Report inappropriate content AkamaiNick4SW Maui Level Contributor 124,315 posts 12 reviews 8 helpful votes 4. Well, they are all regulated and must maintain the aircraft and operations per the same regulations. I would suggest that any of the reputable comp The latest happened Thursday evening, when a tour helicopter with seven people onboard crashed on its way back to Lihue. BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design), It appears Hawaii Tourism doesn't want people to visit Kauai, Sleeping Giant vs Kuilau Ridge vs Waimea Canyon Trail, Kauai St regis or Big Island Four seasons. Not even a competition., Both my partner and I were lost for words by how beautiful the tour was it has to be right up there with the greatest things weve done on vacation!, This was one of the most spectacular things I have done in my lifetime (50 yrs). WebLeadership in Hawaii Air-Tour Safety. For a similar price, other companies will only fly high above Jurassic Falls. Due to Kauais daily variable weather conditions (i.e. In that incident the co-pilot passenger was forced to take controls which probably saved all those onboard. Euphoria awaits. 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! I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Don't know what all that means, but we did hear that neither had ever had an accident. They fly six-passenger A-star helicopters (the industry standard in Hawaii) and they fly with doors on and doors off configurations. We are proud of our safety record. You're very unlikely to be involved in a helicopter tour in Hawaii as the minutes clocked up along with the number of tours each year will see little to no incidents. We might be feeling a little smug here because there hasn't been a crash in some time now. But when they happen that's when we're singing a differe Unfortunately, while twenty-two passengers lost there life, half survived to tell the story. You won't hear the engine or the whirling of the blades. All of Island Helicopters highly skilled professional pilots have thousands of hours and numerous years of flying experience. Tours Epic Tour HONOLULU (AP) The National Transportation Safety Board released an research document Wednesday on a The bill is pending in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Advertising - 1. The NTSB and the FAA 2. Yes The dangers of weather changes, up drafts and down drafts make the flights inherently dangerous. Hope this helps. All incidents are reported there. Where high standards in helicopter maintenance is not an issue in Hawaii, accidents are usually referred to pilot error. Includes the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Jurassic Falls by air, and more. This has resulted from crashes throughout the islands, not yearly but significant in numbers. Do, you check the safety record of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Kauai is home to so many romantic restaurants with delicious menu items and beautiful views. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86533181', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');airline flights. We did the Grand Skies Tour and it was worth every penny! Safety records are very good as to circle island tours on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? One suggestion would limit pilots to flying, not allowing them to also serve as tour guides. Without a doubt the best way to see the island in all its glory.. After setting down near the base of the 400-foot falls, your pilot will guide you along a jungle path adjacent to a stream to the bottom of the spectacular falls. What are some free things to do on Kauai? experience thrilling views of the entire island, including waimea canyon, jurassic falls, and the inside of mt. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Another Robinson R-44 went down in October 2018 when the pilot passed out twice. At Air Kauai, the proof is in our record: over 25 years of perfect safety. Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TOUR WHERE YOU CAN CHOOSE EVERYONE IN YOUR GROUP? turttwig, you're way, way off the mark. DO YOU HAVE SIX TOTAL PEOPLE IN YOUR GROUP? The fatal crash Thursday is all but certain to reignite a debate about the safety of helicopter tours. Island Helicopters fleet of six-passenger, Airbus (formerly Eurocopter) AStar helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with custom ceiling-to-floor windows. Curt and Bonnie have kept their company small by choice, but their standards are always the highest. The ride was so smooth and the music was great! What great fun this tour is! Kauai is actually a natural sanctuary and this ride brought us to places youve only seen in movies. We had a group of 6 ranging from late 60s to teens. Maui themselves had two helicopter crashes - up to nine to ten years ago - but no one onboard survived. No Hawaiian island is without its accidents involving helicopter tours as it can happen anywhere, with Hawaii being no different to anywhere else on earth. The following Hawaii helicopter crash statistics are provided by NSTB (National Transportation Safety Board). 16.12.2021. Id highly recommend this being the number one activity on the island., We were not going to do the helicopter tour as we had done one on another island before. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? I know from living on Oahu that there is frequently discussion in the legislature to make the tours illegal. Why post such blatant lies and attempt to create unwarranted fear? You dont want to ruin your Hawaii vacation (and more importantly lose your life) because you chose a helicopter company that didnt put safety first. Island Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. NTSB.gov will have more up to date accident reports - the only one I've heard about on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are looking to treat your valentine to a special dinner this year, check out some of th Winter season is here! 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. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? Remarkably its the island of Oahu that is involved in more helicopter tour incidents than any other island in Hawaii.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'helodays_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helodays_com-leader-2-0'); Why that is, is hard to say but apart from the now defunct Genesis Helicopters; two of the accidents were involved by one operator - Novictor Helicopters. 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. Non touristy luaus on Maui, Oahu and Kauai. to have 100% safety record. Feel the tropical mist, take pictures and learn the fascinating history of this remote area including native plants, geologic formations and agricultural history. Island Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. With their helicopters distinctive windows, Islands tours provide passengers with the best views, in an AStars quiet and safe, climate-controlled environment. To blame for this most is human error where the pilot smashed into a hill side or decided to pull a manoeuvre that resulted in a crash. In February 2016, onlookers watched in horror as a Bell 206B plummeted out of the sky and into the water at Pearl Harbor near the Arizona Memorial. The safety, comfort, and satisfaction of each customer are the main concerns. We will definitely be back! - Kim N, Wow! just about anything else that you can think of, after all, what is safer than a perfect safety record. Hawaii Congressman Ed Case has proposed legislation that would impose more rules for the tour chopper industry. 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. I am a private pilot myself, and I would not spend even one second trying to investigate the safety record of any of the operators that are commercially operated. The measure would also address flight paths, preventing tour choppers from taking routes over some communities. Statistics show that where an accident can occur, passengers can still walk away. Did you know that fear of heights, also known as acrophobia, is the fifth top phobia in the United States? He said that he loves to fly, but would never fly in an island helicoptor. Blue Hawaiian definitely! With over 25 years of experience and a perfect safety record, they use state of the art helicopters, employ the best pilots (many of whom are military trained), and have the best mechanics who are FAA-certified and factory-trained. I've labeled what helicopter type was involved in the crash but once again safety as improved on each model. I agree with Dennis. Does everyone realize the most dangerous part of the helicopter journey is the drive in the car to get to the landing pad? At least this way the "take away" I got. BOOK AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE (AND NO ONE ELSE). Copyright 2023 Island Helicopters Kauai, INC. 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". My friend was not happy with her husband after spending a day checking out helicopters and not taking a trip. $170 Cost per person (1 on Kauai and 1 on Maui) Where can I find more info about which companies to avoid, and what the safety records are? 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. They have the best record for safety in the industry. Who else appears to be involved in a Hawaii crash over the last ten years is Airbus with their AS series helicopters. WebWe have been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any company in Hawaii, over 42 years. The remains of six of those on the chopper have been recovered. I remember one question was if they were certified with the Department of Defense! Since 1980, Island Helicopters provides safe, exhilarating experiences designed for adventure-seekers and families alike. I can't in good consciences let my sister and her family fly on them. We have over 32 years of flying experience in the Hawaiian Island. 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. Great communication from the company. The most dangerous thing about flying is driving to the airport. 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. Since 1980, Island Helicopters provides safe, exhilarating experiences designed for adventure-seekers and families alike. Over 90% of the State of Hawaii is accessible only by IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 808.245.8588. She said that her father was the chief of police on Kauai and even he doesn't care to fly in the very well maintained government helicopters. Cookie Policy - So I don't know if we can rest on the fact that we don't check the major airlines safety records and leave it at that. WebThe best overall value and most flexibility in scheduling is found with Air Kauai. Weather is a concern in Hawaii so while weather is to blame, it still lays on the shoulders of the pilot. Our highly skilled pilots have many years of experience and all have a perfect safety record. Both the company and all of its pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. Offering private sightseeing tours over Kauai since 2006 and boasting an impeccable safety recordMauna Loa is a great choice for those looking to share this experience with only their loved ones! I wish the pilot would have slowed down around the waterfalls. Seats up to 6 passengers (subject to weight limitations). Helicopter crashes can result in death, but the statistics show you can walk away even if seriously hurt or with minor injuries. That's not luck - it's the combined commitment of professional pilots and top-notch aircraft maintenance personnel. DO KAUAI RIGHT SEE IT WITH ISLAND HELICOPTERS. When researching Hawaii helicopter tours, safety is of the utmost importance. It was very informative. Jack Harter Helicopters uses excellent noise reduction headphones. I agree with Dennis. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Copyright 2021 ThisWeek Hawaii Created by Hagadone Media, Jurassic Falls Helicopter Landing Adventure. WALK THE GROUNDS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SETTING OF JURASSIC PARK WITH EXCLUSIVE ACCESS FROM ISLAND HELICOPTERS. Well three of the four Hawaii helicopter tour companies are still in operation today, you won't be familiar with Genesis Helicopters as they're no more. If we're referring to helicopter tours only, over the last decade there have been eight helicopter crashes in Hawaii. Kauai Helicopter Safety Records. We were also leary, but we checked this company out and it was wonderful. WebAirplanes are restricted to fly no lower than 1000 to 1500 feet and they have wider standoff distance than helicopters, which can fly as low as 500 feet. Blue Hawaiian was VERY professional and makes you feel very comfortable. Perhaps a silly question, but everyone says to check safety records of the helicopter companies you are considering, but where does one go to view these records? After he attended college in Oregon, Curt flew helicopters in Vietnam, then for the construction of the Alaska Pipeline, and finally on to Hawaii for tours. Of course we don't check the safety record of flights to Hawaii. And as its flown more often for purposes outside helicopter tours, there's an increase in odds of an accident. Those crashes were responsible for eight fatalities. Case says thats not only a noise concern for residents but puts people on the ground in danger, too. No Chinon that's completely incorrect. Don't know how you would come up with such a fact. it's not a silly question. There have been many crashes o Curt personally selects and trains every one of their exceptional pilots, all of whom have excellent safety records and thousands of hours of flying experience. I am not saying to not book with an operator who fly the R44, as the helicopter is still a reliable machine. 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. 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. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind), Island elects to fly doors-on. I know that Air Kauai has never had a crash but I didn't check on the pilot since you don't know until you check in who your pilot is. She always chooses the later option. Since 1980, Island Helicopters has specialized in providing personalized tours for the independent traveler, families, and groups of all sizes. It was always touted as being the best and accident free. Jack has an impeccable record and has also been called upon numerous times to do rescue These are all fair questions. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION POSSIBLE? Both Island Helicopters and all of the pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. Report When's the last time a plane went down? Probably the most thrilling option is the Doors Off Jack Harter tour. Very professional, Awesome Perspective of the island. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Notice how Oahu is the epicentre of Hawaii helicopter crashes followed by Maui who are tied with Kauai - which happen to be the busiest of the four major islands. Each time we watch the video with us in it we feel that we are on the flight all over again. Kauai has more helicopter tour operators on the island along with more helicopter tours departing each day - so it make sense in terms of an accident happening on Kauai. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. The FAA, though, regulates chopper tours. I'm assuming it would be the July issue? 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. We are Kauai's only permitted company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour. $80 Surcharges / Fees. At the same time an FAA officer, on vacation in our concierge room joined in on the conversation and said that only a couple of years before, the FAA came in an grounded every operator for poorly maintained maintaince records. Magical. A camera hooked up to one of The pilot, Nick, was excellent. Everyone made us feel like family. 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/. He had experienced the power of this unique natural landmark and knew it would be exactly what producers were looking for. His experience dates back to high school, receiving his pilots license even before his drivers license. As family friends of the Robinson family, the falls private owners, Curt had landed at the base of Manawaiopuna before. there any surfing to be seen on Maui or Kauai in July? 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86535180', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car to get to the landing pad? The staff & pilot made me feel so comfortable and safe. Curt personally selects and trains every Curt personally selects and trains every one of its exceptional pilots, all of whom have excellent safety records and thousands of hours of flying experience. 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