Jack Harter is definitely the best to do a helicopter tour in Kauai. Where can I find more info about which companies to avoid, and what the safety records are? Home; Tours. Copyright 2023 Air Kauai Helicopter Tours. Kauai is home to so many romantic restaurants with delicious menu items and beautiful views. Since 1980, Island Helicopters provides safe, exhilarating experiences designed for adventure-seekers and families alike. Tours Epic Tour Safety records are very good as to circle island tours on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? When researching Hawaii helicopter tours, safety is of the utmost importance. I am not saying to not book with an operator who fly the R44, as the helicopter is still a reliable machine. But when they happen that's when we're singing a different tune. Bonnie and Curt Lofstedt (owners of Island Helicopters) employ a staff of 18 (on average), some of which have been with them for over 30 years! Commercial work is much riskier and these types of accidents are not included. Non touristy luaus on Maui, Oahu and Kauai. Amazingly, it took more than ten years to see an incident involving a helicopter tour on the Big Island, which thankfully resulted in minor injuries only. We had a great time. Human error is the biggest cause with incidents in Hawaii as the pilot pulls a manoeuvre or carelessly proceeds on the tour in bad weather conditions. When's the last time a plane went down? Hawaiis air-tour leader for 35 years, and the only helicopter tour company that serves the entire state, Only Blue Hawaiian has an approved and accepted voluntary FAA Safety Management System (SMS), just like all major airlines, along with numerous other industry-leading safety programs and practices. Companies WITH and WITHOUT crashes are represented. Advertising - Mauna Loa Helicopters has been offering private sightseeing tours over Kauai since 2006, and we recently expanded to offer tour operations from our island bases on Oahu and the Big Island. just about anything else that you can think of, after all, what is safer than a perfect safety record. It was very informative. Take Jack Harter as an example. After five and a half years of navigating the Kauai Planning Departments permitting process, numerous environmental impact studies, and receiving sole permission from the Robinsons, Island Helicopters was approved to offer the ONLY waterfall landing on Kauai, the Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure. This was a fantastic experience! That is where I am unable to get the reports of the accident or the investigation is still ongoing. This is a must do to truly see and experience Kauai. We would be happy to answer any questions and put your mind at ease! What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? WebMauna Loa Helicopters has been offering private sightseeing tours over Kauai since 2006, and we recently expanded to offer tour operations from our island bases on Oahu and the Big Island. It is the only company on Kauai permitted to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour, and that is the best helicopter tour on Kauai. You won't be the only one doing so. Don't know what all that means, but we did hear that neither had ever had an accident. You would be missing out on most of the island if you didnt do this tour. temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind), the company elects to fly doors-on. Because of this, tours are quiet, safe, climate-controlled, and provide spectacular views. DO KAUAI RIGHT SEE IT WITH ISLAND HELICOPTERS. HONOLULU (AP) The National Transportation Safety Board released an research document Wednesday on a I wish the pilot would have slowed down around the waterfalls. When we researched the different companies, we found Jack Harter and Air Kauai(?) These are all fair questions. Its just an incredible tragedy, not only that seven lives appear to have been lost, but that this is the third time in one year in Hawaii that weve had to face such a tragedy," he said. His experience dates back to high school, receiving his pilots license even before his drivers license. I found this years ago, but they've not for some reason kept the site updated - the last time was Nov. 2011. http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/things-to-do/activities/helicopter/crashes/. We look forward to hearing from you! LL the number of accidents in helicopters in Hawaii is much higher than on commerical passenger planes. HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - There have been 18 civilian helicopter crashes in the islands since 2015, NTSB records show. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. All of Island Helicopters highly skilled professional pilots have thousands of hours, and numerous years of flying experience. With the majority of this picturesque island unreachable by car, a helicopter tour is the most ecologically friendly way to see one of the most beautiful places in the world in its entirety. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Euphoria awaits. Some have flying over Kauai for years, some might be fairly new at it. Anyway-had a great article on safety and what 3 main questions you should ask the company with regards to their certification/safety. It was a blast! I met a young Hawaiian woman a couple of years ago who said very politely that the "juests are very brave, we locals would never fly in those helicopters". Due to Kauais daily variable weather conditions (i.e. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. WebIsland Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. Rod: I'm sorry if you've had a personal bad experience, what I wa trying to express is that anything "fun" that involves a risk is just that- so go for it, Bon Vivant! The pilot, Nick, was excellent. At Island Helicopters, we guarantee the best pricing. Take a second to visit our tours page or call us directly at 808.246.4666 and let our dispatchers help you pick the perfect flight for you. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. And now, 40+ years and three children later, they continue to live and work on the island of Kauai and enjoy spending time with their four future pilots (grandchildren). If you only do one thing in Kauai, make it this! Magical. Hawaii Congressman Ed Case has proposed legislation that would impose more rules for the tour chopper industry. it's not a silly question. I think this is the best place to do this kind or ride, because in Kauai there is an entire coast completely inaccessible, with no roads or villages, and by helicopter you can get a very good idea of what the island looks like. Book online to book Kaui's best Helicopter Tours! I just received my latest issue of Hawaii magazine and it has a great article on everything you want to know about these helicopters and these company's. more. So as you can see as its not often flown in Hawaii for helicopter tours, naturally the stats show only the one accident involving the Jet Ranger 206. That's not luck - it's the combined commitment of professional pilots and top-notch aircraft maintenance personnel. The incident on Kauai is the second fatal helicopter crash in the islands this year. Don't know how you would come up with such a fact. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. They were right. Contact Us - I think your question is a fair one and shouldn't be dismissed. Pilot Adam and the safety crew are great. - Robert N, Incredible experience, excellent pilot Adam, friendly staff and a must do with doors off for unobstructed photos & video. - Huey, The most spectacular experience in Kauai. Helicopter crashes can result in death, but the statistics show you can walk away even if seriously hurt or with minor injuries. Well, all it took was that one crash and there goes that standing. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Case says thats a distraction. WebSafety records are not the sole thing you should look at as things like weather, pilot error, are the main causes.very few are due to mechanical. We will definitely be back! - Kim N, Wow! Something to consider is that maintaining helicopters in the tropics is very expensive and time consuming. WebEnjoy the beautiful scenery of Kauai. Archive - 14 days between Kauii, Hawaii, Lanai, Molokai, & Maui, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The only problem is it goes by too quickly! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'helodays_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helodays_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');No island is immune from accidents involving helicopter tours but Oahu has jumped the list, followed by kauai/Maui with the Big Island having the one more recent accident. With the majority of this picturesque island unreachable by car, a helicopter tour is the most ecologically friendly way to see one of the most beautiful places in the world in its entirety. Each time we watch the video with us in it we feel that we are on the flight all over again. The remains of six of those on the chopper have been recovered. This is a must do. of Jurassic Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86517405', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai, and if a helo is problem, and you want to do an air tour , there are two fixed wing air tour companies, Wings Over Kauai, and AirVentures. The staff & pilot made me feel so comfortable and safe. As you flight is prepared, we can answer any questions you may have while you relax in our comfortable terminal. Of the 17 previous crashes, meanwhile, eight happened on Oahu, five on the Big Island and two each on Kauai and Molokai, the records show. Safety is our #1 priority. WebAbout Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours. Curt has been flying tours of Kauai for over 40 years and still loves every minute of it. He is one of the States highest flight time helicopter pilots with nearly 30,000 hours. Do, you check the safety record of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? . We had a great time! i'm not sure who would have complete safety records, but maybe you could work backwards and find one you like, then search out their safety and accident records online. Companies WITH and WITHOUT crashes are So while human error is to blame for most helicopter tour accidents; outside of the tourism sector the research is more damning - for example private flights or training. There have been many crashes on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are interested in a helicopter tour with Air Kauai, book online through our tours page or call us at (808) 246-4666 if you have any questions!! In that incident the co-pilot passenger was forced to take controls which probably saved all those onboard. Both Island Helicopters and all of the pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. Human error can also involve weather where the company or pilot were careless enough to go ahead with a flight when the weather was poor or an incoming weather front was ignored. One suggestion would limit pilots to flying, not allowing them to also serve as tour guides. At Air Kauai, the proof is in our record: over 25 years of perfect safety. Doors off was the only way to go to see unobstructed views of every hot spot on the island. Call us for specific quotes and availability. Safety records are very good as to circle island tours on Kauai, and if a helo is problem, and you want to do an air tour , there are two fixed wing air tour companies, Wings Over Kauai, and AirVentures. Basically with only the eight helicopter tour crashes or minor incidents happening over a ten year period, it only averages one accident every fifteen months. 1. The NTSB and the FAA 2. Yes I don't have a link right now, but you can dig into the FAA site. DO YOU HAVE SIX TOTAL PEOPLE IN YOUR GROUP? Copyright 2023 Island Helicopters Kauai, INC. Includes the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Jurassic Falls by air, and more, Includes the Grand Skies Island Tour PLUS landing at the falls. I can't tell you which ones to avoid but I can tell you that Blue Hawaiian is top notch. Case says thats not only a noise concern for residents but puts people on the ground in danger, too. Where high standards in helicopter maintenance is not an issue in Hawaii, accidents are usually referred to pilot error. Island Helicopters has been very involved with the movie industry, participating in the filming of such Hollywood movies as Jurassic Park, Tropic Thunder, Dragonfly, King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Six Days Seven Nights, and 50 First Dates, to name a few. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? Privacy Statement - I believe all the companies have pretty much the same safety records. I wouldnt worry about it. 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