Anyway-had a great article on safety and what 3 main questions you should ask the company with regards to their certification/safety. Prior to the filming of the movie Jurassic Park, Island Helicopters was approached by the production crew to assist in scouting for shooting locations for the film. Copyright 2023 Air Kauai Helicopter Tours. We flew Blue Hawaiian in the latest model helicopter and felt very safe. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? I was a little hesitant to do it but so glad we did I will never forget it. Never fly with doors again! WebWe have been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any company in Hawaii, over 42 years. I'm not sure how current this is.. https://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/07/26/6-tips-for-choosing-a-hawaii-helicopter-tour/. Statistics show that where an accident can occur, passengers can still walk away. Cookie Policy - Due to Kauais daily variable weather conditions (i.e. This was a fantastic experience! Thanks to the Island gang for this awesome experience!!. We had a great time. If you like the sun and warm days, hawaii is the place you are looking for. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. I can't in good consciences let my sister and her family fly on them. Curt and Bonnie have kept their company small by choice, but their standards are always the highest. That is the highest safety rating they can get. Then we read that visiting Kauai and not taking the heli was like visiting the Sistine Chapel and not looking up. 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. Euphoria awaits. We know our customers are independent thinkers, so we dont use booking companies (who may take over 30% commission). Are helicopter tours safe in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.. well I can say they certainly are. Causes of crashes does in involve human error more so but engine failure has been known to cause a crash three times over the past ten years. We are the only air tour company on Kauai that operates a twin-engine aircraft. 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. 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. Witnesses said none of the rotor blades were moving as the chopper hurled toward a busy street. That doesn't say anything positive about your character. Some have flying over Kauai for years, some might be fairly new at it. Incidents happen that involve fatalities, but proof is in the stats that shows it is possible to walk away from a crash. Kauai is the deadliest place in Hawaii for fatal helicopter crashes nearly all of which are flights operated by tour companies with a total of 26 people killed since Jan. 1, 2000. List of properly permitted vacation rentals, not condos - 8/15/2017, Weather Questions start here Pls/Best Time of Year to Visit Kauai, How to make reservations at Haena State Park / Ke'e Beach. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86549356', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai. 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. there any surfing to be seen on Maui or Kauai in July? If you only do one thing in Kauai, make it this! Great communication from the company. WebIf safety is a concern for you and your family definitely Safari Helicopters who have an exemplerary safety record. Find out how we landed on this price. The remains of six of those on the chopper have been recovered. I think your question is a fair one and shouldn't be dismissed. Companies WITH and WITHOUT crashes are That is of course with years passing before a major or minor accident happens again. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 40 YEARS, OUR MISSION IS TO SHOW VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD THE SPLENDOR OF KAUAI. We look forward to hearing from you! I am not saying to not book with an operator who fly the R44, as the helicopter is still a reliable machine. I highly recommended. Walk the grounds of the magnificent setting of Jurassic Park with exclusive access from Island Helicopters. DO YOU HAVE SIX TOTAL PEOPLE IN YOUR GROUP? 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. Despite that, helicopter safety is a high standard in Hawaii so the helicopter type in use then, continues to be used today. Tours Epic Tour Take a look at our photos and start planning your next life-changing adventure. Everyone made us feel like family. just about anything else that you can think of, after all, what is safer than a perfect safety record. There have been many crashes on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Curt personally selects and trains every What started as a flight training school for helicopter pilots 22 years ago has blossomed into one of the more exclusive tour companies. For a similar price, other companies will only fly high above Jurassic Falls. 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 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- Thank you!, Ive done helicopter rides all over the US (including in Kauai with a different company) and this was the best one ever. Very professional, Awesome Perspective of the island. Our highly skilled pilots have many years of experience and all have a perfect safety record. This has resulted from crashes throughout the islands, not yearly but significant in numbers. WebLeadership in Hawaii Air-Tour Safety. Don't hesitate to book- amazing experience. Do Kauai right see it with island helicopters. 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. EXPERIENCE THRILLING VIEWS OF THE ENTIRE ISLAND, INCLUDING WAIMEA CANYON, JURASSIC FALLS, That is where I am unable to get the reports of the accident or the investigation is still ongoing. Personally I would suggest Jack Harter ( Kauai) with 'doors off' though. 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. We did the Grand Skies Tour and it was worth every penny! Copyright 2023 Island Helicopters Kauai, INC. WebAll of Islands pilots and employees reside on Kauai with their families. $96Surcharges / Fees, We just love Island Helicopters! This helicopter ride gave me goosebumps and just felt so surreal while we were up there. 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. At Air Kauai, the proof is in our record: over 25 years of perfect safety. BOOK AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE (AND NO ONE ELSE). The following Hawaii helicopter crash statistics are provided by NSTB (National Transportation Safety Board). Human error is the main cause of helicopter tour crashes where the pilot could be blamed for the accident or is in part responsible, even if its out of their hands. Book a tour today and see kauai the way nature intended soaring above, gliding on air. The most dangerous thing about flying is driving to the airport. Safety records are very good as to circle island tours on Kauai, and if a helo is It was always touted as being the best and accident free. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86519247', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai recently was a hard emergency beach landing in Jan. 2016. https://ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20160119X14513. Something to consider is that maintaining helicopters in the tropics is very expensive and time consuming. turttwig, you're way, way off the mark. So much so that your words are irresponsible and may cause people to miss out on a very nice experience. Wh While attending college at the University of California, Berkeley, Bonnie spent her summer vacations working as a kids camp counselor at Kahili Mountain Park on Kauai. 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". But there are certainly other things you can ask such as the experience of your pilot for starters. Pricing of the Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure includes landing fees and the costs to obtain regular environmental studies. Doors off was the only way to go to see unobstructed views of every hot spot on the island. to have 100% safety record. Probably the most thrilling option is the Doors Off Jack Harter tour. I'm assuming it would be the July issue? Seats up to 6 passengers (subject to weight limitations). 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. Aloha Hawaii does notguaranteethe safety of any helicopter tour, but when we take a Hawaii helicopter ride, we definitely take into strong consideration a companies past tour operating history. The incident on Kauai is the second fatal helicopter crash in the islands this year. Jack Harter Helicopters uses excellent noise reduction headphones. Jack has an impeccable record and has also been called upon numerous times to do rescue Ask for Miles. The staff & pilot made me feel so comfortable and safe. 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!! Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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! Next up its Kauai with the two accidents with one of them resulting in all those on board losing there lives. You won't hear the engine or the whirling of the blades. These are all fair questions. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 808.245.8588. (1 on Kauai and 1 on Maui) 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. Of the eight helicopter crashes in Hawaii over the past decade, forty-three passengers were onboard when a chopper went down. Book an unforgettable experience with the ones you love (and no one else). We will definitely be back! - Kim N, Wow! Did you know that fear of heights, also known as acrophobia, is the fifth top phobia in the United States? They made our trip to Kauai one to remember. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? 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. 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! Bonnie would frequently hike the Na Pali Coast or Waimea Canyon with her campers, and at the end of the day, a chartered helicopter (Curt) would land and fly Bonnie and the campers back to camp. WAIALEALES CRATER. Island Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. WebIsland Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. The NTSB says the engine-to-transmission drive shaft failed in flight due to improper maintenance. Helicopter safety is an ongoing improvement in Hawaii as shown with little accidents involving engine failure. 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. This elite tour is 75-80 minutes (air+landing). Example of that is where the helicopter as been known to hit hill sides or the time a pilot passed out mid flight. We are Kauai's only permitted company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour. Without a doubt the best way to see the island in all its glory.. He pointed out everything you would even think of asking and although I was sitting on the end with no door, I felt very safe and you could tell this is a dream job for him! We saw parts of the Garden Island you can only see by air. Commercial work is much riskier and these types of accidents are not included. 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. It was a blast! Maui themselves had two helicopter crashes - up to nine to ten years ago - but no one onboard survived. A friend's husband is a helicopter pilot and they really wanted to tour Maui in one. And where there was fatalities, it usually involves a helicopter crash that is more serious. The safety, comfort, and satisfaction of each customer are the main concerns. it's not a silly question. We had two people afraid of height's but they did fine, We did the doors off entire island tour. What you will hear is the pilot's narration and background music specifically chosen for each part of the tour. Both the company and all of its pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TOUR THAT PROVIDES AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE NOT OFFERED BY ANY OTHER HELICOPTER TOUR? In April, a Robinson R-44 went down in Kailua , killing the pilot and his two Island Helicopters owners Curt and Bonnie Lofstedt employ a staff of 18 (on average), some of whom have been with the company for over 30 years! Who else appears to be involved in a Hawaii crash over the last ten years is Airbus with their AS series helicopters. Since 1980, Island Helicopters has specialized in providing personalized tours for the independent traveler, families, and groups of all sizes. Both Island Helicopters and all of the pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. 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. 1. The NTSB and the FAA 2. Yes our helicopters for the filming Euphoria awaits. I don't think you'll find any one that stands out the best or worst for their record. What are some free things to do on Kauai? I would not hesitate to fly with them again. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Think about it if commercial jets went down as frequently on the mainland nobody would fly. Hawaii has seen 18 civilian helicopter crashes in the last five years, Maui County hospital workers on strike enter week 2, negotiations set for Monday, Hawaii News Now - Meteorologist Jen Robbins, Couple killed in house fire remembered as high school sweethearts enjoying their golden years, 'The Other Side of Paradise' with Lynn Kawano, when a tour helicopter with seven people onboard crashed on its way back to Lihue, Another Robinson R-44 went down in October 2018, plummeted out of the sky and into the water at Pearl Harbor near the Arizona Memorial, KHNLPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KGMBPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KFVEPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KSIXPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KOGGPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246. All incidents are reported there. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'helodays_com-leader-3','ezslot_15',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helodays_com-leader-3-0');The second incident well departing Maui, actually happened on the island of Molokai. I subscribe to Hawaii magazine and the issue I got just last week had an article on this. I just got back from Kauai and Maui and we took a helicopter ride in Kauai on Air Kauai and it seemed very safe. Contact Us - 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. 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