A Legacy of Flight: Upgraded Flight Simulator at Piper Aviation Museum Dedicated in Honor of Denny Caprio
The Sons and Daughters of Italy Generously Contribute $5k for Key Upgrades to the Museum’s Flight Simulator and Memorialize Former Lodge President
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN— The Piper Aviation Museum celebrated the dedication of an upgraded Tomahawk flight simulator on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, honoring Dennis (Denny) Caprio for his significant contributions to the museum and the Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge in Lock Haven.
The dedication ceremony was attended by community members and notable figures, including Piper Aviation Museum board members, Museum President Ron Dremel, Vice Chairman Charles Rosamilia, Lock Haven City Council member Steve Stevenson, Mark Long from Senator Cris Dush’s office, and Michelle Dush-McCain from PA State Representative Stephanie Borowicz’s office. Keith Kern of Databit Solutions, who provided technical support for the flight simulator’s upgrade, was also present.
Vice Chairman Rosamilia explained that the museum has long featured an aircraft linked to a flight simulator, but advancements in technology made an upgrade essential. With a generous $5,000 donation from the Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge, the museum now features a state-of-the-art Tomahawk flight simulator, much to the excitement of aviation enthusiasts and museum visitors alike.
Denny Caprio, the honoree, previously served as president of the Sons of Italy from 1967 to 1985 and again from 2011 to 2015. Caprio was also a board member of the Piper Aviation Museum for roughly ten years. “He worked for both organizations and is a perfect fit for our dedication today,” said Vice Chairman Charles Rosamilia during the ceremony.
Daniel Vilello, president of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, unveiled the new plaque that memorializes Caprio on the front of the flight simulator and shared memories of Caprio’s leadership and advocacy during his 24-year run as president of the Sons and Daughters of Italy lodge. He warmly invited attendees and community members to consider joining the Sons of Italy, highlighting a nominal $10 annual fee aimed at fostering community and supporting charitable projects. Vilello emphasized that by becoming a social member of the Sons, “You help us help projects like this, and that’s what we’re all about.”
Attendees were invited to take a flight in the simulator or watch a demonstration of its capabilities, guided by Ed Watson, manager of the Piper Aviation Museum. The simulation starts on the runway at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport and provides an immersive experience of flying over Lock Haven, complete with realistic aircraft controls. Multiple screens inside the simulator display an aerial view, and the simulator matches current weather conditions to enhance authenticity. During normal operating hours, museum visitors over age 12 can take a simulated flight to any destination for a $5 fee.
Adding to the dedication ceremony, Kira Rosamilia, Tourism Director at the Clinton County Economic Partnership & Visitors Bureau, announced that the Economic Partnership will sponsor a free flight simulation experience for the first 100 visitors at the Piper Aviation Museum starting on its opening day for the season, Saturday, March 1, 2025.
The journey of the Tomahawk flight simulator, now a key attraction at the Piper Aviation Museum, traces back to the mid-1960s when Piper Aircraft sought to develop a trainer aircraft to compete with the Cessna 150. The project faced a tumultuous start with multiple cancellations and revivals but eventually culminated in the production of the PA-38 Tomahawk in 1977, featuring a modernized T-tail design to reduce costs. The museum’s simulator, based on the Tomahawk model, was inspired by Harry Boyer’s work at McCall Middle School in Montoursville and came to fruition through fundraising efforts led by Cecil F. Hazlett and John Bryerton. The Tomahawk plane, purchased from Moyer Aviation at the Pocono Mountains Airport, was dismantled and reassembled on the museum’s second floor before it was equipped with flat-screen monitors and authentic aircraft controls to create a realistic flight simulation experience.
The dedication ceremony concluded with light refreshments in the museum’s gift shop as visitors mingled and celebrated the lasting impact of Denny Caprio’s work and the exciting future for the museum, enabled by the upgraded flight simulator.
Piper Aviation Museum’s hours of operation beginning on March 1:
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
To learn more about the museum or to ask questions:
Website: www.pipermuseum.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/piper.aviationmuseum
Email: pipermuseum@comcast.net
Phone: 570-748-8283
Visit the Piper Aviation Museum, located at 1 Piper Way in Lock Haven.
