Making House Calls – From The Air

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Peggy and Ray Della Porta stand next to their current ride, a 1979 twin engine Cessna 340A. The U.S. flag decal represents Ray’s stint in the U.S. Navy and the horse and rider, Peggy’s skills as an equestrian.

Many people have a desire to give back to those less fortunate through volunteer work, educational programs, monetary assistance or any number of other ways. At times, they use special skills to make their contributions more valuable or easier to execute. A case in point: Dr. Ray Della Porta and his twin-engine Cessna airplane. Oh, and a group of flying friends who share the same desire to give back while having a little fun. 

Ray, a practicing dentist in Vero Beach, puts in three days a week working with his son at their family dental office. But when the call goes out for a mission or an upcoming social gathering, Ray joins his group of friends who mostly happen to be other dentists and who mostly fly their own planes. Known as the Flying Dentists Association (FDA), they are a national organization of about 235 active members who reach far and wide to help others and enjoy some fellowship.

Just how did Ray get started? It all began when he and Peggy, his wife, bought their first house in the Bahamas in 1979. After a lot of flying back and forth between Vero Beach and the islands, Peggy mentioned to Ray that he should learn to fly. “But,” she told him, “I have to learn too.” The couple took lessons together and in 1980 purchased their first aircraft a few months after being licensed. Currently, Ray is instrument-rated; Peggy is visual flight rules.

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