The Garmin 296 was built on the traditional Garmin aviation handhelds and offered a faster speed, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery back, and an automatic logbook that calculated your flight time then prior GPS’. But with time comes new products and the Garmin aera 500 is now lined up to replace this now discontinued Garmin 296. The Garmin aera series is a dual-duty GPS providing users with a simple transition from flying to driving. The Garmin aera 500 is the most affordable of the touch screen models and what some would consider an entry-level model. The Garmin aera 500 comes pre-loaded with topographical mapping to help you view surrounding terrain. It is capable of holding up to 50 flight plans with up to 300 points each. The Garmin aera 500 is ready for use straight out of box. 

Garmin aera 500 & Garmin 296 Side-By-Side Comparison

Although the Garmin 296 was one of the first to have many of the now standard features at a reasonable price, the Garmin aera 500 is just as user friendly with a sleeker look and wider screen. Want more information on the Garmin aera 500? Click Here.

Although many lives were devastated by the earthquake that struck Haiti in January, those who survived it faced additional challenges. A young 11-year old girl named Yadissa was one of those who survived, and this is her story.

Yadissa and her family survived the earthquake, but because of the destruction around them, they had to look for the bare necessities to survive. While going to buy food, she was struck by a vehicle and suffered severe damage to her pelvis.

“She had walked five hours from her rural town into Port-au-Prince with $7 to buy supplies for her family,” said Tina O’Keeffe of Banyan Air Service.

Thanks to C.A.R.E., Yadissa was flown to Banyan at FXE and from there she was taken to Broward General Medical Center where she got the care that she needed.

After weeks of treatment, C.A.R.E. coordinated with Banyan to use of one their hangars to give Yadissa a going home party on Friday March 26^th. Many people who helped Yadissa attended including Dr. Bonnell and his team from Broward General Medical Center, Peter Simpson the pilot who flew her to Banyan, C.A.R.E., and Banyan team members. The next day the GIV crew from Owens-Illinois Inc. flew her home.

Although there is still a lot of work that needs to be done it Haiti, a reunion of a daughter and her family will put a smile on the face of a few.

To watch the story of Yadissa’s landing in Fort Lauderdale visit WSVN-TV 7News, they were at Banyan the night she landed.

To learn more about C.A.R.E. visit their Facebook Page.

To learn more about Banyan become a Fan on Facebook.

Jim Parker is a friend of Banyan and frequently flys out of Banyan.

Dear Fellow Pilots,

Two of the more active “hubs” for organizing Haitian relief flights by private aviation volunteers are shutting down:  Bahamas Habitat has ended it’s operation in Nassau and Go-Ministries in Santiago, Dominican Republic is shutting down it distribution/coordination center.  I will continue to take  emails from any of you flying missions for other organization.  Always glad to help with advice or support here on the ground in Santo Domingo.

Commercial flights are now available to Port of Prince from Miami.  Beginning March 12, commercial flights will be available from Santiago and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Port of Prince.  There are also commercial flights from Ft Lauderdale to Cape Haitian.  In addition, rhe UN has begun regular passenger service from Port of Prince to Jacmel, Las Cayes and Jeremie from using helicopters and a Cessna Caravan.

Occasional needs will arise to shuttle doctors and medicines from the Dominican Republic to/from outlying Haitian airports but these will be sporadic.  I’ll do what I can to help with my C172RG here in Santo Domingo.

Many of you have flown volunteer missions in support of Haitian relief, donating your time, aircraft and money.  You efforts have made a difference, giving hope and assistance to thousands in desperate need of food, tents and medical care.

Well done and Best Regards,  Jim Parker

to contact Jim email you can email him at jim@caribbeanflyingadventures.com

This is a brief thank you video created by Betty Ballew for all the “Unsung Heroes” who are making a difference in helping with the 2010 Haiti earthquake.