Condé Nast Traveler has an excellent Stop Press feature for
those with travel concerns beyond the average tourist. This months issue includes a number of things anyone interested
in flightseeing, beach pollution, and exorbitant credit card fees when using them overseas can learn from.
On the subject of flightseeing they cover a number of recent helicopter air tours that have gone wrong resulting in
crashes in Kauai, Hawaii and NY. The cause is simple, not enough regulations as well as numerous mom and pop tour
companies, but with the right amount of research could keep any potential flightseeing individual out of harm’s way.
Don’t just look at price, suggests the reading. Ask questions and make sure operators are under Part 135, a rigorous
set of safety requirements enforced by the FAA. I am guilty of the low-price, no
questions asked, just show me the world from above attitude. I took my first heli tour last October with an operator in
Oahu and while the experience was incredible and I lived to tell it I probably should have done more research on their
operation. This story provides a 101 on some simple questions anyone can ask at any outfit, especially those overseas
where standards might not be as high. Most are safe to fly with these days anyway, but it never hurts to ask.