HOPE + VISION + LEARNING = FUN!

Jeff Badgero is on a mission in Haiti to develop enthusiasm of aviation learning. You may remember Jeff as we have featured his flight to Haiti in a STOL CH 701 that was donated to H.O.P.E. Missions by Tom and Lori Moore. Since his flight from Florida to Haiti almost a year ago, Jeff and the other members of H.O.P.E. Missions have been working hard to make their vision come true for the people living in Haiti.

When speaking with Jeff about his experience you can see the pride that he takes in what they have accomplished:

"On January 17, 2015, I left Fort Pierce, Florida for a three day, 18 hour, 800 mile trip to Haiti. I arrived safely on January 20th. Our main goal is to teach aviation to mission students with the hope that they will become pilots to bring spiritual and physical healing to remote areas of Haiti." 

"I contacted the Henri Christophe University in Limonade, Haiti and was accepted as a non-paid aviation instructor. I taught thirty university students basic ground school."

"We also had an opportunity to teach the next generation of aviators at a primary school. Paper airplanes were new to the students and teacher. This is when I knew that we take so much for granted."

"We are also involved in basic medical training, teaching locals basic assessment techniques, and equipping them with a basic medical kit. Blandine Thelusmonde is a nurse in Haiti. We helped her further her aviation education at a mountain strip in Pinion, Haiti. It used to take her three hours by truck to travel the same distance that it now takes forty five minutes by air. The folks at Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) have been great with sharing existing field locations and local contacts. The Missionary Flights International (MFI) has also helped with information on local fields and international parts delivery." 

Jeff explained where the mission stands in Haiti at this time:

"Last year the university was very interested in building a plane. The university and the country of Haiti both have a new President and we hope the interest continues. Currently, I'm unaware if Haiti has a means to obtain a private pilot license. They do recognize private pilots from other countries. The country is advancing as ten years ago not many people had cell phones in Haiti and now even people in the mountains have them. We have met with the Haitian government about jointly developing new airstrips and this is just in the beginning stages. Fuel in Haiti is usually two dollars more per gallon than the Untied States and 100LL is only available at the capital airport. I use auto gas in the 80 hp Rotax."

Jeff recently spent some time with us at the Zenith factory. He explains his factory experience:

"I spent four days at the Zenith factory in Mexico Missouri. Two days in a rudder workshop and two days just getting to know the people better. I was very impressed with the facility and more impressed with the people. They were genuine and helped me in many ways. It truly was encouraging."

"We know there are many more qualified pilots, certified flight instructors, and builders than us. We invite you to come and be part of the vision to increase general aviation in Haiti. We are very interested in any project donations whether they are completed or not. We are a non-profit organization and anything shipped overseas to us releases you from any liability."

Thank you Jeff for coming to our rudder workshop at the Zenith factory. It was great getting to know you and continuing your story. We look forward to hearing about your aviation progress in Haiti even more in the future! It is great learning about how the donated STOL CH 701 is helping your organization make a difference!

For more information about H.O.P.E. Missions, please contact Jeff and Carol Badgero via email jeffbadgero@gmail.com or call 231-709-7073.