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Hawaiian Heli-Tour Industry “Under the Radar”

Hawaiian Heli-Tour Industry “Under the Radar”. AAJ Winter Convention 2010 The Danko Law Firm Kristine Keala Meredith. The Business . 1 million passengers per year 1 out of 10 visit ors to Hawai’i $200,000,000 a nnually Jobs.

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Hawaiian Heli-Tour Industry “Under the Radar”

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  1. Hawaiian Heli-Tour Industry“Under the Radar” AAJ Winter Convention 2010 The Danko Law Firm Kristine Keala Meredith

  2. The Business • 1 million passengers per year • 1 out of 10 visitors to Hawai’i • $200,000,000 annually • Jobs

  3. “Fly like a tropical bird above two of the most famous sites on Maui — Hana and Haleakala Crater — and everywhere in-between.”

  4. “fly into the heart andheat of an active volcano” “fly close enough to feel the waterfall’s cooling mist”

  5. Under the Radar • Minimal or No Government Oversight • No Insurance Requirements • Minimal Experience Required • Fleet’s Average Age

  6. Recognized Hazards • Proximity to terrain • Micro-weather • Mix of Heli and Fixed Wing • No Radar Coverage • Operation outside of design limits • Lack of survival equipment

  7. Safety Record • Vs. Other States • 1991-1994 - 20 Tour Crashes • 2007 - a deadly year • Kauai: 5 fatals. Over 4 years, 18 fatalities • Observed frequency • Safety Sell

  8. JACK HARTER http://web.archive.org/web/20030728065250/http:/helicopters-kauai.com/

  9. Victim Demographics • Families • Honeymooners/Anniversaries • Timeshares

  10. Why? Causes • Engine failure • Weather • Inadequate pre-flight planning • Lack of survival equipment • Flying too low (CFIT and Engine Failure) Translation: Oversight Cowboy mentality Competition for passengers

  11. Under the Radar • Regulatory Quandaries • Terrain Clearance vs. Weather Avoidance • Terrain clearance vs. Overwater Operations • Terrain clearance vs. Bookings • Geographically specific regulation

  12. Eurocopter AStar 350

  13. 6 Pax – Facing Front

  14. Litigation Considerations • Experts • Accident Reconstruction • Piloting • Metallurgy/Material • Weather

  15. Litigation Considerations • Working with the NTSB • Takes charge of wreck • Investigation - Parties • Report • Factual/Probable Cause • Evidentiary Issues

  16. Litigation Considerations • GARA • Discovery in Foreign Countries • Insurance • Mainland Experts • Local Counsel • Pro Hac Vice

  17. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine ArticleJuly 2009

  18. Hawaiian Heli-Tour Industry“Under the Radar” AAJ Winter Convention – 2010 Kristine Keala Meredith The Danko Law Firm

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