hotspot -WSS

hotspot

author：fashion 2025-08-12 08:29:56 - browse：82

HONOLULU -- 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.

Previous article： In Memoriam: Notable people who died in 2023
Next article： Annovis Bio delivers candor, but not confidence, on Parkinson’s study

hotspot

WSS

STAT readers on older presidents, polypills, Medicare, and more

Lawmakers grill UnitedHealth CEO on Change cyberattack

Alabama IVF ruling threatens families facing fatal genetic disease

New documents shed light on MD Anderson Cancer Institute feud

Readout Newsletter: Alnylam, Celldex, Roche, Zealand Pharma

New documents shed light on MD Anderson Cancer Institute feud

hotspot

hotspot

leisure time

Affirmative action in medical school literally saved lives

Cyberattack on UnitedHealth subsidiary cripples pharmacies, hospitals

New Eli Lilly Alzheimer’s data poses Medicare coverage conundrum

Cyberattack on UnitedHealth subsidiary cripples pharmacies, hospitals

Indiana Supreme Court upholds abortion ban, says state constitution gives only limited protections

Is it ever OK for doctors to lie to their patients?

Biden outlines 'new path' to provide student loan relief after Supreme Court rejection

The effects of a landmark ruling on DNA ownership are becoming clearer

Duchenne breakthrough therapy leaves behind pioneering families

Community Health Systems hospitals under DOJ investigation

knowledge

PBM reform efforts get punted in Congress

With competition flaring, obesity drug hits goal in liver disease study

Sepsis can kill a child within hours. Here's how hospitals are fighting back

A solution to the after

Has Bernie Sanders reached the limit of his pharma bullying effort?

PBM executives asked to testify by House panel

hotspot

hotspot

knowledge

explore