Premier Aircraft Sales To Organize Bahamas Support Mission

Contrary to the impression one may have after listening to numerous Jimmy Buffett songs, living in paradise isn't always what it's cracked up to be... and sometimes, those living there need a helping hand.

On Monday, Ft. Lauderdale-based Premier Aircraft Sales launched support for a community outreach program that seeks to leverage the time, talent, and energy of the aviation community to support the residents of the Bahamas as part of a special event called Bahamas Habitat Fly-In and Help-Out.

"Living in paradise is not without its drawbacks," said John Armstrong, Chairman of the Bahamas Habitat Aviation Committee. "Atlantic storms ravage the fragile communities of the Bahamas providing a seemingly endless source of demolition for communities.

"There is never a shortage of reconstruction projects," Armstrong continued. "Our mission is two fold. First to coordinate a workforce and make it convenient, safe and fun to fly to the Bahamas to lend a hand. Second, to provide an opportunity for the aviation community to give something back to another community in desperate need through the Bahamas Habitat ministry. If you can swing a hammer or carry some 2×4s, you’re qualified."

The Fly-In Help Out event is scheduled for March 6-9, 2008 -- by which time hurricane season will have passed, and flying conditions should be ideal. Aviators interested in volunteering their aircraft for transportation and their labor to a meaningful cause will fly to the island of Eleuthera where they will work side-by-side with local residents to restore homes and improve living conditions. The weekend work camp is being hosted by the Bahamas Methodist Habitat who will provide food, lodging and transportation.

The event is intended to expose people to the potential to make a difference by supporting the vital ministry of the Bahamas Habitat through their gifts and coordination of summer church and youth groups. There will be social time among the hard work - both experiences will create memories of a lifetime. For pilots who have never flown from the United States to the Bahamas, the Bahamas Habitat Fly In-Help Out trip will make the first excursion an easy learning experience for future visits to this tropical paradise.

The humanitarian fleet will depart Premier’s Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) headquarters after enjoying a luncheon hosted by the company on Thursday, March 6 and will arrive at Governor’s Harbour (MYEM) as the port of entry.

As the Bahamas Habitat Aviation Committee is a non-profit Christian relief mission, the flight and expenses are tax deductible for pilots and participants.

"As a pilot, who doesn’t want a tax deductible reason to fly to the Bahamas?" stated Earle Boyter, Vice President of Sales for Premier Aircraft Sales, Inc. "For us, it’s about the opportunity to support a ministry that fits our values and that we can support uniquely using our aviation talents and resources. We are encouraging our customers to join us for this event."

FMI: www.bahamashabitat.org, www.premieraircraftsales.com