The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Is Called Upon By The USAF / Department of Defense To Survey C-17 Damage at Opa Locka Airport

The offical logo of the 437th Airlift Wing from Charleston Air Force Base in Charleston, South Carolina

Shown for the purpose of reference and general familiarization is a side dimension diagram of Boeing C-17A Globemater III aircraft, the USAF premiere tactical and strategic airlifter

Shown above is one of the two 56.5 feet tall ramp side lighting poles which was struck by the C-17 upper, right hand tail elevator while the aircraft was being marshaled by its USAF ground crew. Damage to the ramp side light pole resulted in the top portion lamp housing section being completely knocked off. The force of the impacted left the pole badly listing but firmly standing within its concert base

Shown next to aircraft 7186 of the 437th / 315th Airlift Wing is Benny Benitez, Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) whose organization for the past years have served and continues to the serve our nation defense agencies on various issues. One such issue concerns aviation risk prevention and management.
Shown within the outline while circle is the area of damage to the subject aircraft. In this picture one could fully appreciate the actual height of the aircraft tail section, which measures at 55.08 feet / 16.79 meter
A close up view of the damage to the upper, right hand elevator control surface which sustained damage as a result of hitting the ramp side lighting pole
Shown in its glory is aircraft 7186 starboard view. This C-17 is assigned to Charleston Air Force Base of the 437th Airlift Wing / 315th Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve) located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Miami / Opa Locka, Florida 16th April 2010: Much like the attributes of a military reservist who at any moment could be activated / mobilized to perform their specific duties and specialities within the States and / or outside of CONUS (Continental U.S.), the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) under the leadership of its Founder & CEO Benny Benitez always stand ready to perform their duties and service to their cliental. This time in a surprising first ever within the past years of being retained, the call came not to launch out to a far flung part on the global or an area of immediate danger, but within 21 miles of their office in Coconut Grove.

The location? Opa Locka Airport (KOPF) the requirement? survey and report on the damages sustained to a Boeing Globemaster III airlifter, aircraft 7186 from the 437th / 315th Airlift Wing from Charleston Air Force Base, located in Charleston, South Carolina.

In what appears to have been an error in misjudgement, the USAF ground crew struck a ramp lighting pole while marshaling the aircraft. Early reports indicated damage was not critical and possible field replacement of the damage flight control surface and / or temporary repair may prove suitable.

There was no injuries to personnel and the aircraft cargo, which consisted of a Presidential UH-60 Black-Hawk Helicopter was transferred onto another C-17 from the 6th Airlift Squadron, the "Bully Beef Express" who were dispatched from McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Aircraft 7186 from the 437th / 317th was supporting logistical support to President Obama South Florida campaign fund raising visit. The aircraft remained parked on Miami Executive Aviation ramp at Opa Locka Airport and departed at the end the weekend.

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Was Invited To Participate In an "Air Department Helicopter Safety Officer Course"

The Squadron's two day course which was conducted at the Bahi Mar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida was a proving run "BETA Test" for The Squadron, who invited top industry professionals (Helicopter Pilots) to be the first to undergo the course and to act as attendees and observers. The inputs and feedback of the above professionals are instrumental and highly regarded to The Squadron.

As the first to complete the course, shown above from left to right are: Special Agent (Pilot) Van Safriet -South Carolina Law Enforcement Agency, Sgt.(Pilot) Dale Ownes-Broward Sheriff Office, Special Agent Steve Boagans-South Carolina Dept. of Natural Recourse, Benny F. Benitez-94th ACG / DoD Consultant, Steve Docekal-Dir of Maintenance Health Care District 'Trauma Hawk", Lt. Kyle S. Armstrong-USCG HH-65 Pilot, Coast Guard Air Station Miami and Taff Weaver former Royal Navy Diver / Ordnance Disposal, International Yacht Security & Safety. Not shown was Gerry Pagano (Pilot)-Dir of Operations Health Care District

The Squadron Vice President Dan Dueterman LCDR USCG explains the 'Swiss Cheese" model of risk management in as if things in as "the holes" line up in any type of operation, the condition could be right for something to pass by any and all check and balances to ensure the safety of an operation

Shown above is the Squadron leadership, shown above from left to right: The Squadron Vice President,LCDR Dan Dueterman, USCG, President, James Frean, British Royal Navy-Helicopter Flight Officer and Chief QSI, Dave Scott, former U.S. Army, Retired USCG. All of the members above have over 65 year of combined helicopter flight operational experience

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 22nd & 23rd March 2010: Recognizing the real world level of experience to which the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group has and is known for in various area of aviation, the (94th ACG) was invited to be part of a "Beta Test" group of aviation professionals concerning the creation of an Air Department Safety Officer (ADSO) course with a strong emphases on rotary wing operation and safety. The course was created and presented by an organization known as "The Squadron" http://www.the-squadron.com/

"The Squadron" is comprised of high time, seasoned and experienced former and active military helicopter pilots who have a strong background in flying helicopters off seagoing ships and platforms. "The Squadron" currently trains air assets that operate from some of the world largest yachts and sea based platforms (i.e. oil sea rigs). Members of "The Squadron" such as Mr. Dan Dueterman are contributing writers to Rotary & Wing magazine, the premiere publication concerning helicopter safety and operations. One such well written article was published in the March 2010 issue found on page 36 titled "Flying into the Abyss".

Their President Mr. James Frean is a former British Navy helicopter pilot and their Chief QSI, Mr. Dave Scott served and flew helicopters for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard and has served a tour as an exchange pilot with the British Royal Navy flying the Sikorsky H-3 Sea King.

The other invited individuals who made up the course Beta Test team consisted of Local, out of State, and Federal Aviation Law Enforcement professionals, as well an individual from the world yacht industry. The 94th ACG had a two man team consisting of its Founder & CEO Benny Benitez and RB Lawson who instilled a solid presence and familiarization toward aviation risk and claims management from the view point of Lloyd's of London. The attending individuals who comprised the Beta Test team upon course completion were awarded certificate of qualification and became the first corp of Air Department Safety Officers (ADSO's) in which "The Squadron" has trained and certified.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consutlant Group Gets a Call For Aviation Logistical Support From The Miami-Dade School Board "The Flight of Education One"

Dawn breaks as the Piper Chieftain dubbed "Education One" the call sign given to the flight of the Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent and his staff of seven blocks out at 0:6:32 EST and commence to taxi at Tamiami Regional Airport on its one day, round trip official flight to Haiti
Shown with the Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Benny Benitez prior to engine starts is Miami-Dade Public School Superintendent Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho. Benny is in the company standard field operations work uniform, which has an uncanny resemblance to the attire commonly worn by Department of Defense contract personnel in Southwest Asia
A member of the 94th ACG Strategic Alliance Team of Companies is Mr. Chris Walston of Waltson Aviation an established and proper South Florida Flight Charter operation and the Miami-Dade Public School Superintendent Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho. It should be noted that Mr. Walston is an experienced Boeing 747 Cargo Pilot formerly with Southern Air Cargo
Shown plane side of "Education One" and who did not deploy to Haiti with the Superintendent and his staff and who stayed behind to coordinate ground operations with the 94th ACG Ops department concerning the flight is Mr. Mark Zaher Miami-Dade Public Schools Crisis Management Director

Picture with Benny who is third from the left is "Education One" flight members with Superintendent Mr. Caralho shown fourth from the left. It should be noted that the lady with the white pants was the Sister of the First Lady of Haiti who accompanied Superintendent Carvalho on the official and first visit of the Miami-Dade Public Schools to post earthquake Haiti

Miami, Florida 18th February 2010: On Wednesday 17th March at 10:48am the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) operations desk got a call from the Miami-Dade School Board requesting assistance in advising toward securing airlift for the Miami-Dade School Superintendent, Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho and his staff of five (5) individuals for an official Miami-Dade County trip to earthquake torn Haiti, which also included the Sister of the First Lady of Haiti who was traveling back to Haiti with the Superintendent.

The catch was that the Superintendent and his group wanted to travel the next day for a round trip. Within minutes after concluding the initial conversation with the School Board, the (94th ACG) commenced the process to secure the aircraft and crew. Within two and half hours from getting the call, Mr. Carvalho aircraft arrangement was established for the following day with a launch time of 05:30am out of Tamiami Regional Airport (KTMB).

Being that the airport at Port Au Prince, Haiti was under the control of the U.S. Air Force Combat Air Controllers from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron out of Hulbert Field, Florida, who essentially were the "Air Traffic Control"authority there a clearance was required. The Mission pilot Mr. Walston made numerous calls to the general 1-800 number which was set up so as to obtain the required clearances issued by the U.S.A.F but to no avail. Without an USAF issued clearance nothing was to take off the next day. Added to the pressure was that Mr. Walston was under a time constraint so as to properly file for the Instrument Flight Reference (VFR) flight for early "O-Dark Thirty" the next morning.

Restoring to the (94th ACG) contacts with the U.S. Department of Defense a call was placed by the Founder & CEO of the (94th ACG) to both Southern Command and to Joint Special Operation Command (JSOC) and within 15-17 minutes from calling the ranking leadership at both Commands, clearance number ( 021850115CNC ) was personally given to the Mission Pilot, Mr. Walston by the leading Combat Air Controller who called him directly from Haiti. It appears that after the call was made the chain of command delegation from top to bottom was keen. The next day the flight under the call sign "Education-One" manned up and launch on time. "Education-One" arrived into Haiti with no problem and Mr. Carvalho and his staff were taken by Government officials into the City to survey the damages and for his schedule meeting with the Haitian Minister of Education.

Back at Port Au Prince Airport, Mr. Walston in accordance with (94th ACG) procedures when in unstable "real world ops area" was ready to launch the aircraft within moment notice, as it was in an "Alert-7" status meaning should anything happen the aircraft was already refueled, preflighted and ready to go within seven (7) minutes of anything happening.

Back in Miami, the Miami-Dade School Board tracked the flight of "Education-One" on www. flightaware.com With a successful meeting concluded "Education-One" launch out of Haiti and arrived safely back into Miami "Mission Accomplished".

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Founder and Chief Executive Officer Meets With Miami-Dade County & Signature Flight Support Officals

Shown with Benny (center) from left to right are Signature Flight Support / BBA Aviation Mr. David H. Best, Chief Commercial Officer with Vice President and General Counsel, Mr. Joseph I. Goldstein

Shown above is the leadership at Signature Flight Support / BBA Aviation from left to Right are: Mr. Tim Johnson, Business Development Manager, Cy, Mrs. Claudia Lopez-Duckenfield, General Manager at MIA and Mr. S.Michael Scheeringa, President

Know to many as "The Engineer" Mr. Jose Abreu, P.E., is Miami International Airport Aviation Director. Mr. Abreu title as "The Engineer" comes from his profession as a professionally licensed (P.E.) Civil Engineer. Resorting to his Navy jargon from his days while on board two U.S. Navy Carriers, the U.S.S. Independence CV-62 and the U.S.S Lincoln, CVN-72, Benny refers to Jose as the "AIR BOSS" the title given to the Officer who on board a U.S. Navy Carrier runs all that is Aviation.

Benny F. Benitez Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group a former-U.S. Navy Flyer is shown with former U.S. Marine Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz District 12. Commissioner Diaz serves as a board of director for the Miami International Airport Military lounge and has mentioned to Benny about considering joining the board, based on Benny military contacts and status as a registered U.S. Government advisor to the Department of Defense, as well as the President of the Air Force Association Miami Chapter

Miami, Florida 4th February 2010: As a prelude to the festivity that will embrace the City of Miami during the weekend of February 6th and 7th, Super Bowl Weekend, the Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) Benny F. Benitez attended one of may pre-Super Bowl festive gatherings being held throughout the City of Miami. As an invited guess to an event held at Signature Flight Support along with a vast array of local aviation industry, business and County Governmental V.I.P' quests, (94thACG) was in attendance at the Fixed Based Operator (FBO) at Miami International Airport.

The event at Signature Flight Support was organized by a very cable and talented Miami based event planning group known as Catalina Urrego & Associates " 360 Degrees Event Management" who brought a brilliant atmosphere of enjoyment to all who attended the event.

During the social gathering, Benny had the pleasure and ability to meet and converse with Miami-Dade County Commissioners Jose "Pepe" Diaz, District 12 and Burno A. Barreiro, District 5, as well as Miami International Airport Aviation Director Jose Abreu, P.E. Items of conversation included the airport new 10 million dollar automated baggage system and the advent of Lufthansa Airlines pending Airbus A380 service to Miami and as to how well prepared is Miami International Airport to commence accepting and accommodate the new and massive commercial transport. Aside from the business discussed, laughs and jokes were shared by all which made for a great evening. The (94th ACG) thanks the leadership at Signature Flight Support / BBA Aviation for a great event.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Visits and Reviews IBC Airways at Miami International Airport

Shown here is the cargo interior of an IBC Airways Fairchild Metroliner Fleet Aircraft
Shown sitting on a rain slick ramp at Miami International Airport is (1) one of (9) nine IBC Airway fleet Fairchild Metroliner A side from their fleet 30 seat configuration SAAB 340 and their cargo version, IBC Airways operates an 18 seat VIP configured aircraft
The IBC Airways fleet configured 18 seat VIP SAAB sits outside their ramp next to Miami Tech
An IBC Airways fleet cargo configured SAAB is able to hold a total of 7,500 lbs worth of cargo

Miami, Florida 1st February 2010: Despite the foul weather that plagued and brought heavy rains to the Miami area on the first day of the new month, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) kept their scheduled appointment with the leadership at IBC Airways. Becoming somewhat of a measuring and monitoring stick within South Florida as to what is "Aviation" for the past seven years, concerning quality as to what is observed and reported regardless it being good or bad, the (94th ACG) spent a day with IBC Airways.

Established in 1991, IBC Airways operates a fleet of (10) ten SAAB-340's, (7) seven Fairchild Metroliner's and (1) one LearJet 55, which allows IBC Airways to deliver onto their clients one thing and one thing only! "Reliability".

Operating a niche market for well over 19 years, IBC Airways is South Florida's Bahamas and Caribbean market specialist when it come to the transportion of people and cargo in a safe and timely manner. With a dedicated work force toward safety, quality and customer service it did not take long for the (94th ACG) to observer those traits which make IBC Airways "One of Miami Best Kept Secret" in aviation. Having recently undergone a successful FAA Regional Aviation Safety Inspection Program "RASIP" given by the Atlanta, Georgia based Southern Regional FAA Office, IBC Airways holds the bar in quality here in Miami. From their Company General Maintenance Manual (GMM) to their aircraft records files (i.e. airworthiness directives A.D.'s) toward the overall condition of their hangar and fleet aircraft's which were observed, they all added toward IBC Airways emulating a proper level of regulatory, organizational and safety minded operational environment. On a rating of level "10" we at the (94th ACG) award IBC Airways an overall rating of an (8.5) Its always a pleasure to see a shining example of quality in a somewhat fluid and dynamic industry that is aviation.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Commences Air Operations Into Haiti Thus Kicking Off "OPERATION HAITIAN RESTORATION 2010"

Shown with Benny F. Benitez, Founder & CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) uopn her return to Tamiami Airport is Doctor Natalie W. Geary a Pediatrics Specialist from West Palm Beach. Doctor Geary was grateful to the (94th ACG) for the free ride back to the U.S. after being in Haiti for two weeks. Present but not pictured was Doctor Larry Sherlie from Boston, Massachusetts who also was airlifted back to the U.S by the (94th ACG). It should be noted that currently there is no scheduled commercial air service to and from the besieged nation
Having "Boots On Ground" in Haiti elements of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group surveyed, observed and recorded the on going air activities in Haiti and noted the various Nations present. Shown is a Canadian Armed Forces Bell 412 Helicopter. All photographs within this article were taken by mission specialist Catherine Smallwood
The Airport at Port Au Prince, Haiti appears to look more like a front line combat theater as evident of the amount of Military hard ward present. Shown is an U.S. Air Force Special Operation MC-130. Despite being out of its element as its main mission concerns and deals with "Special Operations" nonetheless, its a C-130 that could haul food, medicine and supplies
An example of what matter for the support of the Haitian effort is "Airlift" Shown close to the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group aircraft while on the flight line is a Canadian Armed Forces Boeing C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft landing
Looking more like a Middle Eastern / African Sub Sahara region instead of a Caribbean, shown in this air / reconnaissance photo taken by the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group as they overflew downtown and outlaying of the Haitian Capital. NOTE: If you click on the photo to enlarge you could see a street filled with indigenous
An HH-60H helicopter belonging to U.S. Navy Squadron HS-15 "Red Lions" based out of Jacksonville, Florida and attached to the U.S. Navy Carrier, the U.S.S. Carl Vinson CVN-70, hovers over a large collection of relief material at the airport. One issue that the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group learned about the situation in Haiti while there is that despite the amount of relief supplies having arrived, local distribution is still a weak factor. This point was confirmed by Doctors in which the (94th ACG) ferried back to the U.S. who had been there for the past two weeks and experienced shortage of medical supplies
94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group hired aircraft, a Piper Chieftain, N4117K sits on the deck preparing to launch out from Haiti back to Tamiami. Note the "Jerry Cans" of extra fuel that were pre-position into Haiti by the crew in the event of low fuel status. Complement to our friend within the Department of Defense / USAF for the consideration and provision
Shown while in transit from Tamiami to Haiti are the passengers / clients who enjoyed the flight as the "client care" in which the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group and their strategic alliance partners provided toward the members of a well established U.S. National child adoption agencies was outstanding
After a proper pre-flight, 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) kicked off "OPERATION HAITIAN RESTORATION 2010" as N4117K commences its taxi roll out of Tamaimi Regional Airport (KTMB)
94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) Chief Pilot and Consultant Director of Flight Operation Catherine Smallwood FAA-CFI, CFII, MEI, Gold seal Flight Instructor, acts as the Second Officer / Mission Specialist of the Flight which included duties as Flight Observer and Reconnaissance Officer for the mission (Mission # HR-001)

Shown with Benny are members of a major U.S., national child adaption agency who for security and privacy reasons shall remain unnamed. They were flown to Haiti to commence what the (94th ACG) has coined as "OPERATION HAITIAN RESTORATION 2010"
Captain Chris Walston Mission Command for the flight reviews the weigh of each passenger item prior to loading and stowing on board the aircraft for the purpose of weight and balance
Mission One aircraft a Piper Chieftain N4117K shown basking in the soft golden glow of the morning sun as it raised over Tamiami airport on the morning of the mission

Miami, Florida / Port a Prince Haiti 28th January 2010: Being a highly diverse and flexible group of operators, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) once again adapted to an ever changing environment and world requirements. After fifteen (15) days of careful mission planning, preparation and coordination with various governmental and private agencies and groups, both within the Continental United States (CONUS) and within Haiti, the (94th ACG) launched their first of many support flights for the benefit of Haitian cause.

Giving it the official name of "OPERATION HAITIAN RESTORATION 2010" the (94th ACG) sent an eight passenger seat Piper Chieftain flown by Mission Commander Mr. Chris Walston and accompanied by Mission Specialist Catherine Smallwood for the purpose of transporting their clients with a secondary mission to observe and record the facilities at the Haitian airport for future support flights for other clients.

An unexpected addition to the mission was the ferrying back of two U.S. Nationals, Doctors who had been in-country within Haiti since the day after the earthquake and were in need of a flight back home, as commercial air service to and from Haiti have been suspended. Its now a standing order for the aircrews and mission personnel of the (94th ACG) who in the next coming days and week shall return to Haiti to bring back any U.S. National either private citizen or governmental personnel in need of a flight back home. After a successful flight which was launched out of Tamiami Regional Airport at 08:06 the aircraft, its crew and the addition of the two doctors were safely recovered back home at 18:10 local time, thus ending the first successful mission for the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Reviews Miami-Dade Police Department New Eurocopter A350B3 Fleet

Shown is a close up of the forward starboard side of the aircraft. Note the large cockpit and entry door windows for improve visibility while on patrol
Pictured with Miami-Dade Police Department second ship N806MP delivered to the Departments back in December 2009 is 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Founder and CEO Benny F. Benitez
Viewing the aircraft from the forward port section note the IR / Video turret mounted below the port side cockpit entry door while slightly aft you will note the high intensity search light
A full starboard side view of the aircraft show its blended and flowing fuselage design common within the EADS / Eurocopter line of Helicopters

Opa Locka, Florida 25th January 2010: American Eurocopter delivered another AS350B3 helicopter (N806MP / s/n 4504) to the Miami-Dade Police Department’s (MDPD) Aviation Unit. This is the second of four AS350B3s that have been ordered. The aircraft will join the department’s Special Patrol Bureau’s Aviation Unit that includes a fleet of rotary and fixed wing aircraft. The first AS350B3 was delivered last December and the MDPD will continue to receive helicopters at a rate of one a year over the next two years.

The AS350B3 provides super visibility and, with its proven law enforcement integration, has become the platform of choice for the law enforcement community. It is a powerful and reliable aircraft that provides unmatched performance, the flexibility for extensive mission equipment options and the added safety of its multiple-redundancy system design.

The MDPD Aviation Unit chose the AS350B3 as the aircraft to rejuvenate the MDPD fleet and to meet the expanding mission scope and security needs of Miami-Dade county and the south Florida region. “The AS350B3 has given us the power, reliability and flexibility to meet our evolving mission platform,” said Sergeant Tom Turpin, pilot with the Special Patrol Bureau’s Aviation Unit. “With its advanced technology and adaptability, this helicopter delivers the capabilities we need to patrol our area and meet the security needs of our region.”

The AS350B3 is a single-engine helicopter known for its high-performance. It is equipped with a powerful 847 shp Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 engine. The AS350 family has established itself as the preferred platform for U.S. law enforcement agencies and it serves with 75 agencies across the nation, including major federal operators such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The MDPD Aviation Unit gave members of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consulting Group (94th ACG) to include their Founder & CEO Mr. Benny F. Benitez a detailed flight line familiarization review of the aircraft operational features, maintenance serving requirements and crew pre-flight procedures. Such training and familiarization ensures that the (94th ACG) stays on the cutting edge of hands on field operation training. A quality trait that is truly beneficial to their clients and adds toward the group technical diversity.