Exactly 2 weeks ago, when the last 1st soloist of Batch Foxtrot 2017 made it in the elite short list of solo achievers for the month of October 2017, the newly arrived pre-solo members of Batch Golf 2017 had started to fly in our training hub early this month. Thus, this morning, 19 October 2017, on a cloudy but wind calm weather condition, 2 of this latest batch of flightless eaglets one after the other attained the most significant event in their early flying career, the unforgettable “1st Solo Flight”! Flying RP-C2211, on or about 0915H, 21 year old Student Pilot David “Jeremy” Matanguihan De Villa, a native of Mataas-na-Kahoy, Batangas and a product of Canossa Academy as well as University of Santo Tomas, BS Applied Physics major, made his 1st Solo Flight courtesy of Senior FI, Capt Vladimir Evangelista. An hour later, on or about 1015H, 25 year old SP Champ Mendoza Dalipe from Tetuan, Zamboanga City, made his 1st Solo Flight ahead of his elder brother Joe Mari, a batchmate on board RP-C6923 courtesy of Senior FI, Capt Jose Carlos “JC” Asuncion. Incidentally, the Dalipe brothers are the sons of the well-known veteran seasoned combat chopper pilot of the famous Air Commando of the 205th Helicopter Wing in the early 70’s, Col Manny Dalipe PAF (Ret), PMA ’67, PAF Flying School ’69 and a former Vice Mayor of Zamboanga City in the 80’s. Obviously, flying runs in the blood of the Dalipe siblings! Champ, by the way is a graduate of Ateneo de Zamboanga, BS Nursing.
Hence, with the sterling achievement of a lifetime in Pilot Training, effective immediately, the two (2) young and daring 1st Soloists of Batch Golf 2017 are now duly authorized to explore the vast horizon and conquer the clear blue skies of San Fernando Airport, La Union. Congrats to the 2 brand new 1st Soloists for the day, as well as to the very supportive & proud parents! Happy Flying & have a SAFE Flight always! Cheers & God bless!
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