399^th Composite Squadron Cadet Completes First Solo. Cadet Second Lieutenant Peter DellaVecchia recently completed his first solo flight in a CAP Cessna C-172R. Cadet DellaVecchia began his flight training on December 20^th, 2003, 100 years and 3 days after the first flight at Kitty Hawk. His flight instructor is CAP Lt Col Peter “Sandy” Sanderson. He had a total of 55 hours and completed three takeoffs and landings.

When asked how he felt, Cadet DellaVecchia commented, “People asked if I felt differently seeing the right seat empty, but I felt fine. It seemed stranger to see someone there again afterwards.” Cadet DellaVecchia plans to continue with his flight training and become a private pilot. He hopes to someday use this training to become an Air Force Aviator after college ROTC. Cadet DellaVecchia is the son of squadron commander Capt John DellaVecchia, who is an Air Force veteran and CAP pilot.

Cadet DellaVecchia also received his Glider Pilot certificate at Mile High Gliding in Boulder, Colorado. After a week of training, where he flew about 10 flights per day in a Schweizer SGS 2 -33 two seat training glider, Cadet DellaVecchia completed his written test and check ride. Upon completion of his flight check, he immediately took his father for a flight. Capt DellaVecchia enjoyed the flight while Peter explained how to fly the sailplane. After the flight, Capt DellaVecchia commented, “Peter did a great job. I told him not to worry about explaining things to me and just concentrate on flying. It was very exciting!"

The 399^th Composite Squadron congratulates Cadet Peter DellaVecchia on a job well done!

Lt Col Sanderson and C/2d Lt DellaVecchia

C/2d Lt Peter DellaVecchia and Capt John DellaVecchia