BAHAMAS HABITAT ANNOUNCES AIRCRAFT DONATION Beechcraft Baron donated by prominent aviation professional
May 1, 2012 --- Bahamas Habitat (www.bahamashabitat.org) announced today the donation of the Beechcarft Baron E55 N63JL aircraft to the organization by Thierry Pouille, President of Air Journey in Jupiter FL, for use by the organization in its Bahamas mission work.
Since 1998, Air Journey Directors have shared their joy of adventure with fellow pilots. They have shown them the joy of flying in their own plane in small groups across the World to destinations such as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Canada, Central America, Europe, South America, and many others.
Pouille is the leading force behind Air Journey (www.airjourney.com) He brings in 38 years of flying experience and has more than 25 years of experience in the Travel Industry. He has flown all over the world including the US, most of the Caribbean islands, all of the countries of Central America, many countries in Europe, and parts of South America. He organizes every journey and is attentive to details making sure to focus on safety and the well being of the clients. He is also an avid photographer providing many of the images on the Air Journey website.
Air Journey and the Baron aircraft were first involved with Bahamas Habitat last September following the devastation of Hurricane Irene in The Bahamas. Through the direction of Neil Glazer, from Pilot Mall, they teamed up with Bahamas Habitat to bring supplies and help to the devastated Cat Island.
Prior to the donation, the Baron was the Pouille family aircraft since May 2000. She was used for travel to many beautiful destinations and exciting discoveries. Thierry talks about the tremendous increase in his flying involvement with all of the exotic journeys Air Journey created; therefore, leading to less and less personal aircraft use. “I realized the N63JL was just sitting on the tarmac under the elements being put to no good use” stated Thierry. “I knew from my experience last September that Bahamas Habitat was the perfect new home for her bringing food and supplies to needy people.”
The aircraft is a beautiful 1971 Beechcraft Baron E55 equipped with King KFC 200 Flight Director/Autopilot, HSI, Garmin 430 GPS, VG Kit, Color Radar, Norton Radone, GAMI Injectors, and all stainless screws and fasteners. The airplane made the cover of AOPA Magazine (www.aopa.org) in December 2009, prior to receiving a new paint job in October of that same year.
”The work of our mission will be significantly benefited by this generous donation”, stated John Armstrong, President of Bahamas Habitat. “We are sincerely grateful to Mr. Pouille and look forward to his continued involvement in the work of the ministry and what God has in store.”
“We are extremely excited to accept the generous donation of this aircraft. A veteran of many Bahamian flights, this aircraft participated in our August 2011 Hurricane Irene disaster relief airlift from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas. We intend to continue to utilize this aircraft to serve the needs of the people of the Bahamas and Haiti. We want to thank Thierry Pouille and Air Journey for enabling the continuing service to the people of the Bahamas and Haiti” said Steve Merritt, Bahamas Habitat Treasurer and Chief Pilot.
In related news, Bahamas Habitat was recently named one of twenty finalists in the running for the Lightspeed Aviation Pilot’s Choice Award. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation is in its third year of partnering with the aviation community to identify and support worthy aviation causes. The top five charities, as chosen by the aviation community, will receive a cash award for no less than $10,000 to help fulfill their mission. Bahamas Habitat needs your VOTE to be selected as a recipient of one of the $10,000 awards and further the work of Bahamas Habitat. Visit www.bahamashabitat.org to cast your vote and for additional information on current Bahamas Habitat projects.
About Bahamas Habitat
Bahamas Habitat is a US-based Christian nonprofit organization supporting housing & disaster relief work in The Bahamas and Caribbean that also introduces pilots to mission flying opportunities. The organizations’ volunteers flew over 400 missions to Haiti following the devastating earthquake there. Bahamas Habitat was recognized in 2010 by the National Aeronautic Association with the Public Benefit Flying Outstanding Achievement Award, Teamwork Award and Distinguished Volunteer Pilot Award. Through our partner Bahamas Methodist Habitat (BMH), operating out of James Cistern Eleuthera, we are partners in hosting over 700 adults and youths each season for impactful week long and weekend Christian missions. The organization hosts the Fly-In & Help Out Event and promotes mission opportunities to pilots, aircraft owners, volunteers and aviation organizations in the US and Canada. For more information visit: www.bahamashabitat.org or email to info@bahamashabitat.org.
