FAA Implements New Safety Process for Hawaii Air Tour Operators
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced a new safety process for air tour operators in Hawaii in response to a series of fatal crashes in recent years. The new regulations aim to address concerns surrounding visibility and pilot training, with the ultimate goal of preventing accidents due to poor weather conditions.
Under current FAA regulations, air tour operators are required to fly at a minimum altitude of 1,500 feet unless they have specific authorization to fly lower. However, following a number of accidents, the FAA has decided to implement a more stringent approval process for operators seeking to fly at lower altitudes.
The FAA has outlined the new process, which includes recommendations for pilot training, qualifications, and aircraft equipment. Each operator’s safety plan will be thoroughly reviewed by the FAA before authorization is granted. By implementing these measures, the FAA hopes to prevent situations where pilots become disoriented due to poor visibility.
One of the accidents that prompted these new safety measures occurred in 2019 when a helicopter crashed near Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, resulting in the death of the pilot and six passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board investigation attributed the crash to the pilot’s decision to continue flying in worsening weather conditions. The board also criticized the FAA for its lack of action in ensuring that tour pilots in Hawaii are properly trained to handle adverse weather.
Another incident in 2019 involved a helicopter crash in the Honolulu suburb of Kailua, claiming the lives of three people. Additionally, a skydiving plane crash on Oahu’s North Shore resulted in the death of 11 individuals. Investigators attributed this crash to the pilot’s aggressive takeoff.
Reacting to the FAA’s new measures, U.S. Rep. Ed Case expressed cautious optimism. While welcoming the FAA’s efforts to address air tour safety concerns, Case emphasized the importance of strict compliance with safety requirements and regulation of operational conditions. He also raised concerns about whether tour operators would comply with the new regulations and if the FAA would effectively enforce them.
The introduction of this new safety process by the FAA marks a significant step towards enhancing the safety of air tour operations in Hawaii. By prioritizing pilot training, qualifications, and equipment, the FAA aims to mitigate risks associated with poor weather conditions and prevent accidents like those seen in recent years. However, the success of these measures will ultimately depend on the compliance of tour operators and the FAA’s enforcement efforts.
It remains to be seen how effective these new regulations will be, but they represent a positive shift towards improving air tour safety and minimizing disruptions in the community.
