94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Launches A New Community Project With The Coast Guard Air Station Miami & The George T. Baker Aviation School

Shown from left to right are Mr Codi Diamond, 94th ACG Company Pilot, Dr. Sean Gallegan, Principle of George T. Baker Aviation School, Captain Roberto Gomez, Manager of Watson Island Sea Plane Base, USCG Commander Andy Delgado, Executive Officer Coast Guard Air Station-Miami and Benny F. Benitez 94th ACG Founder & CEO

The Project launch team next to the nose section of the Grumman HU-16 Albatross 

Present at the Grumman Albatross Project kick off meeting as shown from left to right is Mr. Ignacio "Nacho" Vega and Captain Roberto Gomez who manage the operation at the Miami Sea Plane Base located on Watson Island and known on the charts as X-44. The restored Grumman HU-16 Albatross nose section will be displayed at X-44 to pay tribute to the men and women of South Florida Coast Guard / U.S. Naval Aviation

Engaged in conversation within Dr. Gallegan office concerning the details of the Grumman HU-16 Albatross Project kick off meeting is Commander Andy Delgado, Executive Officer Coast Guard Air Station Miami, School Principle Dr. Sean Gallegan and Mr. Ignacio Vega of the Miami Sea Plane Base, X-44

Captain Roberto Gomez explains his idea for the project as USCG / AMT2 George Martinez and George T. Baker Instructor Mr. Allen Munoz listen. AMT2 Martinez will be the liaison between the School and the Coast Guard Air Station. Mr. Munoz shall head the team of students who will undertake the cosmetic restoration of the Grumman HU-16Albatross nose section

Mr. Codi Diamond, 94th ACG Company Pilot listens as AMT2 George Martinez and Captain Roberto Gomez share ideas of the structural repair to undertake to restore the Albatross nose section

The nose section of the Grumman Albatross as it sit prior to the commencement of restoration work. The large hole on the aircraft nose required the installation of the aircraft radome cover which was removed for transportation by dolly to the School

An example of a USCG HU-16E as when they operated from GCAS-Dinner Key up until 1971. This is the color / paint scheme that shall be applied onto the project nose section so as to represent USCG-Aviation in South Florida

Miami, Florida 14th January 2013: With the start of the New Year 2013, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) kicked of the year by coordinating yet another community project in support of the George T. Baker Aviation School and to show support toward their friends at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami at Opa Locka Airport. Originally, Captain Roberto Gomez approached and tapped Benny Benitez, Founder & CEO of the 94th ACG for ideas concerning the possible restoration of a Grumman Albatross nose section which was saved from the scrapper torch at Opa Locka Airport.

Benny and the 94th ACG are strong and avid support of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and draw up an idea to restore the Grumman Albatross nose section in the colors and markings so as to pay tribute to USCG Aviation long time and historical presence within South Florida.

Within days, Benny contacted his friend Captain Richard Keinn, USCG 7th District Chief of Staff who linked him up with the leadership at Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) Miami who welcome the idea and within a very short time Benny was in direct communication with Captain Joe Kimbell, Commanding Officer of CGAS-Miami and with his 2nd in command, Commander Andy Delgado, the Executive Officer.

Benny idea was in two folds, first to save a historical part of USCG-Aviation and to engage the Students at the George T.Baker Aviation School to partake in a project that invokes and support USCG-Aviation.

Being an facilitator in nature, Benny organized the project first and successful meeting that kicked off the project by and between the School and the CGAS-Miami. The goal set would to have the students display their aircraft restoration work and abilities at a May 2, 2013 Miami-Dade School Aviation event to be held at Opa Locka Airport. Further reports are to follow as the students make progress on their project.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Teams Up To Assist Their Friend Captian Barrington Irving On His Next Local & Global Aviation Project

Aviation World Record holder Captain Barrington Irving and Benny Benitez Founder of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group

From right to left Avi Mizrachi, Captain Barrington Irving and Benny Benitez within the Glenn Curtiss garage that now serves as one of Captain Irving aviation classrooms

Avi and Barrington, Avi will play an important role in assisting Barrington on his next global project

Captain Irving in front of the Curtiss Mansion hence aviation history from the past and with the present

Captain Barrington Irving leading the way on the tour of the spaces within the Curtiss Mansion

A historical photo as it shows the same garage where Glenn Curtiss created his design for the U.S. Navy first aircraft the A-1 Triad seaplane and many other of his noted contributions to aviation. Today this famous garage is used by Captain Barrington Irving as it serves as a classroom where local kids are introduce to aviation and aerospace

Miami Springs, Florida 25th June 2012: They say that friends are those who you believe in, those who you support and those who you stand by their side way before they have accomplished something great and notable and that is what we proudly feel in supporting our friend Captain Barrington Irving. 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Founder and CEO Benny Benitez first met Captain Irving at a Greater Miami Aviation Association (GMAA) luncheon back in 2004 when then GMAA President Mrs. Susan Monti at the end of the luncheon gave then young Mr. Irving a few minutes to introduce himself and his idea / dream to the crowd in attendance to created his own aircraft and fly around the world.

Many were amazed and others couldn't believe that it would have been possible, as back then young Mr, Irving was trying to raise money for his endeavor. But it is with great pride and admiration that the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation  Group then having only one year of sustained operations in Miami, Florida saw the possibility and believed in Barrington and now eight years later we are still believing and lend of our time, talent and treasures to help our friend. Recently, the (94th ACG) as accompanied by dear and respected friend and associate Mr. Avi Mizrachi met with Captain Irving to establish a combined effort to assist Barrington on his next global aviation project in 2013, which for the time being, we shall refine from mentioning, but we will say that it is global in size and one variable shall include a visitation by Barrington to Israel. 

On a local and current level the (94th ACG) is assisting Barrington organization known as "Experience Aviation" with a project that will see his student built a kit form race car in which once assembled and tested, Barrington will race it against a modern day Military aircraft. 

Benny's creative vision is being tapped to present this event in grand fashion. Already there is talks about utilizing this year 2012 Homestead Air Show as the display venue to the public. The race car which is currently being assembled within the Coast Guard Air Station Miami hangar at Opa Locka Airport is expected to be completed by the November scheduled Airshow at Homestead Air Reserve Base. Once finished, Benny envision the car to to be transported directly from Opa Locka Airport to Homestead within one of the Coast Guard new CASA 235 Multi-mission, turbo prop aircraft known as the HU-144 "Ocean Sentry. Furthermore, Benny envisions an F/A-18E from Naval Air Station Key West so as to have the presence of U.S. Naval Aviation and to reflect on an idea that was created by Barrington in the same garage in which Glenn Curtiss himself created the U.S. Navy first aircraft, the Curtiss A-1 Triad and became known as the Father of U.S. Naval Aviation . 

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Visits and Tours The Historical Mansion Of Aviation Pioneer Glen Cutriss The Father Of U.S. Naval Aviation

The front view of the newly restored Glenn Curtiss Mansion located within the Miami Springs are of Miami close to the famed 36th Street along Miami International Airport

Looking from the second floor onto the large court yard area

Down in the court yard facing the upper three descending windows which were to the secret stairwell that Glenn Curtiss had designed into the house so as to escape from unwanted company who came to visit as it led to the court yard and across to his garage

Another vantage view point from within the court yard

An inside view of Glenn Curtiss garage where he spent a great deal of time designing and tinkering with his ideas and where the U.S. Navy first official aircraft the A-1 Triad seaplane design was formulated. Today the garage serves as a classroom for Captain Barrington Irving aviation students

One the four main garage doors now fully and wonderfully restored

An outside view of the garage where Glenn Curtiss invented the design for the U.S. Navy first and official aircraft the Curtiss A-1 Triad seaplane

Glenn Curtiss himself at the control of his A-1 Triad seaplane for the U.S. Navy 

The Curtiss A-1 Triad on water trails, note the center pontoon and outboard wing floats

2011 Marked the 100th Anniversary of U.S. Naval Aviation, note the Curtiss A-1 Triad within the logo with the soon to be F-35 Strike Fighter which will replace the F-18 in the near future and become the front line of U.S. Naval Aviation

Miami. Springs, Florida 25th June 2012: Tucked away within a small quite corner of Miami, Florida within the shadow of Miami International Airport, among the sprawling golf course of Miami Springs, just North of the famed 36th Street of which is known all too well to all of those in aviation, sits an aviation treasured site. We refer to the site and former home of aviation pioneer Mr. Glenn Curtiss. 

As the only existing structure directly connected to aviation pioneer and promoter, flying ace, prolific inventor, developer, "Father of U.S. Naval Aviation" and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient Glenn Hammond Curtiss. The Curtiss Mansion at 500 Deer Run was not only home to Curtiss and his family from its construction in 1925 to his death in 1930, but also served as the setting for a prodigious body of work and numerous of accomplishments and activities that the aviation pioneer undertook while he resided at 500 Dear Run. 

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places (2001) and designated Miami Spring Historic Site in (1987), the Curtiss Mansion is an American aviation treasure that Miami has to offer to the world. In relationship to the Curtiss Mansion another notable and worth wild mention has to be given to another famed  aviation site here in Miami known as Watson Island. 

Watson Island is where Arthur Pappy Chalks commenced operation with Chalks Airways in 1917 and it ended in 2007, thus making Chalks Airways the oldest continuously operating airline in the United States, older than Pan American Airways which was founded in 1927 and ended operation in 1992. Luckily through their long standing personal and supportive, professional friendship with Captain Barrington Irving, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) was able to have toured the spaces of this amazing site concerning American aviation history. One historical issue that the site holds is the famed "Garage" where Glenn Curtiss spent a great deal of time inventing and creating many ideas. 

One such idea is said to have been the design for the Curtiss A-1 Triad Seaplane, the U.S. Navy first official aircraft, thus making Glenn Curtiss the  "Father of U.S. Naval Aviation". Oddly enough that same garage now amazing restored serves as modern day classroom for the students of Captain Irving aviation classes.and a place of education operation for Captain Irving. 

As former U.S. Navy Flyer, (94th ACG) Founder and CEO, Benny Benitez was amazed to have been in the place where U.S. Naval Aviation got its start back in 1911. It was truly and honor and special thanks to our dear friend Captain Barrington Irving for the opportunity to have experienced the Curtiss Mansion.  

94th AeroClaims Aviation Consultant Group Surveys a Gulfstream II At Opa Locka Airport

Shown on the ramp at Opa Locka Airport (KTMB)

The aircraft is powered by Rolls Royce Spey Mk 511SR Engines

Equipped with wing mounted tip tanks for extended range

Opa Locka, Florida 14th June 2012: While operating at Opa Locka Airport (KOPF) for the benefit of a client, elements of the 94th AeroClaims Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) came across, observed and documented the presence of a certain variant of a Gulfstream G-11 aircraft with installed wing tip tanks.

According to the FAA, the subject aircraft, bearing U.S. Registration N985BB is registered and belongs to Aviation Technical Management of Davie, Florida.

With a manufactured year of 1979, the official model of the aircraft is known as a G-1159. The aircraft is powered by the Rolls Royce engine models known as the Spey Mk 511SR's. The aircraft appeared to be in proper airworthiness condition. According to flight tracker the aircraft last known flight appeared to have been from Asheville, North Carolina (KAVL) to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) on Tuesday March 30th 2010.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Providing Client Support In The Return To Service & Financial Evaluation Of a Boeing 747-400

A former Singapore 747-400

The profile of the subject aircraft from its starboard side

The inside of the 747-400 cockpit

The general neighborhood were the 94th ACG operated

Mike "G" at the "Big Board" as checked each day for production status

Victorville, California 17th-25th May 2010: Not since the Summer of 2010 has elements of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) seen the high desert of Victorville, California, but from 17th to 25th May it saw the 94th ACG once again operating back in Victorville.

As with their last 65 day plus deployment to Victorville back in Summer of 2010 when dealing with a 747-400 (s/n 27099 / N744AR formerly JA8912) for the Iraqi Government, once again it concern a Boeing 747-400, but due to the sensitivity of the project and client request, the 94th ACG has been instructed NOT to disclose the aircraft tail number or its serial number as a result of confidentiality.
It could be told that the subject aircraft was a former Singapore Airline aircraft and has only been in storage for a short period.

The mission of the 94th ACG was to oversee the tail end Quality Assurance /FAR check of the heavy service package accomplished so as ensure conformity for a ferry flight Out Side the Continental United States (O.C.O.N.U.S). In conjunction with the technical portion of the service, the (94th ACG) simultaneously performed a financial appraisal of the subject aircraft for the Coutts & Co., which is is one of the United Kingdom private banking houses, now wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group This portion of the serviced allowed the client to obtain the required "particle" funding for the acquisition of the aircraft.
Through company clients of the 94th ACG like Million Air who happens to operate the FBO, fuel Service at Victorville allowed for easy acquisition of fuel for the ferry flight. The destination of the aircraft has also been placed as "Confidential" by the client, but it could be told that it was delivered to a well publicized part of the world for sustained operation of certain interest.

94th ACG established and time proven experience with "heavies" such as the 747 and dealing with the heavy maintenance provider made them an added value / force multiplier to the client so as to keep their operational schedule and requirements. The 94th ACG next operational task at the commencement of June, shall see them once again dealing with another well known and experience platform concerning a Lockheed product, we refer to the venerable C-130 Hercules.

94th AeroCliams-Aviation Consultant Group Supporting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) InfraGard Program South Florida Conference

FBI InfraGard Logo

Shown from left to right is Mr. Chris Cochran, FBI InfraGard Member, FBI Citizen Academy Graduate (2012) and an associate consultant member (Logistics / AOG) of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) as shown with Benny  Benitez Founder & CEO of the 94th ACG, also an FBI InfraGard member and 2010 graduate of the FBI Citizen Academy program

Shown from left to right is Dr. Eric S. Ackerman Phd, Dean Nova Southeastern University, Benny Benitez and Miami FBI / South Florida InfraGard Coordinator

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 19th April 2012: On 19th April at the Sheraton Hotel at Fort Lauderdale Airport, the FBI InfraGard Southern Chapter, headed by Dr. Eric S. Ackerman, Phd (President) as supported by its Bureau coordinator and the other members of the chapter board hosted the first Southern, InfraGard regional conference. 

The conference had well over 120 plus people in attendance as well as numerous speakers from the Bureau and civilian sector of industry. Topic such as cyber crimes, National cyber security issues and the threat of Nations resorting to cyber warfare were all topics of interest and review.

It is with great pride and pleasure that the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Founder & CEO Benny Benitez serves as a member of the board of directors to the South Florida InfraGard Chapter as their subject matter expert concerning "Aviation" and its presence and effect within the South Florida market / industry.

Aviation is a vital source toward the infrastructure of our Nation and South Florida being a region strong in aviation as well as Marine, the insight that industry professionals bring to InfraGard are of value toward the safe guarding of our local markets, industry and our Nation as a whole.

It should be noted that currently, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) has seven of its associate consultant members within the InfraGard program and two as graduates of the FBI Citizen Academy program with others to follow, thus making the (94th ACG) one of the only professional aviation consultant group in South Florida with such an affiliation and relationship toward the Bureau, a fact that they are proud of.

94th AeroClaims Aviation Consultant Group Meets With Boeing Test Pilot Jerry White and learns about the Boeing Dash-80 Project

94th AeroClaims Aviation Consultant Group Founder & CEO Benny Benitez poses for a photo with Boeing Test Pilot Mr. Jerry White at the April 11th 2012 meeting of the Miami Maintenance Management Council (MMMC) 

The Boeing Dash 80 the prototype model to the famed Boeing 707 as she currently sits in splendor at the National Air & Space / Steve Udvar Hazy Museum in Dulles, Virginia

The Boeing Dash 80 as she sat in Pima, Arizona before being made ready for a ferry flight from Pima, Arizona to Seattle, Washington (Boeing) after being in desert storage for seventeen years and thus eventfully flown to Dulles International Airport and onto permanent display the Museum. Both  ferry flights of the Dash-80 were flown by Mr. White as pilot in command

Shown with Jerry White is Rodrigo "Rod" Huete, USAF / FAA Test Pilot and USAF Lt. Col (Ret.) Rod a distinguished friend and colleague of the 94th ACG is a valued asset for his specialized skills. Both Rod and Jerry are veterans of the USAF Test Pilot School thus located at the Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California

Jerry being shown after being given the appreciation gift by the Miami Maintenance Management Council (MMMC) of the solid metal B747 desk top model for his amazing presentation concerning his role as Boeing Test pilot for many of Boeing commercial models, as well as his insight on the Dash-80 restoration project, which saved and preserved a great treasure of American aviation

Miami Springs, Florida 11th April 2012: Thanks to the effort of our dear friend and distinguished colleague, Lt. Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) those who were in attendance at the April 11th, 2012 meeting of the Miami Maintenance Management Council (MMMC) meeting experienced a brilliant presentation of a part of American aviation history as presented by Boeing Test Pilot, Mr. Jerry White.

Mr. White provided everyone with a keen insight as to the restoration of the Boeing Dash-80, the prototype to the famed Boeing 707 design that ushered in the commercial jet age in the United Stated and the world at large.

Jerry, personal insight into Boeing from a Test Pilot prospective concerning the Dash-80 to his recent involvement with the Boeing 747-800 or as known in the business, the Boeing 747-8 and subsequently all  other Boeing commercial aircraft models in between was well received and appreciated by over forty plus local aviation professional from within the Miami / South Florida area who were in attendance.

We at the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group wish to thank Jerry for flying all the way out from Seattle to share with all of us here in Miami.