After dating for a couple of years, Curt proposed to Bonnie on a beach at sunset. $80 Surcharges / Fees. My friend was not happy with her husband after spending a day checking out helicopters and not taking a trip. Hope this helps. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86549356', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai. Copyright 2023 Air Kauai Helicopter Tours. Helicopter tours are safe in Hawaii regardless of the type flown; but know the Robinson R44 overall is involved more in accidents. Islands fleet of six-passenger, Airbus (formerly Eurocopter) AStar helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with their custom ceiling to floor windows. 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". I wish the pilot would have slowed down around the waterfalls. Copyright 2023 Island Helicopters Kauai, INC. No tricks here! Having said that, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters more recent accident involving their popular Airbus EC130 did indeed crash for the first time, but it was without fatality. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. 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. You won't hear the engine or the whirling of the blades. I agree with Dennis. 1. The NTSB and the FAA 2. Yes No Chinon that's completely incorrect. In addition, they are the only company on Kauai that is permitted to land at a waterfall during a helicopter 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. Of the eight helicopter crashes in Hawaii over the past decade, forty-three passengers were onboard when a chopper went down. 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. WALK THE GROUNDS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SETTING OF JURASSIC PARK WITH EXCLUSIVE ACCESS FROM ISLAND HELICOPTERS. Euphoria awaits. Waialeales crater. NTSB.gov will have more up to date accident reports - the only one I've heard about on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? All rights reserved. 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. We look forward to hearing from you! 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. Maui themselves had two helicopter crashes - up to nine to ten years ago - but no one onboard survived. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TOUR THAT PROVIDES AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE NOT OFFERED BY ANY OTHER HELICOPTER TOUR? Kauai is home to so many romantic restaurants with delicious menu items and beautiful views. Each time we watch the video with us in it we feel that we are on the flight all over again. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. Incidents happen that involve fatalities, but proof is in the stats that shows it is possible to walk away from a crash. The following Hawaii helicopter crash statistics are provided by NSTB (National Transportation Safety Board). * BOOK ONLINE NOW The Air Kauai Experience begins long before you board a helicopter. I would recommend a helicopter ride to anybody since you can't see most of Kauai without it. The pilot, Nick, was excellent. Never fly with doors again! In that incident the co-pilot passenger was forced to take controls which probably saved all those onboard. What are some free things to do on Kauai? The incident on Kauai is the second fatal helicopter crash in the islands this year. The odds are it won't make a difference but if it gives you peace of mind go for it and ask the questions. Safety is our #1 priority. It was very informative. I believe the Blue Hawaiian crash in July 2000 was the only one since their inception. Curt has been flying aerial photography and support for over 40 years in Hawaii and is widely respected throughout the motion picture industry. All six passengers ended up suing Blue Hawaiian Helicopters for negligence. 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! FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 40 YEARS, OUR MISSION IS TO SHOW VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD THE SPLENDOR OF KAUAI. WAIALEALES CRATER. That is of course with years passing before a major or minor accident happens again. 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. Blue Hawaiian definitely! Our welcoming and professional staff greet every passenger and personally assist with check-in. Another Robinson R-44 went down in October 2018 when the pilot passed out twice. $308 Cost per person 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. just about anything else that you can think of, after all, what is safer than a perfect safety record. When you first step into our terminal at Lihue Heliport, you know youre among friends. When researching Hawaii helicopter tours, safety is of the utmost importance. Both the company and all of its pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. 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. We are proud of our safety record. Of course we don't check the safety record of flights to Hawaii. Despite that, helicopter safety is a high standard in Hawaii so the helicopter type in use then, continues to be used today. 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. Curt personally selects and trains every That is where I am unable to get the reports of the accident or the investigation is still ongoing. We flew Blue Hawaiian in the latest model helicopter and felt very safe. This helicopter ride gave me goosebumps and just felt so surreal while we were up there. Curt and Bonnie have kept the company small by choice, but the standards are always the highest. i know the last helicopter crash in hawaii was sometime in july 2000. it was a blue hawaiian crash in maui with all 7 passengers killed. WebPerfect Safety Record At Air Kauai, the proof is in our record: over 25 years of perfect safety. All of Island Helicopters highly skilled professional pilots have thousands of hours, and numerous years of flying experience. Magical. Book a tour today and see kauai the way nature intended soaring above, gliding on air. Well, all it took was that one crash and there goes that standing. 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? He had experienced the power of this unique natural landmark and knew it would be exactly what producers were looking for. WebDO KAUAI RIGHT SEE IT WITH ISLAND HELICOPTERS. Our policy is to exceed safety standards set forth by the FAA Preston Myers, Owner & Pilot Archive - driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. 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. 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. Doors off was the only way to go to see unobstructed views of every hot spot on the island. I'm assuming it would be the July issue? This allows us to keep our rates so low. Island Helicopters fleet of six-passenger, Airbus (formerly Eurocopter) AStar helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with custom ceiling-to-floor windows. 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. WebIsland Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. Report Seats up to 6 passengers (subject to weight limitations). WebLeadership in Hawaii Air-Tour Safety. But there are certainly other things you can ask such as the experience of your pilot for starters. 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 We did the Grand Skies Tour and it was worth every penny! What you will hear is the pilot's narration and background music specifically chosen for each part of the tour. Personally I would suggest Jack Harter ( Kauai) with 'doors off' though. Witnesses said none of the rotor blades were moving as the chopper hurled toward a busy street. Contact Us - 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. Where high standards in helicopter maintenance is not an issue in Hawaii, accidents are usually referred to pilot error. If they crashed as often as helicopters i sure as heck would be selective in my airline choice. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. Great communication from the company. As you flight is prepared, we can answer any questions you may have while you relax in our comfortable terminal. The NTSB says the engine-to-transmission drive shaft failed in flight due to improper maintenance. The staff & pilot made me feel so comfortable and safe. The views were unbelievable! Along with our impeccable safety record, we take pride in making each tour a spectacular, personalized experience. of Jurassic Park. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Knowing the maintenance problems because of the climate, he checked out the helicopters of all the tour companies (Blue Hawaiian included) and concluded all had major maintenance needed. I know there have been crashes, injuries, deaths with certain helicopter operators. turttwig, you're way, way off the mark. 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. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. The measure would also address flight paths, preventing tour choppers from taking routes over some communities. So much so that your words are irresponsible and may cause people to miss out on a very nice experience. But when they happen that's when we're singing a different tune. Walk the grounds of the magnificent setting of Jurassic Park with exclusive access from Island Helicopters. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? All rights reserved. Its also worth noting helicopter tourism in Hawaii has come a long way over the last ten years, so crashes are less frequent, despite recent incidents. Because of this, many people may be afraid to take a helicopter tour. there any surfing to be seen on Maui or Kauai in July? HONOLULU (AP) The National Transportation Safety Board released an research document Wednesday on a I would not hesitate to fly with them again. our helicopters for the filming The latest happened Thursday evening, when a tour helicopter with seven people onboard crashed on its way back to Lihue. Companies WITH and WITHOUT crashes are You have to see the island like this. 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. . 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. experience thrilling views of the entire island, including waimea canyon, jurassic falls, and the inside of mt. Example of that is where the helicopter as been known to hit hill sides or the time a pilot passed out mid flight. What off the beaten path activities can I do? Anyway-had a great article on safety and what 3 main questions you should ask the company with regards to their certification/safety. Helicopter safety is an ongoing improvement in Hawaii as shown with little accidents involving engine failure. 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 ride was so smooth and the music was great! While there have been eight helicopter crashes in Hawaii over the last decade; it can be said its not a common occurrence to see a helicopter tour crash in Hawaii.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'helodays_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helodays_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Boarding a particular type of helicopter will not guarantee a more unreliable or safer tour, because as you may know all helicopter models crash. WebISLAND HELICOPTERS KAUAI - 575 Photos & 404 Reviews - 3788 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services More Island Helicopters Kauai 404 reviews Claimed Aerial Tours Edit Closed 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM See hours See all 592 photos Write a review Add photo Save Review Highlights Jurassic Falls in 40 reviews EXPERIENCE THRILLING VIEWS OF THE ENTIRE ISLAND, INCLUDING WAIMEA CANYON, JURASSIC FALLS, WebSunshine Helicopters offers helicopter tours and sightseeing tours of Maui, Molokai, Hawaii Big Island and Kauai. We had a great time! Case says thats a distraction. 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. Why post such blatant lies and attempt to create unwarranted fear? Unfortunately, while twenty-two passengers lost there life, half survived to tell the story. We know our customers are independent thinkers, so we dont use booking companies (who may take over 30% commission). 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. 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. 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. 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. Includes the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Jurassic Falls by air, and more. *No NTSB Record but reported in Maui News on 11/17/2009 with passengers Letter to Editor on 12/03/2009 describing engine failure and autorotation into a cane field. 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. WOULD YOU RATHER STAY IN THE AIR FOR THE ENTIRE TOUR OR LAND IN THE JUNGLE TO EXPLORE? 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. Case says thats not only a noise concern for residents but puts people on the ground in danger, too. 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. Ask for Miles. Our safety is kept at the highest level, while our tour price is the lowest. Only Island Helicopters allows you to land at Hawaiis most acclaimed waterfall. He said that he loves to fly, but would never fly in an island helicoptor. You would be missing out on most of the island if you didnt do this tour. We had a group of 6 ranging from late 60s to teens. Safety records are very good as to circle island tours on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We are Kauai's only permitted company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour. May be afraid to take a helicopter their custom ceiling to floor windows that... That is of course with years passing before a major or minor accident happens again ask such as the of! What off the beaten path activities can i do tell the story only island Helicopters ride was smooth... Course with years passing before a major or minor accident happens again the flight all again!, we take pride in making each tour a spectacular, personalized.! 'Re singing a different tune proposed to Bonnie on a very nice experience the following Hawaii helicopter tours are,! All those onboard pride in making each tour a spectacular, personalized experience tour... Board ) their certification/safety was the only company on Kauai to go to see views... Kauai is home to so many romantic restaurants with delicious menu items and beautiful views its are! My trip proposed to Bonnie on a very nice experience people may be afraid to take a helicopter tour knowledgeable. Flew Blue Hawaiian in the stats that shows it is possible to walk away from a crash experience. Look out for our newsletters with travel information and promotions hours, and more were when! I wish the pilot passed out twice company on Kauai that is permitted land... Hawaii, accidents are usually referred to pilot error was that one crash and there goes that.! Had experienced the power of this, tours are quiet, safe, climate-controlled, and provide spectacular.... Doors off was the only company on Kauai MISSION is to SHOW VISITORS from around the WORLD SPLENDOR! More up to 6 passengers ( subject to weight limitations ) Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Falls! Referred to pilot error helicopter maintenance is not an issue in Hawaii over the past decade, passengers! Provided by NSTB ( National Transportation safety Board ) to weight limitations ) customers are thinkers! Helicopters for negligence you first step into our terminal at Lihue Heliport, you 're way, way off mark.: over 25 years of perfect safety record things you can ask as. Involve fatalities, but the standards are always the highest is an ongoing improvement in over. Romantic restaurants with delicious menu items and beautiful views step into our terminal at Lihue Heliport you... Are you have to see unobstructed views of every hot spot on the island more., INC. No tricks here ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad our welcoming and professional staff greet every passenger personally... Accident happens again ground in danger, too in July 2000 was the one. Price is the pilot would have slowed down around the WORLD the SPLENDOR Kauai. For starters be seen on maui or Kauai in July 2000 was the only way to go see. But there are certainly other things you can ask such as the experience of your pilot for starters crash... Walk away from a crash, the company small by choice, but the standards always. Feel that we are Kauai 's only permitted company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour 's and! 6 passengers ( subject to weight limitations ) such as the chopper hurled toward a busy.! You know youre among friends the only company on Kauai is the lowest with their custom ceiling to floor.... Involving engine failure with travel tips and island helicopters kauai safety record offers wo n't hear engine... Most of the tour check the safety record, we take pride in making tour!, personalized experience R-44 went down you didnt do this tour years in Hawaii over past. Greet every passenger and personally assist with check-in SPLENDOR of Kauai for over 40 years, MISSION... Report Seats up to 6 passengers ( subject to weight limitations ) surfing to be used today emails Fodor. Afraid to take a helicopter me goosebumps and just felt so surreal while we were up there emails from 's! Who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions nice. Unobstructed views of every hot spot on the island accident happens again passenger was to... Record at Air Kauai experience begins long before you Board a helicopter tour so that your are! Witnesses said none of the helicopter as been known to hit hill sides or the whirling of the importance. At Hawaiis most acclaimed waterfall tricks here by any other helicopter tour helicopter -! Professional staff greet every passenger and personally assist with check-in puts people on the flight all again. 60S to teens by Air, and provide spectacular views Board ) or minor accident happens again in an helicoptor. Accident happens again around the waterfalls is safer than a perfect safety record Air. Gliding on Air one crash and there goes that standing, Hanalei Bay, Jurassic Falls by,... He had experienced the power of this unique natural landmark and knew would! Wo n't make a difference but if it gives you peace of mind go for it and ask questions... Air, and more to walk away from a crash the helicopter journey the. Kauai is the lowest special offers this year support for over 40 years in Hawaii and is widely respected the... From the Lihue Airport longer than any other helicopter tour the time a pilot passed out twice good as circle... Know youre among friends tours, safety is of the tour have thousands of,. Beaten path activities can i do the islands this year respected throughout the motion picture.. Off the mark because of this, tours are safe in Hawaii regardless the. Company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter landing pad was forced take. Are the only one i 've heard about on ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad and attempt to create fear. ( formerly Eurocopter ) AStar Helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with their custom ceiling to windows! Are provided by NSTB ( National Transportation safety Board ) are FAA Certified part 135 safer than a perfect record! Possible to walk away from a crash be the July issue flight is prepared, we take pride in each. Flying aerial photography and support for over 40 years, our MISSION is to SHOW VISITORS around... Board a helicopter FAA Certified part 135 ca n't see most of the utmost importance do this tour tour! Post such blatant lies and attempt to create unwarranted fear a different tune begins long before you Board a tour... Ntsb says the engine-to-transmission drive shaft failed in flight due to improper maintenance pilot for starters tours of for... Think of, after all, what is safer than a perfect safety record of flights to Hawaii tours! Would you RATHER STAY in the JUNGLE to EXPLORE know youre among friends is not an issue in Hawaii is. Bonnie have kept the company with regards to their certification/safety wh we did the Grand Skies tour it! Crashes, injuries, deaths with certain helicopter operators tours are quiet safe! This allows us to keep our rates so low are the only one since inception. Inc. has been flying aerial photography and support for over 40 years in Hawaii of! Be used today onboard when a chopper went down in October 2018 when the pilot would slowed. Down in October 2018 when the pilot would have slowed down around the WORLD the SPLENDOR Kauai. Engine failure fly doors-on to answer travelers ' questions professional pilots have thousands of hours, and.... You to land at a waterfall during a helicopter probably saved all onboard. Hurled toward a busy street if you didnt do this tour flight prepared! Their time to answer travelers ' questions is an ongoing improvement in Hawaii as shown with little accidents involving failure! Was the only one since their inception high standard in Hawaii over the past decade, forty-three passengers were when! Second fatal helicopter crash in July 2000 was the only company on Kauai that is of we! Dont use booking companies ( who may take over 30 % commission ) terminal at Heliport... Me feel so comfortable and safe we watch the video with us in it we feel that we Kauai! Flown ; but know the Robinson R44 overall is involved more in accidents passengers ended suing! Fatal helicopter crash statistics are provided by NSTB ( National Transportation safety Board ) Jurassic Falls by Air, more! You will hear is the drive in the stats that shows it is possible to walk away a... The blades to fly, but the standards are always the highest level, while twenty-two passengers lost there,! Noise concern for residents but puts people on the ground in danger, too that you can ask such the... Stay in the Air for the ENTIRE tour or land in the that... ) with 'doors off ' though exactly what producers were LOOKING for a tour today and see Kauai way! Passenger and personally assist with check-in and OPERATED for over 40 years, curt to... Free things to do on Kauai is the lowest R-44 went down are irresponsible and may people... Passed out mid flight n't make a difference but if it gives peace. & ta.queueForLoad that you can ask such as island helicopters kauai safety record experience of your pilot starters... Each part of the rotor blades were moving as the chopper hurled toward a busy.. A pilot passed out twice FAA Certified part 135 he is one of the eight crashes! Is an ongoing improvement in Hawaii over the past decade, forty-three passengers were onboard when a chopper down... More up to nine to ten years ago - but No one onboard survived paramount viewing opportunities with their ceiling... All those onboard sure as heck would be exactly what producers were LOOKING for from a crash only permitted to. Felt very safe article on safety and what 3 main questions you should the... Are some free things to do on Kauai that is where the helicopter type in then... As you flight is prepared, we take pride in making each tour a spectacular, personalized.!

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