94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Kicks Off Summer Internship Program for George T. Baker Aviation School Students at Watson Island

Shown from left to right are David B. Schleiden from Miami-Dade School system, Sean Gallagan, Principle of George T. Baker Aviation School, Benny F. Benitez Founder & CEO 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group, Jon Romero (Student), Roberto Gomez, Sea Plane Base Manager, Jumanne Thomas (Student), Elwood Stelhomme (Student) and Angel Perez George T. Baker Career Placement
Jumman Thomas sits left seat within the cockpit of the Grumman Goose as he is being given a cockpit familiarization by Mr. Roberto Gomez, Sea Plane Base Manager
George T.Baker Principle, Sean Gallagan speaks with Roberto Gomez about the history that Watson Island has and its contribution to the growth of aviation in Miami since 1923
"The Pioneers" Students shown from left to right are Jon Romero age 18, Elwood Stelhomme age 18 and Jumanne Thomas age 20 all the future of Miami Aviation, as the connect with the pass to forge their futures

Shown from left to right are Roberto Gomez, Elwood Stelhome, Jumanne Thomas, Jon Romero and Benny F. Benitez. The past, the present and the future of "Miami Aviation" are shown above, as Benny stated its a great feeling to give of ones time and talent so that other could enjoy the great expedience that is "Aviation"

Miami, Florida / Watson Island 19th June 2010: As the old saying goes that if there is a will there is a way and that was what occurred at the Miami Sea Plane Base on Watson Island on 19th June 2010. The vision that Benny Benitez, Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group in linking the historical aviation past with the future of "Miami Aviation" came true.

In the same fashion and with the endeavor spirit that Juan Trippe, Glenn Curtis and George T. Baker had when they were creating new ideas and changing the course of Miami aviation and who all at times were told that it would be impossible and that it can't be done was in fact done by each man achieving their specific goals and dreams in aviation.

One who always has admired Juan Trippe, the Founder of Pan American Airways for the vision he had, his business skills and the strength to go up against the odds, Benny, who first job in aviation was oddly enough with the original Pan Am back in New York until the end of the airline in 1991, and whose childhood neighborhood back in Brooklyn, New York is a mere few blocks away from where Juan Trippe is buried, invoked the spirit of forging ahead with a vision that would have made Juan Trippe proud.

Benny's vision was to link the past with the future and that has come true with the establishment and kick off of the Summer 2010 paid internship program for the first of Six (6) students from the George T. Baker Aviation School.

The students shown above are being called by Benny as "The Pioneers" as they will travel back in time to learn as to how to work and maintain an original 1941 Grumman Goose as their first ever aviation job, so that they could forge and commence their future within the industry. \

In a statement that Benny made to Roberto Gomez, the Sea Plane Base Manger after he advised the above students that their internship shall commence on Monday 21th June 2010 was "I wonder if Juan Trippe is saying somewhere "See that is what a "Pan AM Man" can do!

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Establishes The 1st Ever Internship Between The George T Baker School & The Miami Sea Plane Base

Shown above is one of the aviation jewels of Miami a 1941 Grumman Goose with U.S. Registration N119AA basking in the warm sun of South Florida at the Watson Island Sea Plane Base, which known on the aviation charts as X-44, the oldest Sea Plane Base in the United States
Having a achieved a long time goal of bringing sea plane aviation to the aviation students here in Miami, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Founder & CEO Benny F. Benitez gives a proud and happy thumbs up from within the cockpit of the Grumman Goose, as the benefactors of this effort shall be the students from George T. Baker Aviation School of which four selected students shall be enrolled in the first ever sea plane internship between the school and the historic Sea Plane Base of Miami. An effort that Pappy Chalks himself would have been proud of, as it shall provide Summer jobs for the four selected students
Shown smiling in his famous 94th ACG Khaki ball cap and echoing the words "I love when a plan comes together" is Benny F. Benitez Founder & CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group who organized and facilitated the meeting between Mr. Roberto Gomez in the white shirt, the Manager of Watson Island / Sea Plane Base and Mr. Sean Gallagan in the blue shirt, Principle of the George T. Baker Aviation School of Miami-Dade
Shown are three well known and respected individuals within the Miami aviation industry and community planning and establishing an effort between educators and business for the benefit of our greatest resource here in Miami our student body. This being the idea and dream of Benny F. Benitez as come to reality and is expected to grow into a larger project as the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group takes the effort to tie education and business together for the benefit of the students at George T. Baker Aviation School of Miami-Dade

Miami, Florida / Watson Island 11th June 2010: To say that we as one could change and influence the world around us and change the course of a life is true and alive in Miami. A well respected and known individual within the Miami aviation community, Benny F. Benitez, the Founder & CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group of Miami proved that to make a change here in Miami for the benefit of the community and industry one does not need to have and establish committee, set an operational budget, conduct an exploratory group or the other factors that often kill and stymie the growth of ideas and results.

Like the famous Nike advertisement "JUST DO IT" is what one individual did to tie a landmark aviation school here in Miami with a historical aviation site.

The pairing consist of the George T. Baker Aviation School of Miami-Dade and the historic Watson Island sea plane base of Miami.

This effort shall provide four noteworthy students from the School with a paid internship (Summer Job) as the apply their classroom technical experience to support and maintain an aviation jewel of Miami.

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultants Groups Becomes The First Miami Aviation Organization To Demostrate a Commitment to The Mission of The FBI

Shown above are Special Agent in Charge (S.A.C-Miami) Special Agent J. Gillies head of the FBI Office in Miami, the 4th largest FBI Office in the United States and Benny F. Benitez Founder & CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group shown with diploma from the FBI Civilian Academy Program an a letter of appreciation from FBI Director Robert Muller, III
Graduation ceremony with Special Agent in Charge, Special Agent J. Gillies at the podium reading to the audience the mission statement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the graduate and attending guess from Miami Office, Civilian Program, class eleven (11)
Present at the graduation ceremony where active members of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group. Shown from left to right are Mr. Roosevelt Viana, Portuguese linguistic expert / technical operation Brazil, Ms. Fernda Martin, Portuguese linguistic and logistic expert, Ms. Connie Devine, German & Spanish linguistic expert, Peruvian market specialist, Mr. Benny F. Benitez, Group leader, Founder & CEO and M.s Maite Munoz, Spanish linguistic expert, Venezuelan market specialist and office manager. Not shown above but present at the ceremony and of note worthy mentioned is Mr. Chris Cochran who is a senior member of the group and global logistic expert with HAZMAT endorsement and airline A.O.G representative. Not present due to operational commitment, but also of notable mention is Ms. Catherine Smallwood CFI, CFII, MEI Goldseal FAA Flight Instructor, the group Fight Instructor & Chief Pilot

Miami, Florida 10th June 2010: Aside from the dedication and commitment toward the success of their clients for the past seven years, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) of Miami commitment to the United States, the Constitution, its people and the security of the Nation is unquestioned and has been long established for many years.

This is now enforced with the (94th ACG) demonstration of commitment toward the mission of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with their Founder & CEO Benny F, Benitez graduation from the FBI Civilian Academy Program.

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group under the guidance and direction of its Founder & CEO has become the first ever Miami based aviation organization to service and support various Federal Agencies for the benefit of National Security.

This effort has been recognized and acknowledged by FBI Director Mr. Robert S. Muller III, as well as by the Department of Justice. Again, the (94th ACG) takes a one of kind lead within the Community and Industry for the benefit of Commerce and National Security.

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Is Introduced To The Polish Made Mielec PZL-104 "Wilga" STOL Aircraft

Shown within the four passenger interior area of the PZL-104 "Wilga" is Private Pilot Kathleen Stanfill of Ridge-Aire who provided a detailed and technical ground tour of the aircraft and its operating qualities
The Mielec PLZ-104 "Wilga" is Polish made STOL aircraft with an expectational ability for short field landings and take off's from either paved runways or paved runways and has a great lift capability
The PZL-104 "Wilga" could carry four passengers and the side doors could be removed for exceptional viewing while aloft. Being a stable, high wing mounted aircraft, the PZL-104 makes for a great aerial photo platform
With stout and robust semi cantilever main landing gears, the PZL-104 has a max landing and take off weight of 2,866 Lbs (1,300 kg)
The Mielec PZL-104 STOL aircraft is powered by a 260 horse power (194 kw) PZL AI-14RA nine cylinder supercharged radial, air-cooled engine

Jacksonville, Texas 5th May 2010: In their never ending quest to perform and maintain continuous aircraft training and exposure to many different type of aircrafts, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group seized a great opportunity while deployed to Jacksonville, Texas to receive a detailed, technical ground tour of the Polish made, Mielec PZL-104 "Wilga" which is the Polish word for "Oriole". Mrs. Kathleen Stanfill from Ridge-Aire herself an FAA rated Private Pilot provided the review of the aircraft and its operational life since operating within the States as FAA registered aircraft N35PF.

Built as a sports / parachute jumping aircraft by the Polish aircraft manufacture Mielec, the PZL-104 is utilized in many roles to include utility and military observation with various air forces around the world. The aircraft is powered by an air-cooled PZL AI-14AR, nine cylinder engine, which could produce about 260 horse power.

Coupled with its slow handling landing speeds of just about 35-40 MPH and built for harsh operational condition and with a semi-cantilever landing gears, the PZL-104 could land just about anywhere. The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group has commenced dialog to bring the PZL-104 to Miami for possible promotional work and is the only Miami, Florida based aviation consultant group to now have a general operational understanding of the aircraft.

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Is Called Upon To Conduct a Pre-Buy Inspection Concerning a Beechcraft King Air 200

Aircraft N5MK, serial number BB-37, King-Air 200 Visual detailed inspection of the aircraft upper fuselage area
Close up view of the right hand propeller, exhaust port and engine nacelle, which houses a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 turbo-prop engine serial number 81213 with current times of 4,749.4 hours & 8,236 cycles
A view of the left hand engine propeller, exhaust port and engine nacelle, which houses a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 turbo-prop engine serial number 81801 with current times of 5,119.0 hours and 8,970 cycles. Note the open port side / forward avionics equipment compartment area

Jacksonville, Texas 4th & 5th May 2010: On Tuesday May 4th elements of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) of Miami, Florida were on the move into the Great State of Texas, so as to undertake a pre-buy inspection of a Beechcraft King-Air 200 for a new Central American client. The client was recommended to the (94th ACG) by Royal Marine Insurance of Miami, Florida (www.rmig.us). Once officially retained by the client, plans where put into effect to head out to Jacksonville, Texas, which is located about 145 miles Southeast of the Dallas / Fort Worth area.

Being no stranger to utilizing any available means of transportation so as to achieve their operational objective and to reach their area of operations, a commercial flight was established from Miami to Dallas via Atlanta. Upon arrival into Dallas another flight was conducted from Grand Prairie Airport (KGPM) to Cherokee County Airport (KJOS) within a Piper Archer N8450D provided by the folks at Ridge-Aire, the sellers of the aircraft.

The general, detailed visual inspection of the King-Air and its associated technical and historical records was accomplished within two and half days, with no major discrepancies noted on either the aircraft and / or the records. Based on its 1979 vintage, the aircraft was found to be in expectational good condition.

A note worthy mention is in order for the folks at Ridge-Aire, who's professionalism and good old Texas hospitality was appreciated during our visitation to their facility and for providing the required airlift to and from Dallas.

RidgeAire

World Wide Aviation Specialists

Web: http://www.ridgeaire.com/

903-586-1521

A.B. "Bud" Ridgley-Sales Manager

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.