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 visitors to Hawaii
$200,000,000 annually
Jobs
Fly like a tropical bird
above two of the most
famous sites on Maui
Hana and Haleakala
Crater and
everywhere in-
between.
fly into the heart and heat of
an active
volcano

fly close enough to feel

the waterfalls cooling mist
 Under the Radar
Minimal or No Government Oversight
No Insurance Requirements
Minimal Experience Required
Fleets Average Age
 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
 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
 JACK HARTER

http://web.archive.org/web/20030728065250/http:/helicopters-kauai.c
 Victim Demographics
Families
Honeymooners/Anniversaries
Timeshares
 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
 Under the Radar
Regulatory
Quandaries
Terrain Clearance vs.
Weather Avoidance
Terrain clearance vs.
Overwater
Operations
Terrain clearance vs.
Bookings
Geographically
specific regulation
Eurocopter AStar 350
6 Pax Facing Front
 Litigation Considerations
Experts
Accident Reconstruction
Piloting
Metallurgy/Material
Weather
 Litigation Considerations
Working with the NTSB
Takes charge of wreck
Investigation - Parties
Report
Factual/Probable Cause
Evidentiary Issues
 Litigation Considerations
GARA
Discovery in Foreign Countries
Insurance
Mainland Experts
Local Counsel
Pro Hac Vice
 Aviation, Space, and
Environmental Medicine
Article
July 2009
Hawaiian Heli-Tour
Industry
Under the Radar

AAJ Winter Convention 2010

Kristine Keala Meredith
The Danko Law Firm