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.