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    Brandon mastered the foggles!!

    One of our favorite fiery red heads, Brandon Lemen, is now an Instrument Rated Pilot! Even on the most beautiful of flight days, we would not let him look out the window. He hopped in the plane with the examiner, was told what he needed to perform and flew N2291C like he was in the clouds, approaching every procedure very gingerly. Got back into Reno and heard the best words ever, he passed!! We are so happy for this hard working Dad. Brandon has his hands in a few different successful business ventures, plus raises two amazing young boys, and commutes about a hour each way several times a week to advance his flight training. Determined is an understatement. No ginger snapping for this guy, he handles time management and multi tasking like a pro. With this tough rating under his belt, he will soon be back in the plane to complete his commercial certificate, then onto CFI. We give him (and everyone) a hard time, but we could not be more excited for him. Huge congratulations, and hopefully much celebrating for Brandon! Awesome job as well to his CFIIs Ethan Chinowsky and Cody Lucero! Get back to the books Brandon :)
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    Robert Soloed!!

    "You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." Robert Petry is awesome to begin with, but now he is a “great” student pilot. This morning Robert experienced how great his skills are by confidently and safely flying N670CS all by himself at KRTS, greasing those landings on runway 08. Troy Ware, his CFI, watched from the ramp as Robert got a taste of freedom. Robert has the most incredible big smile which I am sure was plastered on his face the whole time. Robert works in aviation serving aircraft on the ramp with the goal of one day being in the cockpit. Today he achieved a huge milestone as he cemented the fact that he can fly safely and proficiently. So happy for Robert and this memorable flight. Huge congratulations to him and Troy!!

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    Youth in Aviation Expo

    Mark your calendars! Great Basin Aviation is hosting a Youth in Aviation Expo in partnership with the local Sierra Battle Born Chapter of Women in Aviation, on Saturday, June 11th. This event is solely for the benefit of our area’s youth and is meant to inspire young aviators. It is our desire to assist in educating youth and encourage participation in the various aviation career programs available to them. Check out the flyer and if you know students interested in flying or any aviation career field, share the word. The discovery flights that morning are first come, first serve so book now! We look forward to seeing you all there ✈️

    Also, if you are interested in volunteering, have books to donate, or have your own aircraft and can put it on static display, please contact Jenn at Jenn@GreatBasinAviation.com. Thanks!
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    Aaron is a Private Pilot!

    What a beautiful day for some flying, but what an even better day for a private pilot certificate!! That’s right everyone, Aaron Christensen is a Private Pilot! Flying to Silver Springs in N495SP early this morning, Aaron showed his examiner just how awesome of a pilot he is! His name might sound familiar because this rockstar recently soloed and, despite the fun spring weather, stayed focused and grabbed whatever spot on the schedule he could to get finished up. Aaron has always been a natural with machines too, if owning an automotive business or being a boom operator for the Air Guard wasn’t enough to prove it, he’s added yet another incredible accomplishment to the list. Now instead of his instructor in the right seat, he can bring along his beautiful family for an amazing ride… who knows, we may just have some future aviators from the Christensen family! Congratulations to Aaron and his instructor Ethan Chinowsky on this incredible achievement!
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    New Soloed Student Pilot!!

    David French and his CFI, Troy Ware, took full advantage of the break in the crazy Northern Nevada weather this morning and achieved a major aviation milestone. This morning, David soloed at KRTS, runway 08, in N670CS! It was busy at Stead, not because of other aircraft, but the coyotes were out causing some traffic on the runway. Troy chased them off so David could show his parents, who were there watching, that he knows how to grease a C172 onto a runway. Plus safely control an aircraft David loves aviation and is very focused on his goals! He is a student at UNR, learning how to fly, and working with his dad on their Fuji LM-2, 340hp supercharged aircraft. Google it! It is pretty awesome! First things first though...Private Pilot in the lovable C172 then onto bigger and faster things. Great job David on quickly acquiring the skills needed to solo! Huge congratulation to him and his CFI Troy!
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    Katie is a Tailwheel Pilot!!

    Katie Newberry earned her Tailwheel endorsement!! Our office Happiness Manager got mean with this fun plane and demonstrated her consistent proficiency in tailwheel landings and maneuvers. Awesome job to this incredible aviatrix and her CFI Jack Darlington!!
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