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Reno Tahoe Helicopters Receives Air Carrier Certification

Reno Tahoe Helicopters / Heliminden LLC received its Air Carrier Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Nov. 25, 2014. This certification allows the company to offer charter services for air taxi in the United States, and serving the Northern California/Reno area, including tours to Napa, Calistoga, and Sonoma.

“We are the only operators in the area to have the Air Carrier Certification. We are proud to be able to offer our clients the expanded services of air taxi,” said Claudio Bellotto, Chief Pilot and Owner of Reno Tahoe Helicopters/HeliMinden.

Attaining an Air Carrier Certification more commonly known as FAR Part 135 is historically a lengthy and demanding process. Thanks to the attentiveness of our team—Josh, John, Gary, David and Harry, we have obtained this highly sought-after certification in record time. Additionally, we have to thank the Reno FAA office for their professionalism and commitment. It was a pleasant and enjoyable journey, working side by side with such a remarkable team of dedicated and knowledgeable individuals.

About Reno Tahoe Helicopters
Reno Tahoe Helicopters operates year-round. Scenic tours are available from South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Minden airports. Our fleet of helicopters includes Robinson R44s that can seat up to three people plus the pilot and a Bell 206L-4 capable of accommodating larger groups of up to six passengers plus the pilot. Aerial Filming, Aerial Photography, Heli-Weddings & Scenic Tours are just a few of the Aerial services. Reno Tahoe Helicopters also offers flight training.

Claudio founded Reno Tahoe Helicopters in December 2005 with the intent of providing tourists visiting Lake Tahoe unforgettable scenic tours. Claudio created tours that would allow passengers a chance to experience the spectacular scenery of Emerald Bay’s magnificent teal waters, the pristine and unspoiled shorelines of Zephyr Cove and Sand Harbor and the beauty of the mountains.

Claudio grew up in Torino, Italy and was a pilot in the Italian Air force. He spent 20 years proudly as a senior officer aboard cruise ships. His passion for aviation lured him to return to the skies and Claudio has since flown over 6,000 hours as a helicopter pilot, the majority of which are mountain flight hours (above 6,000 ft.). His impeccable safety record, attention to detail and commitment to a one-on-one individualized training method for each student makes Claudio stand out from his peers in the industry as both an exceptional pilot and instructor.

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UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: One lane of westbound traffic is blocked at this time. Motorists should still seek alternate routes or use caution while in the area.

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Just after 4 p.m. on Thursday a three vehicle crash was reported near the Maverick on Highway 50 E.

All lanes of westbound traffic are blocked at this time, and injuries are unknown.

In what is becoming a repeated occurrence, a teenager has been arrested for making threats relating to a school shooting, one of several in the past few weeks since this school year began.

In a region known for its rich history and tight-knit community, one woman stands out as a true icon of leadership, grace, and boundless energy. Kitty McKay, co-owner of the award-winning Nashville Social Club (NSC) and The Swan Music Hall, Carson City’s premier live music venue, is more than just a familiar face around town—she's a force to be reckoned with.

Carson City residents now is your chance to help shape Centennial Park's future. The Centennial Park Master Plan Survey is open, and your input can directly influence improvements and future projects, including the potential for the Carson City Bike Park.

The Misfits Theater Group Presents: The Inshtein Inn or Frank's Mad Pad! Join us at the Odeon Hall in Dayton, NV located at 65 Pike St, Dayton, NV for some pretty mad happenings.

The 2024 Genoa Candy Dance takes place September 28 and 29. This two-day event, which boasts over 400 arts and crafts, activity, and food vendors, plus a Saturday night Dinner Dance, draws thousands of people to Genoa.

Meet Shyloh, the charming canine who brings a sense of adventure and warmth to everyone he meets. Known for his love of the outdoors, Shyloh thrives on exploring new scents and sights. He’s the perfect companion for those who love nature walks or long hikes.

Celebrate the Halloween season on the Virginia Truckee Railroad. The entire family will enjoy this spirited collection of themed train rides where passengers will board at the historic F St 1870’s Depot in Virginia City and journey to the Gold Hill Depot Pumpkin Patch. They are then able to get off the train and choose their favorite pumpkin with the assistance of our helpers.

During the Carson City School Board meeting of trustees held Tuesday night, a public commenter brought forth an issue that had occurred earlier this week at Eagle Valley Middle School.

The Carson City Sheriff's Office Investigation Division is asking for the public's help identifying the suspect or suspects involved in an attempted Sept. 11 break-in and damage to a truck in the 2700 block of Northgate in Carson City.

This Saturday, Sept. 28, Carson City will host its third annual 5K Walk/Run to Remember benefit for the Northern Nevada Alzheimer's Association.

In addition to the race, there will be food trucks, live music, vendors and more.

CARSON CITY — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week released the 2023 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps. The maps show Nevada’s adult obesity prevalence for 2023 is 30.8 percent, a decrease from 2022 (33.5 percent) and 2021 (31.3 percent) but still higher than all reported rates from 2011-2020.

It takes a village, or in the case of Lake Tahoe, it takes "Team Tahoe" to get the funding needed to protect the Jewel of the Sierra. On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives reauthorized the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.

Area lawmakers and a partnership of Lake Tahoe agencies all applauded the passage of what is known as the cornerstone of federal investment in the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, one of the most comprehensive and successful conservation programs in the nation.

This Saturday, Sept. 28, Nevada State Parks invites everyone to celebrate National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event dedicated to public lands. This annual event offers an opportunity to give back to the cherished lands we all enjoy while raising awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting these spaces for future generations.

A 63-year-old woman was arrested Monday for suspicion of misdemeanor DUI second offense, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Flowers, bees, information on pollinators

Want to learn which perennial flowers are best for pollinators? Want to show your kids how bees pollinate flowers, or how to make a Seed Bomb to make your garden explode with color next year?

Students are now several weeks into the school year at Carson High School, with the newest rule firmly in place: a complete ban of phones both inside and outside the classroom during school hours.

The introduction of the Yondr pouch was a controversial one, with some students and parents protesting the idea. However, since its implementation, administration, teachers, and surprisingly the students who Carson Now spoke with have agreed the new policy has been extremely positive.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife, along with the Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Care, are saddened to inform the public that the Davis Bear’s condition worsened substantially since Friday, Sept. 20. Thus, it was determined by Animal Ark’s veterinarian, Dr. Lesli Spears and NDOWs Wildlife Health Specialist, Dr. Nate LaHue, that it was in the animal’s best interest to be euthanized.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI Nevada is the state organization providing support and guidance for the NAMI Nevada affiliates throughout the state, including Southern Nevada, Reno, and Western Nevada.

At Friends in Service Helping, also known as FISH, the mission is clear: to provide essential services to those in need by providing a hand up, not a handout.

Vital to this mission are the three food banks operated by FISH throughout Northern Nevada aimed at supporting community members struggling with food insecurity.

UPDATE: A map is now available highlighting the mural sites located for the second annual Carson City Murals and Music Festival. Click on map twice for full size or see the PDF below.
Carts filled with plants from the Washoe State Tree Nursery.

As fall begins, the Washoe State Tree Nursery will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 9:30 a.m. Located at 885 Eastlake Boulevard in New Washoe City, this nursery is operated by the Nevada Division of Forestry and offers native and adapted plants for landscaping and conservation.

The Carson City School District Multilingual Learner Vision Team invites students and families to “Aim for the Stars” with an evening of inspiration as former NASA Astronaut and Engineer José Hernández shares his extraordinary journey that lead him to reach the highest heights.

Do you live in Carson City or the surrounding area? Do you have a loved one you care for that has Alzheimer's or another form of dementia? If yes, let us support you through your challenging and new situation. We are here to help you.

It was another great Pooch Plunge! CASI would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mike Freeman and the staff at the Carson City Aquatics Center for opening the pool to our furry friends, and Joanne Dietrich of Artistic Fence for once again providing the fencing to help make check-in safe and easy.

Giving back to the community and being with the people they love is what is at the root of the Carson Follies, a long-standing community production that is gearing up for its 26th year with "Ocean Commotion" at the Bob Boldrick Theater inside the Carson City Community Center the first weekend in October.

A vehicle pursuit that began Monday evening in Douglas County ended with a crash and foot pursuit near the frontage road area at the junction of I-580 and South Carson Street. The suspect is in custody.

On Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, Capitol City Gun Club in Carson City will host a “Duck Season Tune-Up” Three Shot Sporting Clays Shoot with pump and semi-automatic shotgun classes.

Heading into this first full week of fall, temperatures around Carson City and surrounding counties will feel like early summer, with daytime highs in mid 80s for the next few days and the low to mid 70s for the Lake Tahoe Basin, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

On the day after Labor Day, the new Ace Hardware at Topsy Lane in Carson City opened its doors for a soft opening and this week, they will celebrate their official grand opening all weekend long.