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CRCCE Special Feature

Don Campion

B A N Y A N

By Jana Soeldner Danger Don & Sueanne Campion at Egbe Hospital after the renovation project

Don Campion, a longtime resident of Coral Ridge Country Don’s keen interest in aviation began during his early
Club Estates, is a builder. But not the usual kind. childhood. His passion for restoring the Egbe Hospital, once
a beacon of hope and healing founded by his missionary
Starting from a tiny maintenance facility, he built a 110-acre
aviation complex offering comprehensive services for pilots parents in the 1950s, happened unexpectedly years later.
and their passengers at Fort Lauderdale’s Executive Airport,
the 5th busiest general aviation airport in the country. Banyan Banyan’s success
provides 24-hour ground and fuel support, maintenance and Banyan’s expansive, Key West-style lobby looks much like a
aircraft modifications, avionics installation and service, and luxury hotel, with comfortable seating, a cascading waterfall,
aircraft sales. There’s also one of the world’s largest pilot a large saltwater aquarium, and tall palm trees. The complex
shops, and a café where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch. includes a business center, conference rooms, flight planning

On the other side of the world, Don is doing another kind center, sleeping quarters, private shower and lounges. An
of building. He’s leading a charge to restore a deteriorating actual Gulfstream II fuselage with a fully functional flight
hospital in the African village of Egbe. Ten years ago, it was simulator in the cockpit, is the centerpiece of the large
in complete disrepair, and there was no accessible alternative pilot shop, which offers everything from the latest aviation
for those in desperate need of medical care. Today, the electronics to jewelry, books, and a flight simulator room.
hospital is growing, expanding, and embracing modern Corporations, charter companies and private pilots can lease
technology. entire hangars, share communal hangar space or tiedown
their aircraft on certain ramp areas.
Not bad for a guy who grew up living in a mud house in the
Nigerian bush. Aviation professionals recognize Banyan’s service and
technical expertise: This year, the company was named

18 CORAL RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

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