Hawaiian chopper tours

[panda-k-bear]

Hello y'all,

Sorry to intrude - this isn't my normal territory. However, Mrs p-k-b and I are set to take a trip to Hawaii's Big Island and we were wondering if any of you could recommend a particular trip or company for taking a trip over the volcanic bits.

Any tips, hints, contacts etc. most welcome! (Already tried this in Jet Blast and didn't get far!)

Thank you,

p-k-b

[Nealcon]

PKB,

Try a company Blue Hawian Helicopters, their well known world-wide and appear very popular. They've got a website, not sure of the address...

Enjoy!

[Spunk]

Here you go...

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (http://www.bluehawaiian.com)

[RDRickster]

Looks like a very professional outfit, and I've actually heard good things about them before. In fact, if the wifey and I escape to Hawaii, we'll probably take a tour with them. That said, I was curious as to what some of the other pilots think about the following...

At 35 seconds into the following video clip, there is a 5-6 second shot of a ship OGE hover over what appears to be a natural steam vent (or something like it). They don't seem to be that high, and I was wondering about recovery options for settling with power...

Broadband Users:
http://www.bluehawaiian.com/bluevideo/bh1_250K.wmv

Dialup Users:
http://www.bluehawaiian.com/bluevideo/bh1_56k.wmv

My intensions aren't to spoil a great shot. I'm not the type who always has something negative to say... I just wanted to pose a hypothetical question for debate. Based on almost no information, it looks as though the pilot would have to be totally asleep and let it develop into a good descent before it was a problem. But, what if?...

[panda-k-bear]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I've seen a tour advertised by Tropical Helicopters over the volcano in a Hughes 500 with all of the doors removed. I'd imagine that to be quite, erm, interesting (and warm, in places!). Any comments on the type (I'm a fixed wing bod, not a rotary!) and any experience with this outfit?

[HeliMark]

RD, at the altitudes they are flying, there should be no problems hovering OGE.

But, if the pilot is not paying attention, and allows a decent to start due to a lack of power for the conditions, or a major brain fart, just lowering the nose will get the airspeed back and just fly away. Recovery should be 100' or less.

I think Blue Hawaiin is only flying A-Stars and EC130's. Both are great helicopters and comfortable.

[Disguise Delimit]

Had a ride out of Hilo in 93, in an Astar. Great flight, music thru the headset, but couldn't talk back to the driver. Hovered low over plastic flows, could see the red glow from inside. Saw the vent into the sea.

Hovered on the edge of the rim, but appeared as though we could have pedalled out of the way and gained speed on the safe side if anything went wrong.

I believe the rules have tightened up on volcano flights. Somebody out there must have more current knowledge?

[AlanM]

Flew in ALEX AIR's Astor 2 years ago - but was on Maui.

Excellent trip - superb pilot who was very chatty and friendly! (Austrian I think!)



Picture deleted.
As you know ....... copyright photographs are not permitted in this forum.

Heliport


Sorry (It did say it was copright me though!!)