Scholarship Recipient Solo – Zeus Wesley

Scholarship Recipient Solo – Zeus Wesley

We have another scholarship recipient who soloed! Congratulations to Zeus Wesley!

Check out what Great Basin Aviation had to say about him below:
“Today, the skies were no match for the thunderous presence of Zeus Wesley, who unleashed his aviation prowess and soloed in N752DW on runway 26 at KRTS. Just like the Greek god Zeus, known for commanding the heavens, Zeus Wesley took control of the skies, proving that he’s ready to strike lightning on his journey to becoming a pilot. As a recipient of the Reno Air Race Association scholarship, Zeus has clearly harnessed the power of the winds to reach new heights. His flight training has been nothing short of electrifying, and today’s solo is a testament to his dedication and skill. While his namesake may have ruled Olympus, our Zeus is the king of the runway. With the winds beneath his wings and the confidence of a deity, Zeus Wesley is now officially soaring solo, ready to make every flight as legendary as his name! Let’s give a thunderous round of applause to Zeus and his flight instructor, Grant Muzzio, who has guided him along this awesome journey! Keep an eye on the horizon—this pilot’s journey is just getting started!”

Congratulations, Zeus!

2025 Dates for the Air Races Announced

2025 Dates for the Air Races Announced

In case you missed our live announcement today during the Reno Air Show, the time you’ve been waiting for has finally come! We are announcing the dates for the 2025 National Championship Air Races that are happening in Roswell, NM!

Next September 10-14, our SEPTEMBER FAMILY will be together again as we experience all seven race classes speeding through a brand new course!

There are many updates about ticket releases and more yet come, but you can get in on the action now by submitting to win our ROSWELL AIR RACE TICKET GIVEWAY. Just go to the address below and enter your email. Air Race tickets and Pit Passes will be given away, including a GRAND PRIZE trip to 2025 Air Races! (10/16 Update – the contest has ended)

New Private Pilot – Alex Florez

New Private Pilot – Alex Florez

We’re interrupting the air show content to share that one of our 2024 scholarship winners became a Private Pilot earlier this week! Congratulations to Alex Florez!

Check out what Great Basin Aviation has to say about Alex.
“Huge congratulations to Alex Florez for earning his Private Pilot Certificate!! We’ve got to give it to Alex—this guy is a master time manager like no other. He’s not just a full-time student, but he’s been crushing his prep for the oral exam, staying current in the skies, and still finding time to hit the gym for those solid gains. I mean, check out those veins! We’re just hoping there’s still time for schoolwork somewhere in there. But that’s not all—Alex is also the proud recipient of the coveted Reno Air Race Association scholarship, and we can’t think of anyone more deserving! This young man embodies hard work, determination, and excellence in everything he does. Whether he’s studying or flying, he brings 100% effort every single time. Alex is also one of the most pleasant and respectful people you’ll ever meet. Always positive, always polite—even when we throw a little sass his way (which, let’s be honest, we probably won’t stop). But he takes it all in stride with that great attitude we love! And of course, none of this would’ve been possible without his amazing CFI, Shane Smith! A huge shoutout to Shane for being the rock-solid support that guided Alex to this huge accomplishment. We couldn’t be prouder of Alex and all he’s achieved. The sky’s no limit for this incredible young man. Keep soaring higher, Alex—you’re only getting started!”

New Private Pilot – Jared Garrido

New Private Pilot – Jared Garrido

We have a 2024 scholarship recipient update:

Yesterday afternoon, Great Basin Aviation shared with us that Jared Garrido is officially a private pilot! Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment, Jared!

Check out what Great Basin has to say about Jared below.
“This young overachiever is now free to soar the friendly skies (just below 18,000 feet for now). Jared’s been on an incredible journey—he graduated high school early, eats, sleeps, and breathes aviation, and even landed the prestigious Reno Air Race scholarship!

But let’s not forget the real struggle: the sunshade (see picture). While Jared’s already nailing his landings, putting that sunshade in the plane? Let’s just say, he’s still working on it… We’ll blame it on the excitement of becoming a private pilot!

Jared’s not just a standout because of his technical skills, though. His attitude and dedication are second to none. When you ask him to do something, he’s already on it, with that signature smile on his face. His supportive family has been behind him every step of the way, too. His dad is always hanging out at the airport, camera in hand, proudly sharing stories about his newly minted pilot son. It’s heartwarming to see such strong support.

A big shoutout to Jared’s CFI, Alex Spencer, who’s been there to guide him through the ups and downs (pun intended). To accomplish this at such a young age sets Jared on a path for great things in aviation, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Congratulations, Jared! We can’t wait to see where you fly next. And don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of that sunshade eventually.”