Local Pilots Earn Their Wings at Fallon Municipal Airport

The Fallon Municipal Airport has some big news—five local residents just earned their FAA Pilot certifications, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Fallon’s aviation community.

These new pilots completed their training with local instructor pilots using a Cessna 172M aircraft, a testament to the high-quality training available right here in Fallon.

Newly Certified Pilots:

Brody Allyn, Private Pilot Certificate issued April 17, 2024

Thaine Ernst, Private Pilot Certificate issued September 28, 2024, trained by his son Matt Ernst

Colton Urquhart earned his Instrument Rating on December 17, 2024, adding to his existing Private Pilot certification

Jennifer McFadden, Private Pilot Certificate issued December 19, 2024

Hunter Drost, Private Pilot Certificate issued December 25, 2024

These new pilots join a proud tradition of aviation excellence in Fallon, made possible by the expertise and mentorship of the local flight instructor cadre. Leading the team is Walter Wardwell, owner of Fallon Airmotive, whose extensive 40-year career as a Certified Flight Instructor and aviation professional has been instrumental in building the local aviation community over the past three decades.

Meet the Instructor Team:

• Walt Reep, USN Retired, former F-4, F-14, A-4, F-18 pilot, retired FedEx Express Captain, Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument/Multi-Engine Instructor.
• Steve Rochna, USN Retired, former F-14 and F-5 pilot, current commercial airline pilot on the Boeing 737/777, Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument/Multi-Engine Instructor.
• Kris Nastro, USN Retired, former F-18 Hornet/Super Hornet and F-16 pilot, current commercial airline pilot for Boeing 737, Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument/Multi-Engine Instructor.
• Mark Kummer, USN Retired HH-60 Instructor, Part 135 Charter Captain, Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument/Multi-Engine Instructor.
• George Pomeroy, former USAF F-15C pilot, Aerobatics Instructor, Ag Pilot, Corporate Pilot, and local business owner of GP Global.
• Keiton Rogne, Part 135 Charter Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument/Multi-Engine Instructor.
• Matt Ernst, recent Churchill County High School graduate turned Certified Flight Instructor.
• Bryanna Travis, Certified Flight Instructor, Ground Instructor, Aircraft Dispatcher, and instructor at Western Nevada College.
• Anthony Tisdale, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, owner of Flyintiz Aviation LLC, former USAF F-15C, A-10C, and T-38 pilot, current airline pilot for FedEx Express.
• Katherine "Kitty" Reep, a student pilot who manages aircraft rentals at the airport, works behind the scenes and keeps things running smoothly for aspiring pilots.

Mayor Tedford, Airport Manager Derek Zimney, and the City of Fallon have been putting in the work to improve the airport, making it a better resource for pilots and the community. Partnering with Churchill County and securing an FAA grant, the city is now working on a new FBO facility to bring the airport’s services into a new era.

This wave of new pilot certifications show the promise of outstanding aviation education in Fallon and reinforces the community's commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviators. As these pilots take to the skies, they carry with them the pride and support of their hometown.

For those inspired by this success story and interested in pursuing their pilot's license, Kitty Reep is available for inquiries at katherine.reefallonmuniflyers@gmail.com to book aircraft and instructors.

For more stories of local achievements, stay connected with The Fallon Post at www.thefallonpost.org.