Current:Home > MarketsFAA sets up new process for lower air tour flights in Hawaii after fatal crashes -CapitalWay
FAA sets up new process for lower air tour flights in Hawaii after fatal crashes
View
Date:2025-04-21 23:11:55
HONOLULU (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it is setting up a new process for air tour operators in Hawaii to be approved to fly at lower altitudes after numerous fatal crashes in recent years.
Current FAA regulations require air tour operators to fly at 1,500 feet (460 meters) unless they have authorization to go lower.
The agency said in a news release that it has outlined the new process for securing that authorization, including recommendations for pilot training, qualifications and aircraft equipment. The FAA said it will thoroughly review each operator’s safety plan before it issues an authorization.
“This process will help prevent situations where pilots encounter poor visibility and become disoriented,” said David Boulter, the FAA’s acting associate administrator for aviation safety.
In 2019, a pilot and six passengers were killed when their helicopter crashed in turbulent weather near Kauai’s famed Na Pali Coast.
A National Transportation Safety Board investigation blamed the crash on the pilot’s decision to keep flying in worsening weather. The board also said the FAA failed to do enough to ensure that tour pilots in Hawaii are trained in handling bad weather.
Also in 2019, three people died when a helicopter crashed on a street in the Honolulu suburb of Kailua.
And earlier that same year, a skydiving plane crashed on Oahu’s North Shore, killing 11. Investigators blamed the pilot’s aggressive takeoff for that crash.
U.S. Rep. Ed Case, a Democra, cautiously welcomed the FAA"s new steps.
“On first review, this seems to be a serious restart attempt by the FAA to address escalating air tour safety and community disruption concerns,” Case said in an emailed statement.
But Case said “it remains to be seen” if tour operators will comply with the letter and the spirit of the initiative and whether the FAA will enforce it.
“But even if they do, the end solution is strict compliance with all safety requirements and strict regulation of time, place and other conditions of operation to mitigate disruption,” Case said.
veryGood! (4391)
Related
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Kyle Larson expected to return to Indianapolis 500 for another shot at ‘The Double’ in 2025
- White Stripes sue Donald Trump over the use of ‘Seven Nation Army’ riff in social media post
- Beyoncé snubbed with no nominations for CMA Awards for 'Cowboy Carter'
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Courts in Nebraska and Missouri weigh arguments to keep abortion measures off the ballot
- Sarah Hyland Loves Products That Make Her Life Easier -- Check Out Her Must-Haves & Couch Rot Essentials
- Travis Kelce Reacts to Jason Kelce’s ESPN Debut Exactly as a Brother Would
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Judge tosses suit seeking declaration that Georgia officials don’t have to certify election results
Ranking
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Why Gabrielle Union Thinks She and Dwyane Wade Should Be Posting Farts After 10 Years of Marriage
- Mark Hamill, LeVar Burton and more mourn James Earl Jones
- 49ers vs. Jets Monday Night Football live updates: Odds, predictions, how to watch
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Body cam footage shows police throwing Tyreek Hill to ground before Dolphins opener
- Man charged in random Seattle freeway shootings faces new charges nearby
- Highlights as Bill Belichick makes 'Manningcast' debut during Jets vs. 49ers MNF game
Recommendation
Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
Kyle Larson expected to return to Indianapolis 500 for another shot at ‘The Double’ in 2025
Watch this mom fight back tears when she sees all of her kids finally home after 9 years
Mark Hamill, LeVar Burton and more mourn James Earl Jones
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
MTV VMAs: Riskiest Fashion Moments of All Time
How to measure heat correctly, according to scientists, and why it matters
Jenna Bush Hager Says Anna Wintour Asked Her and Hoda Kotb to “Quiet Down” at U.S. Open