The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Celebrated Its Sixth Continous Year of Operational Status

Others who joined in the celebration and wished the "94th" God Speed for the next six years shown left to right are Ken Porter, President KP-Aircom, Konrad J. Walter, President Complete Turbine Services, LLC. and Alex Lallanilla, President of Chicago based Aero Direct

Celebrating with the "94th" Founder & CEO Benny F. Benitez (center) are Rosa Martinez of Phoenix Aviation Services of Phoenix, Arizona (right) and Diana Illrandi of Kellstrom Industries of Miramar, Florida

Miami Springs, Miami 20th May 2009: The time, May 2003, fuel was at US$34.65 A barrel, Saddam Hussein was still in power and the United States had just invaded and entered into the war in Iraq. The general public feared of what a possible long draw out war might do to the Nation, haunting images of a quagmire like Vietnam loomed in the public eyes and the Enron Corporation was binging to unravel, but among all of the worlds and finanical market uncertainties, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group was stood up and commissioned as fully operational on 20th May 2003.

Since then and still under the leadership of its Founder and CEO, Benny F. Benitez, the "94th" as it has been coined and has become known within the Miami "Aviation 305" community has established a world wide presence and reputation.

Since establishment, the "94th" has deployed and operated for the benefit and the interest of its clientele in over eleven (11) countries. The "94th" as assisted the Miami-Dade District Attorneys Office to the Government of the United States. It has audited and inspected aircraft's ranging from a private Cessna 172 to the Presidential B737-500 "FAP-356" of the Government of Peru. From a single Piaggio P-180 Avant II project which became the first ever P-180 into the Country of India to an evaluation and inspection of an entire fleet of MD-90's at China Eastern Airlines. The "94th" has expanded its forgein linguistic capabilities for its world client and market dominance from Spanish to Portuguese, German, Chinese and Farsi!

It has expanded into the realm of finance by providing local banks, as well as the U.S. Government Export / Import (Ex Im) Bank technical assistance in the evaluations and appraisals of aviation commodities.

The "94th" has spearhead and continuous the charge and support toward many civic and community projects like the Greater Miami Aviation Association, The Miami Maintenance Management Council and The Eastern Flight 401 Tribute Group, as well as other groups in Roswell, New Mexico and Atlanta Georgia. What is on the radar for the "94th" for next six years?

If the first six years was proof as to the relentless effort and the "you never give up" mindset, the next six years will hold bold and new accomplishments for the group!

Already, but a mere two days into the next six years, the "94th" is presenting a proposal to the Self Defense Force of Panama for aviation training and is seeking "Specific Threat Analyses Grants" from the Department of Homeland Security for certain projects. The "CAN DO" spirit live strong within and it shall propel the "94th" toward many more years of success and accomplishments "God Speed 94th".

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Reports on a Special Modification of a Lockheed C-130A "EXCLUSIVE"

C-130A, N131EC shown on the ramp at Tamiami Regional Airport (KTMB) during the Summer of 2005. Operating from Tamiami whistle supporting a U.S. Govt. DoD project concerning the in flight launching and recovering of small drones over the Gulf of Mexico. Note the three bladed propellers a tail tale sign of the "A" model C-130
N131EC, shown in her USAF "Low Vis" paint scheme , which was applied in 2007 for the Hollywood movie 'American Gangster" as N131EC played a cameo role as a USAF C-130 of the Vietnam War period, as it brought back caskets of (KIA) servicemen

Miami, Florida 14th May 2009: Scan the skies and somewhere there will be one of many still active C-130 Hercules (or one of its more than 70 derivatives) in flight. No, it may not seem as enduringly beautiful as the Gulfstream IV. Nor is it fast as an F-22 Raptor. No, it may not appear as eerily intimidating as the F-117. To the non-discerning observer the C-130 Hercules or the "Herk" may seem no more than a flying eighteen wheeler truck.

Since early 2004, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consulting Group (94th ACG) has had the professional and personal pleasure of knowing and having worked with Mr. Earl Cherry of Cherry Aviation, the owners and operator of N131EC.

N131EC, a C-130A whose serial number is 3212, was manufactured in 1959, powered by Allison's T-56-A11A/B engines and delivered to the Australian Royal Air Force (RAAF) where it served the RAAF well. Being just about the only C-130A still operating in the United States under a restricted Part 91 certificate, N131EC soldiers on in support of many DARPA and U.S. Govt. DoD R&D projects. One such project is the high-lite of our exclusive.

In speaking to Mr. Cherry in an exclusive over the phone interview, the 94th ACG was advised that N131EC is to undergo a modifications where it will be fitted with drogue chute in-flight refueling pods under each wing. Now one may say what is so special about that, as the United States Marine Corp VMGR's Squadrons fly with KC-130's as aerial fuel tankers. The issue is that N131EC will be the "ONLY" C-130"A" ever to be fitted with this capability, as Lockheed commenced to sling drogue chute aerial refueling pods under the C-130 with the "E" model and up to the latest and current production "J" models of which the United States Marine Corp currently operates as KC-130J's.

Once fitted with this first ever capability for an "A" model C-130 so as to undertake the support of aerial refueling, N131EC, will be supporting UH-60 Black Hawks, CH-53's, CH-47's and the Boeing V-22 "Osprey" tilt rotor. That was as to the extent of the interview, as the nature of the interview changed to CLASSIFIED and we therefore respectfully terminated our interview.

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Visits Boeing Alteon Flight Training Center Miami

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group founder and CEO Benny Benitez is briefed on the layout of the MD-11 cockpit simulator, period to an operational FAM session
Boeing MD-11 Simulator

Mr. Ron Infantino second from the right a surviving passenger of the 1972 Eastern Airline, Lockheed L-1011, Flight 401 crash briefs flight crews undergoing recurrent CRM training about the crash and his experience after the crash

Miami, Florida 5th May 2009: As both a prime supporter and honorary member of the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group, coupled with their world experience concerning post crash investigation, aviation risk management and preventation are bringing a new vision to the realm of Crew Resource Management (CRM) training by speaking and lecturing to world airlines, aviation organizations and training facilities both civilian and military alike, both domestic and internationally on what started the industry concept of CRM, whistle, promoting and paying honor to the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group to those who perished in the 29th December 1972, L-1011 crash, and those who survived and those who lived and were forever effected by the lost of Flight 401.

The 94th ACG has been well received in the audience they have held with civilian and military organizations alike. They have been invited to speak at this years Airliners International event being held in Orlando in July.

Commencing June of this year, the 94th ACG along with the Eastern Airline Flight 401 Tribute Group are to start working with a TV series production crew so as to create a documentary, production photographers and writers are being sent to Miami to work with the 94t ACG and the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Group as a preliminary target of December 2009 is the sight set to air the documentary so as to coincide with the thirty-seventh (37th) anniversary of the crash.

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group with the Department of Homeland Security / United States Coast Guard

"Guardian 2114" being carefully towed into the hangar under the watchfull eye of the port wing safety spotter

U.S.C.G Dassault Falcon-20 HU-25A "Guardian" 2214 being towed into the hangar for scheduled maintenance and upkeep by the Air Station Technical Staff at Coast Guard Air Station Miami

Shown left to right: Benny F. Benitez, Founder & CEO 94th ACG, Reg. DoD Consultant, Catherine Smallwood, FAA Certified Flight Instructor and Captain Richard M. Kenin, Commanding Officer U.S. Coast Guard / Air Station Miami at Opa Locka Airport

Opa Locka, Florida 4th May 2009: In their never ending quest to promote and bring safety to the various areas of aviation, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group provided the United States Coast Guard, Air Station Miami with a summary presentation concerning the topic of Crew Resource Management, but not as to the concept of CRM, but from where it all started from. Tragically, CRM was a by product which came about from the lost of Eastern Airlines Flight 401.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401, a Lockheed L-1011, N310EA, crashed into the Florida Everglades on 29th December 1972 killing 101 passenger out of the 176 souls on board. The crash of Flight 401, the worlds first "Jumbo Jet Crash" was due as a result of poor Crew Resource Management. Elements of the 94th ACG held an audience with Captain Richard M. Kenin, the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Miami. Captain Kenin was impressed and well informed as to what started the CRM training factor within the aviation community of which both civilian and military alike train and fully emphasize within their training syllabuses world wide. Captain Kenin a qualified EADS "Dauphin" Helicopter Pilot and Mission Commander fully appreciated and related to the fact as to how crucial the concept of CRM is to the mission, personnel and equipment.

Captain Kenin was impressed and appreciate the effort in which the 94th ACG has put forth in the operational and post crash records and historical research so as to clearly provide the aviation community as to what really happen based on established and recorded facts, which were harvested from the Eastern Airlines company archives of which the 94th ACG had exclusive access to. Captain Kenin invited the 94th ACG and the Eastern Airlines Flight 4o1 Tribute Group to give a series of lectures during the base scheduled Safety Stand down period in the latter half of the third quarter of 2009. This is a professional honor for the 94th ACG to support the training of United States Coast Guard aircrews and support the mission of the Department of Homeland Security.

In preparation, elements of the 94th ACG will be closely working with Lt. Dan Deutermann Air Station Miami Air Crew / Flight Safety Training Officer and his staff to prepare a class-A presentation. A special appreciation goes out to Petty Officer Jennifer Pick the Command Yeoman whos effort assisted in coordinating the 94th ACG visitation. Bravo Zulu to our Shipmate Petty Officer Pick U.S.C.G.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consulting Group Reviews The Facility & Operations at Bischoff Aerospace LLC

Michael Bischoff applying his industry experience and training concerning engine disassembly

Preparing to take apart a Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7B Turbo-Jet Engine

Left to Right: David, Michael Bischoff, Benny F. Benitez (94th ACG) and Jay

Medley, Florida 25th March 2009: Having been retained by an investment group based out of New York City who are seeking "alternative investments" to present toward their clientele, who despite the global economical downtown have been able to sustain their losses and who are now poised to look at new markets for acquisition, under the moniker of "Cash is King" the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Group (94th ACG) has been exploring the Miami market concerning the "Engine Part Out Shops".

Not being subjected to the requirements which stipulates an FAA FAR-145 Repair Stations, Engine Part Shops (EPS's) provided an added value service toward the industry by providing the client who wishes to have an engine (i.e. P&W JT8D and / or GE CF6) taken apart for the sale of its "multiple" and "resalable" components at economical rates, thus allowing the FAR-145 Engine Shops to focus on the business of repairing, overhauling and modify commercial jet engines. Out of the various such shop based here in Miami, only one organization agreed to be scrutinized and interviewed by the 94th ACG for the sake of this article.

Bischoff Aero LLC, under the leadership of Mr. Micheal Bishoff, exemplifies that despite not being subjected to the standards of an approved FAR -145 that is no reason not to operate a shop in a proper manner as if it was under the mandate of an FAA-145 ruling. Being new to the local market, Bischoff Aero LLC vision, quality and commitment to its customers is one that would rival any long established organization in the market. For further information about Bischoff Aero LLC, please go to and review http://www.bischoffaero.com/

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Visits Aeroservices and Reports

Mr. Nelson Gonzazlez, Director of Quality Control for Aeroservice provides Benny F. Benitez of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group with a full technical tour
Aeroservice Next-Generation B737-800W simulator

Sim Industries of the Netherlands B737-800W Full Flight Simulator

Unlike the other older simulator units at Aeroservice, which are motion driven by hydraulic actuators, the B737-800 simulator is motion actuated by pneumatic actuators with no fluid leakage

Virginia Gardens, Florida 24th March 2009: Under the leadership of Captain Vito La Forgia, Aeroservice Aviation Center reaches a new milestone in their operational career in providing the highest quality world recognized training toward the global commercial aviation industry. After careful and diligent market research, Aeroservice Aviation Center selected the Sim Industries B737-800W simulator due to its advanced engineering and maintenance reliability.

Having recently and successfully pass their JAA certification and currently in the process of finishing up FAA certication under FAR Part 60, the new simulator will be fully certified and operational by end of the first quarter of 2009, as planned by Captain La Forgia.

This will marks the first Sim Industries simulator to be installed in the United States.

Having had the technical and personal pleasure, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group got a full close up inspection of the new simulator. Under the knowledgeable guidance of Mr. Nelson Gonzalez, Director of Quality Control at Aeroservice, Mr. Benny F. Benitez was shown the state of the art features that are incorporated into this unit. One feature that was evident was the use of "pneumatic" to power the motion actuators.

Gone are the dips, puddles of seeping of hydraulic fluid onto the bay floor as with the older units. Aeroservice next simulator acquisition shall bring the likes of a Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 simulator, thus providing and maintaining their leading edge of high quality training to the industry.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consulting Group and Miami Artist George Rodez Team Up For An Aviation-Art Project

Benny Benitez, 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consulting Group and world renowned, Miami Artist George Rodez team up for an "Aviation-Art "project to support a local group

Miami Lakes, Florida 19th March 2009: Originally having had experience in blending the two themes of "Aviation" and "Art" back during the spring of 2004, when the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group volunteered to assist in supporting a local Cuban community project by recovering, dismantling, transporting and reassembling an AN-2 Russian made Antonov bi-plane with Cuban registered CU-1086, which was sponsored and speared headed by the the Law Firm or Leeds, Colby and Pairs, which today is "The Cochran Firm of Miami".

The AN-2 was relocated from Key West International Airport to the Coconut Grove U.S. Coast Guard Aircraft Hangar. Once delivered and reassembled, the AN-2 aircraft was vibrantly painted in bold and rich Afro-Caribbean colors by Miami artist Xaiver Cortada. Once again, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group or as its name is being coined within the industry as "94th" is paring up with a another great and world established Miami Artist, Mr. George Rodez, website www.RODEZart.com

The mission is to once again blend aviation and art so as to assist in fund raising for group in which "94th" is behind in full support. The Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group (http://www.ealflt401.blogspot.com/) which commemorates the lost and industry changing action caused of the December 29th 1972 crash of an Eastern Airlines L-1011, N310EA into the Florida Everglades. George Rodez art work, which has been displayed in Soho, New York, Washington, D.C., Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Barcelona, Spain to name a few places, is now venturing in applying is highly specialist art form toward aviation. 94th is leading the way for George Rodez into this new realm, which shall prove to be a brilliant blending of talent. A mold resin casted, based mounted, model of an L-1011 measuring 22 inches in length and over 23 inches in wing span shall be donated by Mr. Roger Jarman from Atlantic Models http://www.atlantic-models.com/ and thus painted in the "Rodez" fashion. The original, one of kind art piece shall be auctioned off in the later part of the year at a scheduled event to be announced, with proceeds going toward the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group.