94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Meets With The New Leadership At The George T. Baker Aviation School, As We Welcome New Principle Mr. Rene Mantilla

Shown is the new incoming school principle at the George T. Baker Aviation School, Mr. Rene Mantilla. Mr. Mantilla was the former head principle of the South Dade Education Center. Mr. Mantilla brings a wealth of educational training, leadership experience and ideas to George T. Baker and will ensure its continued growth and dynamic performance in serving the local aviation community. We at the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group welcome Mr. Mantilla.

Shown is Dr. Sean Gallagan the outgoing school principle. Sean has been promoted and transferred to head up a new school within the Miami-Dade School System to be known as I Tech Academy. We at the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant have enjoyed the many years in working closely with Sean on the many accomplished projects for the benefits of the students at George T. Baker Aviation School

Shown from left to right is Mr. Rene Mantilla, the new principle at George T. Baker Aviation School along side of Mr. Benny F. Benitez, Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group who are staunch and active supporters of the school and Dr. Sean Gallgan who we wish the very best at his new and exciting posting at the new I Tech Academy. Job well done Sean we will miss you

Miami, Florida 28th February 2014: Since 2006, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th-ACG), under the leadership of its founder Benny F. Benitez have been long time supporting friends of the George T. Baker Aviation and staunch supporters of aviation education among the students of Miami-Dade County. Since then, the 94th-ACG has experienced the professional and personal pleasure of working with George T. Baker Aviation School Principle, Dr. Sean Gallagan. 

But time marches on and people continue to expand and excel within their careers. Such is the case with the promotion of Dr. Gallagan to head up a new technology driven school within Miami-Dade called "ITech Academy".
Dr. Gallagan has past on the helm of the George T. Baker Aviation School onto Mr. Rene Mantilla. 

Mr. Mantilla was recently the head of the South Dade Educational Center before coming to Baker.
The 94th-ACG had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mantilla on a one to one meeting which was arranged by Dr. Gallagan. The 94th-ACG assured Mr. Mantilla that the same support and assistance that was rendered onto Dr. Gallagan during his watch at the school will continue. The 94th-ACG looks forward toward many productive years of their continued assistance to the school, its instructional staff, its students and to Mr. Mantilla. It should be noted that with the recent accomplishment of the USCG HU-16 nose section restoration, which was concluded back in December 2013, the Miami UAV / Drone project which was started back in September 2013 will carry over onto Mr. Mantilla watch. Welcome Aboard! 

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group with the Federal Aviation Reserve, Reports On The Continued Progress Of The "Arcadia II" U.A.V Project At The George T. Baker Aviation School Of Miami, Florida

Shown is the rate of progress to which the George T. Baker Aviation School is having toward the assembly of the CGS Hawk. Accomplished is the wing to body assembly with the installation of the wing support struts, as well as the installation of the flaps and ailerons 

Shown properly installed is the aircraft nose wheel to the fuselage

Shown standing to the aircraft is Benny F. Benitez who with Joe Martinez of Armatech formulate the idea for the project and to bring it to the George T. Baker Aviation School. With it being almost assembled, one could now ascertain the scale and size of the CGS-Hawk by standing next to it 

A view of the aircraft rear boom with the vertical stabilizer installed as well as its rudder unit

A side of the aircraft, note the flaps in the down position. The installation of the aircraft main landing gear strut, wheels and the horizontal stabilizer is still required 

A rear view of the aircraft showing the engine, muffler and propeller unit properly installed 

Miami, Florida 25th February 2014: With its "Can Do" approach and mindset, the students, under the leadership of their dedicated instructors at the George T. Baker Aviation School have made great strides in the assembly of the CGS-Hawk ultra-light aircraft. The aircraft is about 80% completed and the school anticipate full assembly with the flight controls fully rigged and mechanically functional by the end of March 2014.

George T. Baker students have gained and are gaining invaluable experience concerning the assembly of ultra light / kit aircraft. We expect to have the aircraft sitting on is own landing gears with its main gear struts and wheels are installed. Soon afterwards, we expect initial ground functional checks and engine run ups by April 2014. We shall continue to bring and post continuous updates on the progress toward this one of kind aviation project created for the benefit of the aviation student of Miami, Florida who we here at the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group consider them the future of the aviation industry.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group with the Federal Aviation Reserve, 2014 1st Quarter, George T. Baker Aviation School, Miami "Arcadia II" U.A.V Project Follow Up

Shown is the CGS-Hawk during it main fuselage assembly while situated on its assembly jig, which was fabricated by the students at George T. Baker Aviation School

Situated behind the pilot seat is the aircraft main fuel tank, which is rated to hold a fuel capacity of about two and half gallons of fuel

Shown is the basic cockpit layout of the CGS-Hawk with its basic cockpit indication. Note the center control column which has been recently installed and needs to be rigged to the aircraft flight controls

Still requiring the installation of its main, upper wings, its tail, horizontal stabilizer and its main landing gear struts, CGS-Hawk owner Mr. Joe Martinez CEO of Amratec is shown along side with project creator and founder Mr. Benny Benitez, Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group

A side view of the CGS-Hawk properly cradled within its assembly jig. Clearly shown is the installed engine and propeller, which has been properly mounted and secured onto the fuselage

Shown from left to right is Dr. Sean Gallagan, Principle of the George T. Baker Aviation School, Commander Larry Harvey, USN (Ret.) head of the Center for Advance Aerospace Platforms & Application a Jacksonville, Florida based organization and Mr. Marvin Alvarez an aircraft  radio control specialist and radio control pilot and a former U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat technician speak about the project 

Mr. Marvin Alvarez brings to the project and to the team a wealth of aircraft radio control experience concerning the entire spectrum of radio control operation. Marvin is well known through out the South Floirda "RC" flying community and his expertise shall be an important factor to the heart of the project. 

Shown is Colonel Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) Rod is a former F-16 and F-16 fighter pilot and an experienced U.S. Air Force Test Pilot with ample experience concerning flight testing projects at Edwards Air Force Base. Rod also has served and flown as test pilot with the FAA concerning new aircraft certification and is an authorized FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) Test Pilot 

Shown are the main wings of the CGS Hawk aircraft sitting and awaiting installation 

A rear starboard quarter view of the aircraft showing the engine, propeller and fuel tank. One could obtain a good idea as to the overall size of the fuselage main area, as the rear fuselage of the aircraft is straight boom leading out to the vertical and horizontal stabilizer

Shown speaking with Commander Larry Harvey USN (Ret.) is Mr. Willy-G the project team leader in charge of special relationship with local, U.S. and oversea allied government agencies and contacts, as well as corporations who are rallying toward the project. Since the project inception and launching last year, Willy has been instrumental in securing and getting the project board media exposure within CNN-Latino, Mundo-FOX TV, Chanel NTN of Colombia. Willy's forte, experience and global contacts are a tremendous operational asset to the team and the project successful recognition 

Shown is an up and close view of the cockpit pilot chair. Note the black, grip handle lever located on the left hand side of the chair. The lever is the control for the lowering and rising of the flaps.

Miami, Florida 7th February 2014: The South Florida U.A.V Group held their first 2014 meeting at the George T. Baker Aviation School which consisted of their second official group meeting since the group formulation back in September of 2013. The meeting was held so as to follow up on the assembly production of the CGS Hawk ultra-light aircraft and to liaise with the various instructors at the school who are leading the charge.

Issues such as time schedule toward full assembly, required hardware and cost for material of the CGS Hawk was reviewed. The CGS-Hawk is being called "Arcadia II" in honor of the Nation 1st true U.A.V flight which occurred over McCook field at Carlston field in Acradia, Florida back on 28th October 1919.

Present at this 2nd meeting of the South Florida U.A.V Group were two individuals recruited by the program / project founder Benny F. Benitez for their specialized forte and expertise.

First is a former U.S. Air Force and F.A.A test pilot, F.A.A Designated Engineering Representative (D.E.R.) Test Pilot, Lt. Colonel Rodrigo "Rod' Huete. Rod, who flew both F-16 and F-15 at Edwards A.F.B brings the professional element of flight testing to the program. Under Col. Huete USAF (Ret.), the "Arcadia II" U.A.V project will be managed under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order 4040.26, "Flight Risk Management Standards", which makes it Miami, Florida first ever local aviation project, being accomplished by high school students being guided under this F.A.A standard. In recruiting Rod onto the project establishes a tie to the Miami-Homestead Chapter AFA-317th of the AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION (www.afa.org). We welcome Col. Huete onto the team and welcome his experience.

The 2nd individual, which has been tapped based on his experience with radio control aircraft's and radio control flying was recommended by Mr. Joe Martinez from Armatech is Mr. Marvin Alvarez. Marvin is a well know and respected professional within the South Florida radio control community and owns and operates the equivalent of an FAA aircraft repair station, but for radio control aircraft ranging from the 1/48 scale, dual channels to super large size, 1/4 scale, multi-channels aircraft's. As with Benny and Larry, Marvin is a U.S. Navy / Naval Aviation veteran, as he served with U.S. Navy Fighter Squadron VF-1 consisting of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. In the sense of Naval tradition, we say to Marvin, "welcome aboard shipmate". The South Florida U.A.V Group continues to growth with the professionals it recruits to make the "Arcadia II" U.A.V project a success toward the aviation students of our local community here within Miami, Florida.

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group in Conjunction With The Federal Aviation Reserve Creates a (5 1/2 x 4) Inch Collector Postcard To Commemorate The George T. Baker School USCG Grumman HU-16 Project Accomplishment

The visual progress from October 2012 to December 2013

Shown is the backside of the postcard as created by the graphic marketing specialist at the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) presenting the visual, restoration progress from October 2013 to December 2013, with a picture of a once, Miami based HU-16 at then Coast Guard AirStation Miami when it was located at Dinner Key on Biscayne Bay

Photo taken on 14th January 2013 Project Kick-off 

The front side of the postcard shows the team in which 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant (94th ACG) Group Founder and CEO Benny Benitez assembled. Shown from left to right are, Mr. Codi Diamond, FAA Certified Flight Instructor and 94thACG-Flight Department / Pilot, Dr. Sean Gagallan, Principle of the George T. Baker Aviation School, Captain Roberto Gomez-Pilot / Operation Manager at Miami-Seaplane base (X-44), Captain Andy Delgado-USCG (then) Executive Officer of Coast Air Station Miami, Mr.Benny F. Benitez, CEO-94th ACG-(HU-16 project creator), Mr.Allan Munoz Technical Instructor at George T. Baker School, AMT2 George Martinez-USCG, project liaison between the School and Air Station Miami and Mr.........Esq.

SUPPORTING THE STUDENTS AT GEORGE T. BAKER  AVIATION SCHOOL AND OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Is Recognized By U.S. Coast Guard 7th District As Commanded By Rear Admiral John H. Korn With An Award For Excellence In Supporting The U.S. Coast Guard

A photograph of Rear Admiral John H. "Jake" Korn, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander USCG 7th District Miami, Florida

Letter of Appreciation from USCG Rear Admiral John "Jake" Korn as presented to the George T. Baker Aviation School, Staff, Instructors and Students who took part in the HU-16 restoration project as presented by Captain Richard Kenin Chief of Staff USCG 7th District

The front side of the challenge coin presented to Benny F. Benitez the Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group of Miami by Captain Richard Kenin, USCG, Coast Guard 7th District on behave of  Rear Admiral Korn for his vision and leadership in the creation and execution of the Grumman HU-16 Albatross project at the George T. Baker Aviation School

The back side of the award challenge coin showing the Rear Admiral two star flat and the U.S. Coast Guard motto of Semper Paratus meaning "Always Ready' a statement that the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group as adhered to and has lived by for the decade while operating worldwide

Shown from left to right along side the amazingly, cosmetically restored nose section of the Grumman HU-16 Albatross are Dr. Sean Gallagan, Principle of the George T. Baker Aviation School, Captain Joe Kimball, USCG and Commanding Office of Coast Guard Air Station Miami based at Opa Locka Airport, Captain Richard Kenin, USCG and Chief of Staff for Coast Guard 7th District Miami and Lt.Col. Rodrigo Huete UASF (Ret.) FAA D.E.R Test Pilot a friend and professional colleague of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group

A segment slide from the formal presentation conducted at the George T. Baker Aviation School library showing the venerable, Grumman HU-16 Albatross aircraft in U.S. Coast Guard colors

  

Another side showing the founder and creator of the restoration project and an advocate for U.S. Naval Aviation and the U.S. Coast Guard here within South Florida 

Shown speaking to the school student body present is U.S. Coast Guard Aviator, Captain Richard Kenin, Chief of Staff for U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Miami about the history of U.S. Coast Guard Aviation which commenced U.S. Coast Guard pilot No.1 Commander Elmer F. Stone

Shown listing to Captain Kenin's speech is fellow Aviator and colleagues Captain Joe Kimball, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Miami based at Opa Locka Airport

In attendance shown left to right is Senior Chief Petty Officer Stephen Goyette (AMTCS) and Aviation Maintenance Technician 2nd Class (AMT2) George Martinez. Petty Officer Martinez was the liaison between the school and the Air Station for logistical support as well as providing the students inside knowledge of Coast Guard aviation maintenance practices and standards which he employs to maintain Coast Guard aircraft's

Shown listing to Captain Kenin speech are two of the students who participated with the project and school instructor Mr. Dan Salcedo who was instrumental is fabricating the tow trailer mounts which securely holds the noses section for display and road transportation

Miami, Florida 12th December 2013: For those who have followed this story within the various posting concerning this project from its official kick off back on January 14th 2013 and have seen the visual progress, we are happy to report that complete TEAM effort was officially recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard 7th District under the Command of U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral John H. Korn.
An official dedication ceremony was held at the George T. Baker Aviation School to honor the many students and dedicated instructors who made the project a total success. Speaking on behave of U.S. Coast Guard 7th District was their Chief of Staff, Captain Richard Kenin who commended the undertaking, dedication and professional results that the students achieved. He shared with the students the history U.S. Coast Guard Aviation and proudly stated that the students and school are now for ever connected to Coast Guard Aviation.
Also present was Captain Joe Kimball, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Miami located at Opa Locka airport who also praised the students and instructors for an amazing, cosmetic restoration on something that was originally headed for the scrappers torch. A great deal of thanks goes out to Captain Kimball, as his personal were instrumental in assisting the students and providing logistical support. Aviation Maintenance Technician 2nd Class AMT2 George Martinez was the lead Petty Officer who acted as the liaison by and between the school and the air station.
Captain Kenin on behave of Rear Admiral presented Dr. Sean Gallagan the Principle of George T. Baker with an official letter of appreciation for actions performed to promote, foster and encourage U.S. Naval Aviation in South Florida.
Equally, Benny F. Benitez was also called front and center so as to be awarded a U.S. Coast Guard 7th District challenge coin for his vision and creativity for creating all the synergy that brought all of the elements together for a success TEAM effort.
In closing, Benny advised that he has set his sights to hopefully secure and obtain for the school a U.S. Coast Guard HU-25 Falcon Jet, which the U.S. Coast Guard are activity retiring.  

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Salvages Certain Parts From A Boeing 767 Slated For Demolition For A Threat Analysis Project With Federal Agencies

Shown basking within the warm sunlight of South Florida is the former Gulf Air Boeing 767-300ER awaits the final days at Opa Locka Airport (KOPF) before scrapping

N181AQ a Boeing 767-300 Extended Range (ER) was manufactured in 1989 with its last registered owner being the Bank of Utah Trustee. The aircraft has been picked cleaned of the choice parts for re-use, such as the engines, landing gears, avionics and auxiliary power unit (APU) before the full scrapping of the hull

The 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) having established, professional and personal relationships with various U.S., Federal Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies seizes such opportunities to obtain certain commercial aircraft parts for threat analysis / proof of concept research projects  

Do to the sensitivity of certain projects, particularly this project details can not be released as to the nature of various parts that are being harvested, but the Passenger Service Unit (PSU) is one area of concerns that the 94th ACG has identified and has expressed concern and are seeking yet another Federal / Department  of Homeland Security (DHLS) Threat Analysis grant

An over view of what once was the economy section of N181AQ. As mentioned this aircraft operated with Gulf Air within the Middle East and flew to many destinations within the region and now its parts are becoming instruments to explore and study means of protecting our Citizens and added to the defense of future in flight terrorist actions  

Opa Locka, Florida 17th October 2013: For well over a decade now, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) under the leadership of its Founder and CEO Benny F. Benitez has not only served, advised and assisted the many, global commercial clients, but has exported the group expertise to various U.S. Federal Agencies for the protection of our nation infrastructure. Lending the group technical creativity and vision within the realm of threats and threat analyses application to the aviation sector, the group is once again formulating new ideas to share with their partners agencies for review and consideration. Without the disclosure of details, the (94th ACG) harvest certain parts from an ex-Gulf Air Boeing 767-300ER for analyses. 

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group Reports On The George T. Baker Aviation School Project Concerning An MRAP Vehicle For Miami Gardens Police Department

The Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle which arrived at the George T. Baker Aviation School belongs to the Miami Garden Police Department which has acquired the vehicle from the U.S. Govt. for US$2,000.00 and brought it to the school for certain modifications

Shown on the vehicle identification U.S. Government label is the "per unit price" which the U.S. Government paid US$658,000.00 worth of our hard tax dollars paid to Uncle Sam  

The MRAP is equipped with pneumatic assisted rear crew boarding door. Shown here is the rear door while opening up and going through its operation cycle

Not a strange to military vehicles and hardware shown is Benny F. Benitez, Founder of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group sitting inside of the crew / passenger seat

The MRAP has a high body frame, which is a key factor toward land mine protection. The out skin of the vehicle as many segmented section of new age body armor which once done by the school students the desert paint scheme, shall be fully flat black in color 

A Cumming diesel engine that powers this behemoth is ringed with protective, ballistic plates providing ample protection. Despite its size and weight, driving the MRAP in handling its steering control has a feather touch which could be compared the common yellow school bus or the everyday delivery truck

Shown is what an MRAP vehicle is capable of withstanding in an extreme condition. We do not anticipate this level of protection shall be required by the Miami Gardens Police Department, but should thing in Miami Garden get to such a point, the Police Department shall be capable to within what ever may be thrown at them

U.S. Department of Defense 1033 Program

The Militarization of Local / Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies 

Miami, Florida 2nd October 2013: With the draw down of U.S. forces and operation in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan our proud and distinguished veterans are returning home. But not only are large number of personnel coming back home, but a vast array of military hardware as well. 

Aircraft, ground vehicles and support equipment which have serve our troops are being transferred back to the States and into the hands of many local / civilian law enforcement departments under the U.S. Department of Defense 1033 program, the militarization of civilian law enforcement. 

The MRAP shown above was purchased as surplus equipment by the Miami-Gardens Police Department under the U.S. DoD 1033 program for a price of about US$2,000.00 according to department officials. With the exception of the its defensive weapons and radio / communication equipment this MRAP is fully combat functional to operate within our civilian population.

The Miami Gardens Police Department has brought their newly acquired MRAP to the George T. Baker Aviation School for certain modifications suitable for 'Urban Operation". The school shall re-paint the MRAP in a flat black, tactical paint scheme, remove a few of the external radio antenna mounting and re-configure the interior seating configuration. All this being done by the highly motivated students at the school.

Under the leadership of the instructors who led our U.S. Coast Guard HU-16 Albatross, nose section cosmetic restoration are at it again. The turn time is tight, as the Miami Garden Police Department requested a 30 day turn time so as to place their new MRAP into operational use within their jurisdiction.

This is a good example of our tax dollars still at work and benefiting our Nation, as far too often such equipment is scrapped, or left within their theaters of operation and donated to the host Nation.

But one has to ponder the query are things within Miami Garden that serious that a combat vehicle is required or is it a question of boys showing off their toys to other local law enforcement agencies. We shall follow this story and report with further updates and project completion.