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Going in Circles: Laws to Tame Helicopters Struggle to Take Off

12:01 AM EST on December 12, 2022

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A helicopter waits at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Photo: Anna Zvereva via Wikimedia Commons

Helicopters are like the weather: Everyone complains about them, but no one fixes the problem.

Noise complaints from the buzzing choppers over New York City have soared over the last years, but lawmakers at all three levels of government on both sides of the Hudson River have so far failed to rein in the loud and polluting aircraft.

Yes, there have been efforts  at the city, state, and federal level, including legislation to curb the aircraft that have descended in ever greater numbers on New York City for non-essential trips such as tourism paparazzi or air taxi rides for rich people to airports and the Hamptons. But wins? It’s hard to see any.

All three branches of government have failed us, as the following Streetblog deep dive shows.

Who’s in charge here?

The federal government is the main regulator of the helicopter industry via the Federal Aviation Administration, but there are different rules that apply to choppers taking off from New York compared to New Jersey.

The city’s three heliports are all in Manhattan below 34th Street, and those facilities have logged up to nearly 42,200 flights over the last year, or more than 115 per day.

New York officials moved all tour flights to the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at Pier 6  in 2010 , and in 2016 then-Mayor Bill de Blasio struck a deal with the facility’s operating concessionnaire Saker Aviation Services to cut sightseeing trips in half, limiting them to flying over water, and banning the tourist trips completely on Sundays.

That heliport, plus a less busy pad at E. 34th Street are city-owned and managed by quasi-public Economic Development Corporation.

A third facility juts out from the Hudson River Greenway at W. 30th Street, dubbed the VIP Heliport , and is owned by the Hudson River Park Trust, a city-state public benefit corporation controlled by the governor, the mayor, and the Manhattan borough president.

Emergency services, police, government, and military aircraft also use the three heliports, along with more recent arrivals of commuter services like Blade.

Meanwhile, aircraft taking off from locations in the Garden State, like the heliports in Kearney and Linden, don’t have to abide by the 2016 de Blasio deal.

So despite the 2016 deal that hoped to rein in the city-based trips, noise complaints for helicopters have soared nearly 25-fold, and local politicians have slammed those first efforts as a failure.

The biggest chunk of airborne traffic out of the city comes from tour flights at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the busiest of the three facilities with 23,500 flights over a year through October. A whopping 95 percent of the Downtown helipad traffic is for sightseeing, according to EDC.

The city is now bidding out a new contract for a company to run that outpost after the current agreement with Saker expires in April, and lawmakers and activists are pushing the Mayor Adams administration to seize that chance to further restrict non-essential trips beyond the 2016 deal.

More complaints, more bills

Helicopter noise complaints have surged from an average 84 per month in 2016 to 2,073 a month this year, according to an analysis of 311 data.

The city’s 311 portals also make it needlessly complicated to report noisy choppers. The app doesn’t list helicopters as a category of complaints under noise, and the web version of 311 asks users to figure out whether they should be complaining to EDC or the FAA — wanting people standing 5,000 feet below a nuisance to know where the helicopter departed from.

EDC officials told the Council during a recent oversight hearing that out of 1,917 helicopter noise complaints to 311 in October, they only substantiated one tour going over land, and the Downtown operator Saker issued the flight company of that trip a warning that they would get fined for the next violation.

Noise pollution can have serious health effects beyond just being an annoyance, and can cause hearing loss and exacerbate stress and contribute to heart disease, according to experts.

Council Member Lincoln Restler’s waterfront district in Brooklyn Heights accounts for many of the 311 calls, and he slammed the city’s efforts to reduce the racket to date as an “utter and total failure.”

“New Yorkers shouldn’t be forced to suffer from severe noise and air pollution so that the privileged few can get to the Hamptons or JFK faster, or so that a few tourists can see Brooklyn Bridge Park from above — I can promise it’s perfectly beautiful from the ground,” Restler told EDC officials during the Nov. 29 hearing.

Our office introduced a bill to ban non-essential helicopter flights. This isn't just a quality of life issue – it's about climate justice. 1 helicopter idling is the equivalent of 40 cars! I pushed EDC for the elimination of these flights that are disrupting our communities. pic.twitter.com/MOzipYD2Kg — Lincoln Restler (@LincolnRestler) December 2, 2022

The choppers are also serious polluters. Certain models can emit around 43 times as much carbon dioxide per hour as the average car.

“It’s completely unnecessary in this time of looming climate catastrophe,” Melissa Elstein, chair of the activist organization Stop the Chop NY/NJ, told Streetsblog of the sightseeing trips.

The Upper West Sider and other residents living near helicopter hotspots revived the group about three years ago that had fought to limit the choppers in the run up to the 2016 deal, and have been pushing to ban nonessential helicopter trips over Gotham.

Thanksgiving Day in NYC destroyed by the feckless, greedy tourist helicopter industry, including @LibertyHelicop , @ZipAviation , @HeliNY_ , @NewYorkHelicopt @ViatorTravel , and the worst offender @flynyon , which turned my neighborhood into a FOB all day long. @StoptheChopNYNJ pic.twitter.com/PnKFeA4kVj — Adrian Benepe (@Adrian_Benepe) November 27, 2022

New York’s delegation to the House of Representatives has pushed for two bills on helicopters, including a 2019 act banning non-essential flights over New York City, and another one from May of this year that would convene a bi-state commission to come up a plan to ban those trips. Neither bill has advanced beyond introduction.

(The prime sponsor, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, was unavailable for an interview, a spokeswoman said. Rep. Jerry Nadler, who also signed onto the bills and defeated Maloney in a head-to-head, redistricting-fueled race this fall, did not respond to requests for comment.)

A proposed state law would allow residents and the state attorney general to sue for excessive noise, and tighten regulations around the W. 30th Street heliport. It passed both houses in Albany this year, but Gov. Hochul has not signed it, pending more review, her spokesman Avi Small said.

The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Brad Hoylman, whose west side constituents frequently complain of helicopter noise, was frustrated.

“We’re not a bunch of zoo animals in New York City to be viewed by tourists flying overhead,” he said, calling helicopter flights “unnecessary and harmful.”

Hoylman blamed the feds.

“[It’s] federal pre-emption that has created roadblocks around the ability for legislators to make headway and our approach provides a workaround to that constitutional hurdle,” the lawmaker said.

A bill Restler introduced in the Council in June would ban non-essential flights from using city heliports. It has 23 co-sponsors — not a majority in the 51-member body — but Restler told Streetsblog he’s pushing to have a hearing on that proposal soon.

“I’m hopeful that the oversight hearing will prove to be a boon in terms of momentum and traction to act in regulating this industry,” he said.

Similarly across the Hudson, Jersey state lawmakers introduced a pair of bills in March of 2021 to cut the number of helicopter trips by 47 percent and ban tourist flights.

Both proposed laws have languished, even though local governments directly affected by the air traffic in Hoboken and its surrounding Hudson County have passed resolutions pushing for those state bills.

Need for action

The increased air traffic has disrupted Shakespeare in the Park performances , the Post reported last year, and thrown children off their bikes along the Hudson River Greenway, a member of Hudson River Park’s Advisory Council said earlier this year.

Several council members and activists laid into EDC leaders at the hearing late last month for failing to protect residents from the din.

“If you live near the water, it sucks. You can’t sit on your balcony, you can’t hear,” said Manhattan Council Member Gale Brewer, a longtime critic of helicopters. “If you want to be an administration that is responsive to New Yorkers, you would end those non-essential helicopter flights. People are beside themselves.”

"With the serene beaches of the Hamptons 3,500 feet below his box-fresh white sneakers, @Wiesenthal , the CEO of @flybladenow , a by-the-seat helicopter charter company, boasted how the service could slice above the slog of the Long Island Expressway." https://t.co/SbF7ZNB8j7 — Julia Vitullo-Martin (@JuliaManhattan) May 13, 2022

One Carroll Gardens resident testified that he counts upwards of 30 low-flying copters a day.

“They’re deafeningly loud, walkers in the street in the area are forced to stop talking to one another when a helicopter passes overhead,” said Kenneth Lay. “I find it unconscionable that the city permits the use of its heliports for unnecessary tourism and commuter flights.”

A helicopter industry representative said that keeping the facilities open was a benefit for the city economy and for those willing to pay for a premium commute that soars over the city’s notorious traffic.

“Maintaining all heliports will reinforce the enhanced attractiveness of Manhattan as a location for major corporate tenants and small businesses,” Katia Veraza of the Helicopter Association International said during the hearing. “Helicopters are essential for those time-sensitive industries that seek to avoid the uncertain patterns of congestion caused by surface transportation.”

Air traffic control

EDC earns about $1.2-2 million a year from each of its two heliports, and the Hudson River Park Trust makes about $1.7 from its facility at W. 30th, money that helps fund the waterfront green space.

The Downtown facility’s traffic was 23,499 flights from October 2021–October 2022, while the E. 34th Street counted 6,507 trips, according to EDC. The latter heliport's travelers are about 30 percent private corporate trips, 30 percent shared rides with companies like Blade, 20 percent medivacs to local hospitals, 15 percent private aircraft, and five percent photography.

The W. 30th Street heliport has a yearly cap of 16,250 flights, and traffic there has been around 65-75 percent of that limit in recent years, according to a spokeswoman for the Trust, or about 10,563–12,888 annually. The outpost does not host tourism flights, but allows commuter flights like Blade, along with government, police, military, emergency services, and press choppers.

City officials claimed it was not all about the money, and they were hesitant to further restrict tourism flights when pressed by Council politicians, fearing that would push more air traffic to take off from the other side of the Hudson.

“It’s not just about the revenue, it’s also about being able to control flight paths particularly for the tours,” EDC Senior Vice President for Government and Community Relations Mikelle Adgate said during the hearing. “If we were to restrict the number of tour flights even further, would that market then move to New Jersey where we then don’t have any control.”

But Elstein, of Stop the Chop, said that the city is clearly not willing to use that control in any serious way, since officials have shown no intention of cutting more trips via the upcoming new contract at the Downtown Heliport like they did in 2016.

“They’re maintaining that same number that’s way too high,” she said. “It’s the status quo. This is a perfect opportunity, they could reduce the number of sightseeing tours in that agreement, and they haven’t.”

Correction: An earlier version of this story suggested that Stop the Chop NY/NJ supported the 2016 helicopter agreement by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio. We regret the misunderstanding.

Kevin Duggan joined Streetsblog in October, 2022, after covering transportation for amNY. Duggan has been covering New York since about 2017 after getting his masters in journalism from Dublin City University in Ireland. After some freelancing, he landed a job with Vince DiMiceli’s Brooklyn Paper, where he covered southern Brooklyn neighborhoods and, later, Brownstone Brooklyn. He’s on Twitter at @kduggan16 . And his email address is [email protected] .

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Come and experience one of the best entertainment attractions Big Bear, California has to offer and see Big Bear from the air. With us, you’ll get a fresh perspective of Big Bear by taking a scenic aerial adventure above the mountain resort from the vantage point of a helicopter cockpit! We’re open every day of the week, all year round so you can witness the beauty of the Bear Valley and surrounding San Bernardino mountains in any season . Our helicopter tours are undoubtedly one of the most unique and exciting activities available during your stay in Big Bear. We can’t wait to meet you and take you sky high!

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Our helicopter tour prices vary depending on the location and the specific tour you choose. We offer a range of options, from shorter budget-friendly tours to longer excursions that may cost more. Our pricing typically falls within the range of $40 to $400, depending on the location and tour. For specific pricing information, please visit the location page on our website or contact us directly for more details.

We have different helicopter models that can accommodate different group sizes. We require a two-passenger minimum for our tours, but our Robinson R44 helicopter can hold up to 3 passengers per flight, while our Bell 206 helicopter can hold up to 6 passengers. We have a large fleet of helicopters and can accommodate groups of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two or a group tour with family or friends, we can help make it happen. Please note that if your group is larger than the capacity of one helicopter, we can split your group into consecutive flights so everyone can enjoy the experience.

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Our helicopter rides in Alaska have the number 1 safety record, consistent  5-star ratings , and guests that keep on sending us their friends and family. Our customer team behind the scenes are all Alaskan travel veterans, used to working with guests and tour companies from all over the world. They can help you find and book the perfect trip, set up transfers, and design that customized once-in-a-lifetime adventure you are planning for your loved ones.

Alaska Helicopter Tours offers helicopter flightseeing, glacier dogsled tours, heli hiking, ice climbing, glacier paddleboarding, glacier hiking, and custom adventures from the Knik Glacier valley in the Chugach Mountains (just north-east of Anchorage) as well as Bear Viewing, Glacier experiences and Volcano Tours from Homer. Our pilots and guides are amazing and thoroughly enjoy showing you some of the most beautiful spots in Alaska.

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My whole camera roll is of our heli tour! We did a glacier exploration tour (2hours) where we flew and landed next to the glacier and hiked along the walls. It was absolutely incredible. Michael and Kate were the best pilot/guide we could ask for! We got so lucky with sun & beautiful weather even in the winter! I cannot wait to come back in the summer to experience more of their tours. The helicopter flight and views absolutely do not compete with any other experience. It was worth every penny!!! Would do it again in a heartbeat!

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This was hands down the best experience we’ve had in Alaska. We hit the glacier tour with landing. Our pilot was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He explained what we were seeing - from why the ice is blue to moulins and more! Walking on the Knik Glacier was surreal. Highly recommend.

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Shorty Hop $45/person

Bagnell dam special $75/person, osage river run $235/person.

The most exciting 3 miles you will ever travel! (For safety reasons, maximum weight per seat may not exceed 300 lbs, or 500 lbs for the total passenger load) *This tour is not available to book online*

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW!

Break off the beaten path and away from the lake traffic. Look for Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Blue Herons as you closely fly with the river bends. See Old Camp Bagnell (the original tent city during the Bagnell Dam construction), and the small Missouri historic steam boat town, Tuscumbia. 

   Hear the i ntrigui

   Hear the i ntriguing history of The BagnelDam and see the outstanding geologic wonderland featuring sinkholes, caves, & sheer bluffs    *This tour is approximately 30 miles*

On t his tour you will see a spectacular 360-degree aerial view of the Bagnell Dam and historic Bagnell Dam Strip, see the glamorous homes on Millionaire's Row, the Grand Glaize Bridge and the Osage Premium Outlet Mall!  

*This tour is approximately 12 miles*  

State Park Tour $115/person

One of our most popular flights, this tour combines the beauty of the untouched shorelines of the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. with the commercialized area of the Lake! See Millionaire's Row, multiple golf courses, as well as the Strip and the Dam. Don't forget to look for bald eagles!   *This tour is approximately 19 miles* 

Ultimate Tour $175/person

Our flight crew's favorite flight (especially at sunset!). This tour offers you the ultimate Lake of the Ozarks flying experience. You will see everything listed above as well as four golf courses, Margaritaville Resort, Redhead's restaurant, the 7 Springs Winery, and much more!  *This tour is approximately 25 miles*

The Ha Ha Tonka Deluxe $245

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW!  

Experience the BEST flight encompassing all the highlights and hot spots that all of our tours offer! A combination of the Ultimate tour Plus see the Ha Ha Tonka Castle and hear the history starting back in 1905. We recommend taking this flight at sunset, when the winds are calm and the sky is Golden!

*This tour is approximately 50 miles*

Send a gift card to friends and family or buy now for future use!

Gift Certificates may be purchased in any amount online or in the heliport office.

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Lake Ozark Helicopters, Inc.

2101 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, Missouri 65049, United States

573-302-0022

Spring 2024 Hours - Friday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm

+weather permitting*

Is a Helicopter Ride in Kauai Worth It? Your Top Questions Answered

A re you thinking about booking a  kauai  helicopter tour but still have a lot of questions keep scrolling to find out whether or not it’s worth booking a helicopter ride in kauai..

Guest post by Dani of Diapers in Paradise

If you have ever considered splurging on a helicopter tour, you are not going to find a better place in the world to do it than  Kauai .

Kauai is known for the lush, verdant jungle that covers most of the island, but it is largely inaccessible to vehicles.

In fact, some of the most iconic landmarks of the Garden Island are only visible from the water… or the air.

There are many helicopter tour companies set up on the island, ready to show you around the side of Kauai that you will not be able to experience any other way.

If you are wondering whether a Kauai helicopter tour is a worthwhile part of your trip, read on to learn more and to hear about my experience with it.

Don’t miss my top  Things to do in Kauai with Kids !

Popular Kauai Tours/Activities

• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling Tour (this one also goes to the forbidden island of Ni’ihau)
• Kauai Helicopter Tour (this is the BEST way to see waterfalls on Kauai)
• ATV Tour to a Private Waterfall (this is a romantic adventure that feels like a secret getaway)
• Mountain Tubing (this is a low-key adventure down an old sugar cane canal)
• Luau Kalamaku (you can do a little train ride and feed farm animals before the luau)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Kauai Resorts/Hotels

• Grand Hyatt Kauai (this Poipu resort has a luxurious pool area, romantic restaurants, and a stunning ocean view)
• Koloa Landing Resort (this is a luxury resort with an amazing pool area and truly spacious rooms)
• Royal Sonesta Kauai (we LOVE the pool here because it’s the largest one in Hawaii)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?

One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Click here for step-by-step Kauai travel planning help

What is it like to take a helicopter tour of Kauai?

Do you remember that iconic moment in the original  Jurassic Park  movie  when they are approaching the island in a helicopter, and the dramatic theme music plays as they fly along the prehistoric-looking coast?

That’s exactly what it feels like during helicopter tours of Kauai.

Because that is exactly what you are doing!

That scene from Jurassic Park was actually filmed on the approach to the Na Pali coast, on Kauai’s North Shore, which is one of the two main reasons to take Kauai helicopter tours.

Na Pali is only viewable  by boat  or by Kauai helicopter rides, and if you want the most epic view of the landscape, a helicopter is the way to go.

The other reason to take a helicopter tour? Waimea Canyon. The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

It is possible to see parts of Waimea Canyon by a combination of driving and hiking, but you will only get a hint of the wonder of this ten-mile-long canyon.

But flying through the canyon, past countless waterfalls, and seeing the jungle sprawled out below you – that is how you truly come to appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of Waimea Canyon.

Taking a tour of Kauai by air is an experience that you will not forget.

What is the process for taking a Kauai helicopter tour?

First, you will want to book it ahead of time for your Kauai vacation.

Yes, there are plenty of tour operators that you can find around the cruise ship terminal in Lihue that are happy to take same-day bookings.

But you will really want to do your research ahead of time and choose a reputable operator.

We went with  Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours  for their vast experience and impeccable safety record and because they are one of the very best helicopter tours for private tours.

When you arrive, you’ll go through a safety briefing, and then you’ll head out to meet your pilot at the airfield.

They will get you all buckled up, go over any last-minute safety reminders, and then you’re off! The vertical take-off is thrilling and nerve-wracking, but within minutes you are out over the jungles of the island.

Most Mauna Loa helicopter tours are in the 45-60 minute range, although you can find longer ones.

While some of the sites that they visit may vary, you can bet that every tour is going to show you Waimea Canyon, the rugged Na Pali Coast, and  Manawaiopuna Falls .

There are even tours available that stop midway through for a picnic and photo op!

What are the types of Kauai helicopter tours available?

When you are looking to book a helicopter tour, you will have a few options. You’ll first need to choose if you want to share the helicopter with other people or book a private tour.

Shared tours usually have 6 passengers. And while this doesn’t seem like much, it is possible that you will have your view impaired by another passenger.

If you are hoping to get good photographs of this for your Kauai vacation, this is particularly worrisome.

Some of the best Kauai helicopter tours are better than others for visibility, so read about the particular helicopter for any flight you are considering booking.

You also might not get seated next to your travel partner. They balance the helicopter for weight, so you will not have any say in where you sit.

The next thing you’ll need to choose is whether or not you want doors on your helicopter.

Opting for a Kauai doors-off helicopter tour gives you the advantage of having a better view and not getting any glare on your photos. It’s windier and sometimes a bit wet!

But Kauai doors off helicopter tours give you an unparalleled view of the scenery and make you feel much closer to the landscape.

If having the doors off seems inherently scarier, remember – it is not the doors that are keeping you safe. It is your seat harness and the skills of your pilot.

It will be imperative that you do not have any loose items on you when you fly. Cameras will need to be strapped to your body.

We opted for the private, doors-off tour.

While this was a splurge for us, we figured it was probably the only time we would ever do a helicopter tour, and we wanted to do it the best way we could.

We have not regretted this decision once! The best Kauai helicopter tours are pricey either way. May as well make the most of it on this stunning Hawaiian island!

Can you bring kids on a Kauai helicopter tour?

Yes, although the age requirements will vary by the tour operator.

Some operators have a minimum age of around 7, while others will allow children of any age, including lap infants (under 2), for free. Lap infants will not have a seat belt, however.

If you are traveling with young children, you will really want to think about if they will be able to handle sitting buckled into an adult-sized harness for an hour, especially considering they might not even be able to see past other passengers.

You also might not get seated next to your child, depending on the weight distribution, although most operators will try to seat families together when possible.

When we visited, we were  traveling with a baby  and a toddler. We ended up using a  local babysitter agency  and turned it into a wonderfully memorable half-day date.

  Are Kauai helicopter tours safe?

This is undoubtedly a question that has crossed your mind if you are considering helicopter rides in Kauai.

And given a few high-profile helicopter crashes in the last few years – including one on Kauai – it is only natural to be nervous.

Of course, there is always risk in something like a helicopter flight. They are statistically more dangerous than a commercial airplane flight, although they are less dangerous than flying in a private plane.

Tour-operated helicopters are significantly safer than private helicopters, as well.

Helicopter flight has become much less risky over the past few decades, but there are occasional incidents.

Of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai has seen the highest number of helicopter crashes, although they are still incredibly rare.

Ensure that you choose a reputable tour operator that adheres to the highest level of safety standards. Expect that if there is adverse weather, your tour will be canceled.

For this reason, it is a good idea to book your helicopter flight early in your trip so that you can reschedule if needed!

We never felt unsafe during our helicopter tour. The flight was smooth, and we were impressed with our pilot’s level of experience.

Is a Kauai helicopter tour worth the money?

Without a doubt, yes!

The breathtaking scenery of the NaPali Coast and Waimea Canyon are best viewed from the air, especially a bird’s eye view!

There is no better way to experience the natural wonder of the Garden Isle than by flying above the jungle in a Kauai island helicopter.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience that you will treasure, along with incredible photos, especially if you choose a doors-off tour.

If you are coming to Kauai, I highly recommend taking a few hours out to see the beauty that this island has to offer!

Top Helicopter Tours on Kauai

Kauai eco adventure helicopter tour.

This is a 50-minute Kauai helicopter ride in a new Eurocopter Eco-Star, which is much quieter than other helicopters on Kauai.  Check out the latest prices and more details.

Private Kauai Helicopter Tour with No Middle Seats

This Kauai helicopter tour is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the major perk is that only your party participates, AND everyone gets a good window seat.  Check out the latest prices and more details.

Hughes 500 Helicopter Tour

For another fun ride on one of the island helicopters, try this Hughes 500 helicopter tour! No middle seats, and up to four guests can enjoy this ride. You will pretty much see the entire island with this experienced pilot. Check out the latest prices and more details.

Best Kauai Helicopter Tours FAQs

Absolutely! You will get to see stunning views of the island that you would not see otherwise. It is the perfect way to explore Kauai’s finest places and is an excursion you don’t want to miss out on.

The flight tie is different for each tour. Some are 30 minutes long, while others go over an hour. It all depends on who you book with.

Manawaiopuna Falls, the NaPali coast with its sea cliffs, where they filmed Jurassic Park, Waimea Canyon, Hanapepe Valley, Olokele Canyon, and so much more of Kauai’s natural beauty!

Dani runs things over at  Diapers in Paradise , a family travel blog focused entirely on travel with babies and toddlers. With destination guides that center around the needs of parents of little ones, and a library of helpful tips and tricks for minimalism-inspired travel with babies, her goal is to help you prepare to have the best trip ever,  because of  (not  in spite of ) bringing the baby.

Looking for more Kauai Travel Resources? Find out my top  Kauai Vacation Planning Tips ,  Kauai Packing List ,  Best Kauai Waterfalls ,  Top Kauai Luaus ,  Kauai Food Tour , and the best  Kauai Food Trucks !

The post Is a Helicopter Ride in Kauai Worth It? Your Top Questions Answered appeared first on Hawaii Travel with Kids .

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 12: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the trophy after the final round of Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club on May 12, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

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Rory McIlroy received the Wells Fargo Championship trophy via helicopter, as part of a ceremony to honor fallen police officers from a local shooting earlier this month. The special moment neatly complemented McIlroy’s special performance, with the tournament also announcing a $125,000 donation to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation in memory of the fallen officers.

McIlroy finished 17 under at Quail Hollow Club for a five-stroke victory over Xander Schauffele, his fourth victory at the Charlotte, North Carolina venue. As he partook in the winner’s festivities of which he has become accustomed (this marked McIlroy’s 26th TOUR title), a helicopter descended and landed on Quail Hollow’s 18th fairway, with Lee Greenwood’s anthemic “God Bless the USA” playing through the speakers. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief of Police Johnny Jennings exited the helicopter with the trophy, flanked by the Honor Guard up the fairway and onto the green, and placed the trophy in the center of a wreath featuring yellow and red roses.

The presentation also included a moment of silence in memory of the officers who were shot. Four area officers – Sam Poloche, Joshua Eyer, William “Alden” Elliot and Thomas M. Weeks, Jr. – were shot and killed April 29 while attempting to serve a warrant at a Charlotte-area home. Four additional officers were also shot in the incident.

Weeks had served as a tournament volunteer at the Wells Fargo Championship, as well.

“Because of the incredible commitment that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has done with the Wells Fargo Championship, and in support of the families of the fallen officers and the remainder of those officers that stand behind the badge, we’re announcing a gift today of $125,000 to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation in support of your officers,” said Kendall Alley, General Chair, Champions for Education.

“Their legacy will forever inspire us to strive for a better tomorrow,” said Quail Hollow Club President Johnny Harris. “Let us carry their memory in our hearts and continue to honor their sacrifice through our actions and deeds.”

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Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

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Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia