My goodness no, I'm not trying to start up a business. I met Mike two weeks before he passed away. I spent almost everyday of those two weeks in the helicopter with him. Because of him I had the opportunity to see the islands from above and it was beautiful. I miss him everyday. I bought property in St. Kitts and it was very difficult being there without him there. Had I been on the island when he was called upon to go on the Mercy Mission I probably would've gone with him. That was his finest quality, his desire to help those in need. He was a special man.

One more question, why is it so difficult for the pilots to set up their business in the islands? I would think it would be such an asset.

An asset, or more a massive pain in the a$$! You would need a **** load of money to get it up and going, a good piece of property and either well connected with the aviation authority or be ready to hand out some brown paper envelopes to get permissions and get things done.

At the end, what kind of service would you expect from a helicopte rcompany there? And who is gonna pay for the services? I cant see it happening, and from almost having the opportunity to setup a business there by people who claimed they had the money, I too believed it could be a great business idea. However, since gaining more experience in the islands and the business I would say it would one of the hardest ventures to do and massive amounts of money to be blown! The added expense of running a helicopter business in the islands just doesnt make it viable sometimes. Such is life!

People may think they are trying to help and may mean well - but when they have only got a Private Pilots License, and trying to do this kind of work - they are just endangering themselves and people around them. Systems are in place for a reason, and this unfortunate accident is why. Whick in a konck on effect also hinders any opportunity for a helicopter company to actually setup a business in the area.

Thanks for the information. Mike had told me a little bit about what was going on but we were trying to cram a lot of information in about each other in a short time and we just couldn't cover it all. I remember asking him if he flew at night and he said only if it were life and death. I flew with him from St. Kitts to St. Martin the evening before the hurricane and it was almost dark when we got back to St. Kitts. I was nervous. It was raining hard and windy but i felt safe with him. He called me two days after I left the island and told me someone had made an offer for his business and he was seriously thinking about taking it. I wish the offer would have come sooner.

Usually the ONLY way to get things done with "dem folks". All over any third world spot.....

So very true Mr Sousa!!

That's really a shame...

Hi, will be in this place for a little holiday and just wanted to know if
someone can help me with indicating who is the aviation authority over there? I know St Maarten is both dutch and french, so what are the rules? Any chance to take an heli flight (tour) by now? Thanks

You might find that trying to understand the local aviation laws and who governs what in St Martin/Saint Maarten are more effort than a weeks holiday are worth! I was there for four months and still never managed to get my head fully around who was in charge!
You might be able to get a fixed wing tour but I don't think there are any helis based on the island any longer.
Hope you enjoy your holiday and make sure you visit 'the soggy dollar bar' most enlighting.

Brad Hangar
 

Last time I saw Brad was in 2002. He flew me from STT to Peter Island. Been looking for him also. I know he went to Eurpope to ferry back a 422 right after I left! Appreciate any updates:ok: