. He has been doing incredible in his training while multi-tasking life. Always shows up excited to fly, even if it was thermally, hot conditions. And, it all paid off to be able to take this huge step in his training and his goal of taking his family flying. Huge congratulations to Enrique and his CFI, the "Pink Flamingo,” Chris Buckley! And, we are just going to say he put the sun screen upside down on purpose ;)

Published on: September 1, 2022

Birthday Solo!!

Happy Birthday to the newest soloed pilot!! Olivia Fox spent her birthday morning in the pilot seat of N495SP at KRTS logging some PIC time. This young lady is amazing!! She recently earned her degree in Environmental Science with minors in Chemistry and Ecohydrology and now is studying Pre-Law and Business Administration. And she works full time for an aviation charter company. It is an understatement to say she likes to stay busy. Olivia has done incredible in her flight training. She has mastered the crosswind landing as most of her flights are in the worst conditions. This morning was a treat for her as she enjoyed the cool, calm air. Like most solo students, she too was reluctant to taxi back and get pick up her CFI, but she did give Troy a ride back to RNO. She also let Troy know the plane performs better without his weight in it :) Enjoy this incredible day of celebration Olivia!! Congratulations to Olivia and Troy Ware.