3-Oct-2024Source: VAI
Air tour operators from across the United States gathered in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Sep. 23 for the first day of the 2024 Vertical Aviation International (VAI) Air Tour Safety Conference (ATSC) to discuss strategies for enhancing safety in the sector. VAI Chair Mark Schlaefli, owner and operator of Dakota Rotors, opened the two-day conference with... Read more
2-Oct-2024Source: Hawaii Army National Guard
The Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) returned to the coastal city of Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, Philippines, on Sept. 16 – 20 for the third iteration of the State Partnership Program Rotary Wing Aviation Maintenance and Standardization Subject Matter Expert Exchange. This exchange focused on the essential maintenance of Black Hawk helicopters, providing a collaborative platform for... Read more
15-Aug-2023Source: Blue Hawaiian Shifts
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, the sole helicopter tour company serving all four major Hawaiian Islands since 1985, has shifted its operations from tourism to supporting disaster relief efforts in the areas devastated by the wildfires in Lahaina. With tourism operations temporarily paused out of Kahului Airport, Blue Hawaiian has partnered with Blue Hawaiian Activates hotel partners,... Read more
8-Aug-2023Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is moving to improve Hawaii air tour safety. The agency has outlined a consistent new process where air tour operators can receive authorization to safely descend below specific altitudes to avoid flying into bad weather. “This process will help prevent situations where pilots encounter poor visibility and become disoriented,” said David Boulter, the... Read more
28-Feb-2023Source: AOPA
AOPA is working with Helicopter Association International (HAI) and other integral stakeholders to advocate against the passage of anti-helicopter legislation in the House and Senate in Hawaii—citing the negative impacts these measures will have on the state’s economy. The legislation would establish a path for individuals to sue helicopter owners and operators for causing what... Read more
25-Oct-2022Source: US DoD
Kiewit Infrastructure West Company, Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded a $53,148,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a concrete rotary-wing aircraft parking apron, concrete taxiways with helipads and a concrete parallel taxiway at Wheeler Army Airfield. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Wahiawa, Hawaii, with an estimated completion date... Read more
25-Jul-2022Source: Honolulu Civil Beat
A popular proposal to study and track tourist helicopter noise and safety in Hawaii is on the verge of being shot down by Gov. David Ige. Tucked into Ige’s June 27 list of laws he intended to veto was Senate Bill 3272 that would require helicopter tour operators to provide monthly reports on their aerial activities to the... Read more
7-Jun-2022
Tourist flight, 6 POB all injured. One airlifted to Kona Community Hospital, others by road A helicopter tour crashed on Wednesday in a lava field on Hawaii’s Big Island, injuring all six people on board — including two in serious condition, officials said. https://t.co/VCDgiiDQ6l — FOX 7 Austin (@fox7austin) June 11, 2022 ... Read more
11-May-2022
Helicopter Association International (HAI) appreciates and supports the work of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for its May 10 hearing to announce the probable cause and draft findings and recommendations related to a fatal air-tour helicopter accident that occurred on Dec. 26, 2019, near Kekaha, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai. HAI extends... Read more
11-May-2022
Decisions made by the Federal Aviation Administration not to implement National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendations contributed to the cause of a fatal air tour helicopter crash, the NTSB said in a report approved in a public meeting Tuesday. “When the NTSB issues safety recommendations, they are data-driven, supported by factual evidence developed from investigations, and... Read more
3-Feb-2021Source: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has launched a new concierge service, Blue Hawaiian Activities, offering customized activity planning for travelers. As of Monday, Blue Hawaiian Activities operates 19 concierge offices on Maui and Oahu, and the company plans to expand to Kauai and Hawaii Island in the coming months. In addition to offering general resort and island... Read more
27-Oct-2020
Emergency landing in a ravine after experiencing engine problems. Helicopter was working for Hawaiian Electric. Some reports say “hard landing”. Extent of damage not known. Pilot not injured “A contractor for Hawaiian Electric was transporting material near the Nuuanu Reservoir off Pali Highway when the helicopter lost power and made a hard landing,” according to... Read more
12-Feb-2020Source: US Senate
In June of 2019, investigative staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation received information from a whistleblower alleging misconduct by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) managers at the Flight Standards District Office in Honolulu, Hawai’i. This initial whistleblower, an FAA employee, alleged that FAA managers too frequently overrode the recommendations of inspectors,... Read more
20-Jan-2020Source: Hawaii Helicopter Association
Stakeholders from Hawaii Helicopter Association (HHA), Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division (HDOTA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), elected officials and their representatives, and other industry stakeholders formalized a task force structure today to address safety, noise and other issues related to helicopter and fixed-wing aerial tours. Justin Brooke, HHA President,... Read more
18-Jul-2019Source: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Hawaii’s air-tour leader, has been recognized as the winner of “Best Tour Company in Hawaii” by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Quentin Koch, President and General Manager of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, said of the honor, “I believe we are #1 because we have the very best pilots, staff and equipment, and... Read more
21-Feb-2019
The Fire Department said the crash was a result of engine failure. FAA report 2 POB with no injuries, while the operator said the unnamed pilot was hospitalized “for further evaluation as a precautionary measure.” Operator said in a statement “hard landing … while arriving for a utility flight”... Read more
21-Nov-2018Source: HeliHub.com
Paradise Helicopters has recently received the Helicopter Association International’s accreditation for Corporate and VIP Transport. This includes the well known Accreditation Program of Safety, which ensures a boost in safety culture within the business. Paradise has also added a Bell 430 helicopter to their fleet, which boasts enhanced safety features, reports Big Island Now.... Read more
14-Sep-2018Source: US Marine Corps
A dedication ceremony for the arrival of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 will take place Sept. 21, at their new hangar on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. “The arrival of a second MV-22B Osprey squadron to our Hawaii-based Marine Aircraft Group significantly increases our combat capability and allows us to better respond to crises... Read more
10-Aug-2018Source: Maverick Helicopters
The expansion comes after three years of successful operations on Maui and will be the sixth permanent location. The breathtaking flights will depart daily from the company’s facility at Port Allen Airport, located along the southern shore of Kauai, minutes away from Poipu, Hawaii. “With the Garden Isle’s awe-inspiring geographical wonders only accessible by air,... Read more
7-May-2018Source: HeliHub.com
Hawaiian air ambulance services Air Medical Group Holdings and AMR Holdco will be merging soon. This is due to a settlement approve by the Federal Trade Commission. They will also have to sell the air ambulance service AIRMD, reports Miami Herald. ... Read more
19-Feb-2018Source: HeliHub.com
A Kauai tour helicopter of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters was hit by a drone this past Friday. The FAA and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are investigating into the situation. No injuries occurred to those on-board, with only minor scratches on the belly of the helicopter, reports Drone DJ.... Read more
5-Feb-2018Source: HeliHub.com
Multiple helicopter operators have joined together from throughout the Hawaii Islands to form the Hawaii Helicopter Association. HHA focuses on aviation practices, improvement of the industry as well as working with the community and state agencies to tackle concerns. It is a non-profit organisation and works with the FAA and State of Hawaii Department of... Read more
16-Jan-2018Source: Maverick Helicopters
Maverick Helicopters, an award-winning division of Maverick Aviation Group, will expand operations to Hawaii’s northernmost and oldest island, Kauai, later this year. The expansion comes after nearly three years of successful operations on Maui and will be the sixth permanent location. The breathtaking flights will depart daily from the company’s facility at Port Allen Airport,... Read more
3-Jan-2018Source: US Marine Corps
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 received three upgraded AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters here, Dec. 19, 2017. The AH-1Z aircraft is an updated version of the AH-1W, bringing new capabilities and features into the squadron’s arsenal. “The AH-1Z’s are replacing the AH-1W’s, which are essentially from the 1980’s,”said Marine Corps Capt. Julian Tucker, the squadron’s... Read more
25-Sep-2017Source: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Hawaii Tribune-Herald announced today their Best of East Hawaii 2017 Awards and named Blue Hawaiian Helicopters the “Best Helicopter/Air Tour” for the 18th year in a row. The only helicopter company serving all four major Hawaiian islands, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has been flying with aloha since 1985. “We are thrilled to be recognized by Hawaii... Read more
18-Aug-2017Source: HeliHub.com
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters will be offering a 15% discount on all helicopter tours as a way to celebrate World Helicopter Day, August 20. The discount includes any tour that covers Maui, Big Island, O’ahu and Kaua’i. They are also donating a portion of the funds raised during that day to Hawaii’s Make a Wish Foundation,... Read more
19-Dec-2016Source: Maverick Helicopters
Maverick Helicopters has expanded its fleet of quiet technology helicopters at its Maui, Hawaii location. The fourth EC130 ECO-Star helicopter was transported from Maverick Helicopters’ Las Vegas terminal and has been transitioned into the Maui fleet. Maverick Helicopters operates the world’s largest and youngest fleet of Airbus EC130/H130 ECO-Star aircraft out of four locations: Las... Read more
8-Nov-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Three Black Hawk Medevac helicopters were delivered to the new Hawaii Army National Guard this past Friday. Currently the new Black Hawks are being used for medical evacuation and SAR, and are stationed temporarily at the Wheeler Army Airfield. The Army Aviation Support Facility is helping build a $32.6 million base at Kalaeloa, complete with... Read more
16-Aug-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Bell have announced that Hawaiian tour company Paradise Helicopters has signed its fleet of three Bell 407s for the Customer Advantage Plan (CAP). Paradise is the first helicopter tour company to enroll in this new service solution. Bell Helicopter’s Customer Advantage Plans offer a fixed-price-per-flight-hour that provides predictable maintenance costs, priority access to parts and... Read more
20-Jul-2016Source: Paradise
Paradise is the first helicopter company to provide air tours, charters and inter-island transits to the Ko Olina area, home of the Four Seasons Resort Oahu and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, via the Kalaeloa Airport, a short shuttle ride away. The 90-minute tour, which is the only flight to take guests on a... Read more
6-Jul-2016Source: Maverick Helicopters
Maverick Helicopters is now offering Maui’s first-ever air and landing Hana Rainforest Experience. The 75-minute excursion is unlike any other in Hawaii. Maverick Helicopters uses several acres of remote Hana Rainforest landscape, which has been untouched for decades, for guests to experience the authentic beauty of Maui and to promote conservation of the beautiful island.... Read more
16-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com
A lawsuit has been filed against tour operator Blue Hawaiian Helicopters following a hard landing on Kauai in January of this year. The preliminary NTSB report of the accident of Airbus EC130T2 N11VQ on 17th January stated “On January 17, 2016, about 1430 Hawaii standard time, an Airbus EC130 T2, N11VQ, landed hard on a... Read more
6-Apr-2016Source: West Hawaii Today
On the expiration of a three year agreement to operate from Hilo Medical Center, Hawaii Health Systems Corp is instead requesting Hawaii Life Flight move its aircraft to the Hilo International Airport. See full story... Read more
1-Apr-2016Source: Maverick Helicopters
In honor of Maverick Helicopters’ first anniversary in Maui, Hawaii, the award-winning aviation company will launch two new flights on Friday, April 1. The unique excursions, one that offers a breathtaking sunset flight over Maui, Molokai and Lanai and another that allows locals and visitors alike to adventure over the North Shore of Maui, are... Read more
18-Feb-2016Source: Blue Hawaiian
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters today announced it received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Award of Excellence ‘Diamond Award’ for the 17th time. The Hawaii-based helicopter tour operator was presented this accolade in recognition of its maintenance technicians and advanced training. “We are incredibly proud of our maintainers’ dedication to safety and quality,” said Gregg Lundberg, president... Read more
6-Oct-2015Source: BIZ Journals
Billionaire Larry Ellison, who purchased 98 percent of the Hawaiian Island of Lanai several years ago for $300 million, has plans to develop helistop pads at the two luxury Four Seasons resorts that he owns on the Pineapple Island. See Full Story... Read more
19-Jun-2015Source: Air Methods
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters recently received Safety Management System (SMS) program status by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the first air tour operator in the United States to reach this milestone. Blue Hawaiian began participating in the voluntary SMS program in 2009, adopting the systematic approach to managing safety risk. “Achieving SMS emphasizes our company’s... Read more
30-Apr-2015Source: Blue Hawaiian
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (www.bluehawaiian.com) announces the placement of its newest Airbus EC130 T2 “Eco-Star” into service, making it the eighth EC130 T2 to enter operation with Blue Hawaiian in the past two years. To date, Blue Hawaiian’s fleet total is 14 EC130s, eight EC130T2s and five AS350B2s. Blue Hawaiian owns Hawaii’s largest fleet of helicopters,... Read more
19-Apr-2015Source: US DoD
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $62,493,027 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a hangar, parking apron, and taxiway to support one MV-22 squadron at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The multi-story modified aircraft maintenance hangar will provide a weather protected shelter for inspection, service and maintenance. The high bay aircraft... Read more
17-Mar-2015
Pilot made an emergency landing after noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment, 2 POB uninjured – Sources say the pilot, Michael Tepper was on an introductory instructional flight with his passenger, Brandon Ahlo.... Read more
3-Mar-2015Source: Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters Inc. will hold six regional Customer Service Symposiums in 2015, expanding the popular program this year to include two additional locations. The events provide an opportunity for operators of Airbus Helicopters to get the latest aircraft safety and technical updates and meet with key company’s customer support personnel. The one-day symposiums begin in... Read more
23-Jan-2015Source: US Army
It was a bittersweet day for the Soldiers of the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, with the casing of the unit colors in preparation for an operational deployment to the Korea peninsula and a final flight of the Kiowa Warrior helicopters, Jan. 15. “The Kiowa Warrior has called this island home for the past 17... Read more
29-Oct-2014Source: TGI
A Kauai helicopter company has filed suit in 5th Circuit Court against another flight company for damages that occurred in a recovery operation. See Full Story... Read more
17-Oct-2014
Tail rotor struck ground on training flight... Read more
9-Oct-2014Source: Maverick
Maverick Helicopters, a division of Maverick Aviation Group, has expanded its roots beyond Nevada and Arizona by unveiling its latest helicopter operation in Maui, Hawaii. The new helicopter expeditions will take flight starting in spring 2015. “We take guests over the Grand Canyon and the famous Las Vegas Strip, two of the U.S.’s most adored... Read more
21-Sep-2014
Hard landing and tail strike... Read more
6-Aug-2014
Hawaii County Fire Department helicopter made an emergency landing after an engine failure during a hurricane evacuation mission along the Hamakua coastline. No damage, no injuries. The only helicopter registered to Hawaii County Fire Dept is MD500E N911HY (0602E)... Read more
1-Aug-2014
Fell onto its starboard side close to fuel tanks during landing accident. Pilot John Corboy and his two teenage passengers Dominic Mills-Patrick and Nic Politsch got out OK [note FAA data uses UTC date/time of 2nd August. Accident occurred 1st August local date]... Read more
18-Jul-2014
Emergency landing after loss of hydraulics... Read more
23-Jun-2014Source: US Marine Corps
Marines from various units on Marine Corps Base Hawaii participated in shallow water egress training at the base pool here, June 18, 2014. The training introduced Marines to the gear used to increase their survivability in the event of an over-water aircraft mishap. Personnel from 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment,... Read more
17-Jun-2014
Precautionary field landing, no injuries, after reported mechanical issues. All six passengers were guests of the Make-A-Wish charity.... Read more
13-Jun-2014
Safe emergency landing after engine failure... Read more
10-Jun-2014Source: US DoD
Evergreen Helicopters, Inc., McMinnville, Oregon, was awarded a $10,672,126 modification (P00008) to contract W91CN-12-D-0002 to exercise option two for service and support for Medical Evacuation for the U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is June 22, 2015. Army Contracting Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is... Read more
28-Mar-2014Source: USMC
Service members at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay departed here, March 25, to begin a six-month deployment to Australia’s Northern Territory as part of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. Approximately 100 Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HMH-463) and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 (MALS-24), as well as four CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran) announced the achievement of a major milestone for both Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Turbomeca. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is expected to exceed 500,000 flight hours on the Turbomeca Arriel engine prior to the end of the year. Blue Hawaiian currently flies Arriel 1D1 and 2B1 engines, and has most recently added the Arriel 2D... Read more
23-Jan-2014
The pilots start their preflight checks on the aircraft, like they have done hundreds of times before, but this time it was different. Almost everything was the same, until it came time for the inside checks. Inside of the rotary wing aircraft looks like something out of the future, with big digital screens and a... Read more
12-Jan-2014Source: HAI
HAI Vice President of Government Affairs Ann Carroll is at what has become one of U.S. aviation’s most important gatherings to discuss governmental issues — the American Association of Airport Executives 28th annual issues conference. Held each hear in Hawaii, aviation leaders and current and former members of Congress come together to discuss industry issues... Read more
2-Jan-2014Source: West Hawaii Today
The 25th Army Combat Aviation Brigade and Hawaii Army National Guard want to construct four aviation landing zones on Mauna Loa’s northern slope See full story... Read more
19-Dec-2013Source: US Navy
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded a $57 million firm-fixed-price contract Dec. 17 to Watts Contrack, a Joint Venture of Honolulu, Hawaii for the construction of a Marine Vertical (MV) 22 hangar, supporting utility infrastructure, and an aircraft staging area for Marine Corps Base Hawaii. This project includes a hangar, apron, and taxiway to... Read more
16-Dec-2013Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, announced today that it has successfully completed its acquisition of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and its affiliates (“Blue Hawaiian”), a helicopter tour operator based in Hawaii. Founded in 1985, Blue Hawaiian is one of the world’s largest aerial tour operators and is the premier helicopter... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and its affiliates (“Blue Hawaiian”), a helicopter tour operator based in Hawaii. Founded in 1985, Blue Hawaiian is one of the world’s largest aerial tour operators and is... Read more
12-Nov-2013Source: Seattle PI
Violeta Escobar filed a lawsuit in federal court in Hawaii last week against EADS (and subsidiaries) and the leasing company owner of the helicopter, claiming defective design caused the crash. See full story HeliHub.com page for this accident is at 10-Nov-11 N11QV Eurocopter EC130 Molokai, US-Hawaii (5F)... Read more
29-Oct-2013
Substantially damaged on landing. Two people were aboard the aircraft. One was taken to the hospital with complaints of back pain, while the other was uninjured,... Read more
12-Sep-2013
Tour helicopter struck by a bird, shattering the windshield. The only passenger on the aircraft suffered minor injuries. The aircraft landed safely at Burns Field in Hanapepe. Registration and type quoted by FAA do not tie up – N798JH was an AS350BA previously used by the company and no longer current.... Read more
25-Jul-2013
Autorotation, and rolled over onto its side on landing, 700 feet short of landing pad. One news report suggests Texas family on board suggested it ran out of fuel... Read more
18-Jul-2013
Bird strike on tour flight... Read more
10-Jul-2013Source: Erickson Air-Crane
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (NASDAQ: EAC) (“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, announced today that it has won a contract extension to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price contract to... Read more
17-Jun-2013
Bird strike, windshield damaged, landed OK... Read more
13-May-2013Source: Khon 2
New video has been released following Wednesday’s helicopter crash landing in downtown Honolulu. The Kukui Plaza condominium captured the crash landing on surveillance video. (See Full Story)... Read more
8-May-2013
Force landed in street and badly damaged in collision with parked vehicle... Read more
5-Apr-2013
Found damage to trailing edge of rotor blade(s) on post-flight inspection... Read more
2-Apr-2013Source: US Marine Corps
Families, fellow service members, state senators and representatives gathered at the state Capitol to remember fallen Marines and soldiers by awarding them the Hawaii Medal of Honor, March 27. Family members came from across the U.S. to accept the award for their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice. “My daughter and I came all... Read more
19-Mar-2013Source: Blue Hawaiian Helicopter
In Fall 2012, HAWAII Magazine asked their 200,000 print-edition readers and their website readers to share their “Hawaii’s Best” selections in more than 60 categories. The 50,000 votes were compiled into the inaugural HAWAII Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards that appear in the March/April issue of the magazine. The categories cover favorites among hotels and resorts; Hawaiian islands and towns; ways to... Read more
