San Luis Obispo, California
With the goal of lending support and aid to an African based charity, Aviation Consultants, Inc. (ACI) has led efforts and teamed with industry professionals to donate time, resources and manpower to fly a single-engine Cessna 182 aircraft from San Luis Obispo, California to Kenya, Africa. The aircraft is being donated by a private foundation to the Crisis Response Development Foundation (CRDF) and will be used to facilitate a safe and quicker response to crisis incidents located throughout Kenya.
By donating their time and expertise, ACI has organized all aspects of the process, from aircraft acquisition and pilot coordination, to international flight planning and permitting. Using industry connections, ACI was able to secure key support functions with Rockwell Collins and NFlightcam. Both companies provided services that were needed in order to effectively execute the mission to Africa. Rockwell Collins, a leader in international trip handling, is providing logistical support and international flight planning resources. Patrick Carter with NFlightcam, will be contributing piloting services as well as documenting the journey with his state of the art camera equipment.
“We were very happy that ACI was able to donate time and resources in order to support both foundations and help deliver the aircraft to Kenya,” said ACI’s President Bill Borgsmiller. “Without the assistance and generous contributions provided by our friends at Rockwell Collins and NFlightcam, the flight would not be possible.”
The flight from San Luis Obispo to Kenya will be a long one for the single engine aircraft and will take 22 days, 70 hours of flying, covering 13 countries. Upon arrival, the aircraft will be put to work helping CRDF and the people of Kenya. Working with area communities, stakeholders and government agencies, the CRDF helps identify locally available resources and expertise which can be used to assist in community safety and security emergencies. The donated aircraft will be used to provide quicker access to sites around the country, which in the past would take anywhere between 2-7 hours on bad roads to reach community project locations.
To learn more about the Crisis Development Foundation, please visit their website at www.crdfafrica.org
About ACI
Aviation Consultants, Inc (ACI) is a global aviation company providing corporate aircraft management and world class charter services. Recognized as an industry leader in service, safety, and flight support, ACI is committed to exceeding customer expectations by providing a seamless and unparalleled private travel experience. Based out of San Luis Obispo, California, since 1999, ACI operates a fleet of large and mid-size private jets and turboprop aircraft consisting of late-model Gulfstream IVSPs, Citation Xs, Citation Excels, and King Air 350s. For more information about ACI, please visit our company’s website at www.acijet.com.
About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
About Nflightcam
Nflightcam is the industry leader in portable high-definition camera systems for the cockpit. Founded in 2010, Nflightcam is committed to creating simple and effective camera systems that capture every aspect of the flight. Nflightcams are used world-wide by law-enforcement, military, flight instructors, and flight students. For more information please see www.Nflightcam.com.
