The award, sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, honors the person or persons who best demonstrate the value of rotorcraft to the communities in which they operate by providing aid to those in need.

The award will be presented on February 26 at HAI Heli-Expo 2024 in Anaheim, California.

The Fire, the Response

The week of August 7 much of Hawaii was under a red flag warning for fire risk because of dangerous high-wind conditions caused by Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm that was moving across the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles south of the Hawaiian Islands. Power lines downed by strong winds were blamed for starting several fires, including the roaring inferno that moved so fast that people were trapped in their cars when flames overtook them on the road, and others ran from their homes with nothing. At least 100 people were killed. Some are still missing and presumed dead. The town was destroyed.

When the employees of Oahu, Hawaii-based Rainbow Helicopters learned of the situation, they stepped up to help the residents of Lahaina, particularly the mothers and babies who didn’t have formula or diapers.

Nicole Battjes, Rainbow Helicopters’ owner and director of operations, had a 6-week-old child at home and knew other mothers and babies needed help. She sent her father-in-law and a Rainbow team member on a Costco run to buy as much formula, diapers, baby wipes, and other supplies that could fit in an AS350.

The Rainbow team volunteered its time to create an airlift that took $4,000 of supplies to Kapalua Airport (PHJH), as close to Lahaina as the helicopter could safely land.

• READ MORE: Flying a Rainbow in Hawaii

Ground-tour company volunteers met the helicopter with vans to unload and transport the supplies to families in need.

In addition to delivering much-needed supplies, Rainbow Helicopters established a GoFundMe account with the intention of raising $1,000 to purchase supplies for the Lahaina-area residents. The account raised more than $76,000, which was used to purchase supplies that Rainbow transported to the fire-ravaged area. Many of Rainbow’s employees volunteered their time, coming in off shift to help with the relief mission.

“It took on a life of its own, and I was overwhelmed with pride in our team, our community, and those making donations,” Battjes said. “At one point, through our partnerships, we were receiving photographs of specific supplies individual families needed, and our team members were volunteering their time to run to stores to get them and put them on the next flight. It took extra effort to drive around Oahu to find everything. It was really incredible to see people making this effort, and it was a feeling of hope during such a tragic time.”

• WATCH: We Fly: Rainbow Helicopters Airbus AS350 AStar

Relief by the Numbers

Rainbow Helicopters flew 13 missions to Maui, carrying more than 5,500 pounds of supplies, including 275 containers of formula, 175 boxes of diapers and baby wipes, and more than 19 gallons of breast milk.

Castle & Cooke Aviation donated all the jet fuel, and Rainbow covered the avgas and aircraft for all the flights flown in both R44s and AS350s.

To help with distribution, Rainbow partnered with multiple organizations, including Northwest Mothers Milk Bank in Tigard, Oregon, and local nonprofits Keiki O Ka ‘Aina and Na ‘Aikane o Maui, which provided Rainbow with specific requests from families.

Rainbow continued its efforts into the holiday season, working with Keiki O Ka ‘Aina to provide food, gifts, and other necessities to families and arranging for an aircraft to fly Santa Claus to Maui to spread Christmas cheer and deliver food and gifts to children.

More information on HAI Heli-Expo 2024 can be found here.

The post Rainbow Helicopters Receives Humanitarian Award appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The P-8A Poseidon made the water landing November 20 while attempting an approach at Marine Corps Base Hawaii during rainy conditions. The Boeing 737-based Poseidon is used by the Navy for submarine hunting, as well as anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

• READ MORE: Navy Recovers Data Recorder from Downed P-8A Poseidon

No injuries were reported among the three pilots and six crewmembers on board the P-8A, which was assigned to Whidbey Island, Washington-based Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 “Skinny Dragons.” The detachment was operating in support of maritime homeland defense, according to the Navy.

• READ MORE: Navy P-8A Overshoots Runway, Ends Up in Kaneohe Bay

Raising the Poseidon

Earlier last week, the Navy retrieved a flight data recorder from the aircraft. At the time, Navy officials said environmental protection measures had been deployed, including deploying primary and secondary containment booms, encircling the aircraft to protect the surrounding marine environment, as well as hydrophobic absorbent material to help soak up any potential pollutants, such as petroleum. A skimmer was also on standby to remove pollutants from the water surface.

On Sunday, a multidisciplinary team of military and civilian salvage experts moved the P-8A onto the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.

• READ MORE: Downed WWII Lancaster Bomber Raised from Sea Floor

During the operation, Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, worked alongside the military and civilian salvage experts, repositioning inflatable salvage roller bags.

The roller bags were used to roll the aircraft off the coral reef it landed on, the Associated Press reported. The salvage operation, which included an earlier removal of about 2,000 gallons of fuel from the aircraft, is estimated to cost $1.5 million.

The post Navy P-8A Poseidon Pulled from Bay in Hawaii appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The accident occurred November 20 during rainy conditions when the maritime reconnaissance aircraft was on approach at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Three pilots and six crewmembers on board the P-8A were assigned to Whidbey Island, Washington-based Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 “Skinny Dragons” and were on a detachment in support of maritime homeland defense, the Navy said. All safely evacuated the aircraft and no injuries were reported.

The Boeing 737-based Poseidon is used by the Navy for submarine hunting, as well as  anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

Sailors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 responded to the accident site Thursday as part of the investigation and recovery assessment, the U.S. Third Fleet said Friday.

• READ MORE: Navy P-8A Overshoots Runway, Ends Up in Kaneohe Bay

“Divers from MDSU-1’s Company 1-3 were successfully able to recover the aircraft’s flight data recorder,” the fleet said. “While on shore, conducting an assessment, were members of the recently arrived Aircraft Mishap Board, assigned to investigate the incident to determine the cause and contributing factors of the mishap.”

Divers also performed a hydrographic survey to determine the structural integrity of the aircraft and the coral and marine environment surrounding it.

“The survey will help the Navy plan a recovery operation that minimizes any impact to the critical ecosystem of Kaneohe Bay,” fleet officials said.

• READ MORE: Boeing Delivers First P-8A Poseidon Maritime Aircraft to New Zealand

Following the accident, some environmental protection measures were either taken or  kept at the ready, according to the Navy. Primary and secondary containment booms were deployed, encircling the aircraft to protect the surrounding marine environment, as well as hydrophobic absorbent material to help soak up any potential pollutants, such as petroleum. A skimmer is also on standby to remove pollutants from the water surface, the Navy said.

The post Navy Recovers Data Recorder from Downed P-8A Poseidon appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Tidal Jets Inc., a  private jet management service based in Washington, D.C., is partnering with Journey Aviation and Aviate Aviation to help provide relief for the victims of the wildfires in Hawaii. The three businesses hail from different corners of North America.

Journey Aviation, which offers private jet charters and aircraft management, is based in Boca Raton, Florida, and Aviate Aviation, which specializes in sales and acquisition of business jets, is headquartered in Toronto. 

• READ MORE: Aviation Community Sending Aid to Maui

In addition to managing jets, Tidal Jets boasts a clothing line, TJ2, which, according to the company, is “derived from a singular mission: to engage everyone, regardless of their involvement in the private jet market, to support those facing hardship.”

The company is selling its “AeroPeak” cap for $35 each, with the proceeds being used to purchase vital supplies for those impacted by the fires in Hawaii. Between Tuesday and Sunday, Tidal Jets said it is putting 100 percent of the money generated from TJ2 sales toward purchasing vital supplies, such as toiletries, water, masks, and clothing to those impacted in Maui. 

Tidal Jets said it is aiming to raise $15,000 by Sunday.

The company is matching each purchase of the hat, thereby doubling the proceeds.

• READ MORE: The Civil Air Patrol Responds to Wildfires on Maui

Journey Aviation has offered the use of an aircraft to help in the recovery efforts, and Aviate Aviation has pledged what has been described as “a substantial contribution to further advance the mission’s impact.”

“Our hearts go out to those in Hawaii who are displaced, dealing with loss, or bear witness to their beautiful state engulfed,” said Ethan Levy, founder of Tidal Jets. “Through this partnership and our TJ2 initiative, we aim to make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

The AeroPeak cap may be purchased here.

The post Aviation Ball Cap Sale Aims to Aid Maui Wildfire Victims appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The death toll stands at least 55 people and is feared to go higher as the burned-out remains of buildings are searched. The fire moved so fast people were overtaken as they tried to escape.

Photographs of the area show a town reduced to gray ash and rubble with burned-out cars melted to the streets.

Aviation Relief Is on the Way

The U.S. Army National Guard deployed helicopters and personnel to assist in the efforts, and President Joe Biden has activated a military response sending helicopters carrying large water-drop equipment to Maui, along with specialized search teams. The U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard troops have been deployed to fight the fires on the island of Maui.

In the meantime, several aviation businesses are pitching in to get relief supplies to the survivors.

Planet 9, a private aviation company based in Van Nuys, California, has organized a transport effort that allowed supplies to be purchased from an Amazon wishlist. Planet 9 is directing these supplies to a Maui evacuation center. According to Planet 9 vice president of public relations Sara Gorgon, the Castle & Cooke Honolulu FBO facility is also donating sustainable jet fuel for the trip. Castle & Cooke is a well-known fuel supplier on the west coast.

“Our hearts are with Maui and those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Lahaina,” said Matt Walter, co-founder of Planet 9. “We know the community there is strong, but currently in need with a long road to recovery ahead. While arranging to assist with evacuating people off the island, we looked to see how we could also bring aid to those living there. We urge anyone who can to support Maui.”

Alaska Airlines Sends Relief and Rescue

Alaska Airlines launched a relief and rescue flight from their cargo facility at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA).

According to a statement from the company, “The flight was filled with relief supplies including water, non-perishable food, pillows, blankets, towels, wipes, baby formula, and diapers. The aircraft will bring guests back to Seattle.”

At this time Alaska has eight scheduled departures from Maui per day but does not normally operate flights between the Hawaiian islands. The airline plans for additional rescue flights to help people leave the island, stating there will be “flights between Maui and Honolulu to move guests off of Maui and bring critical supplies in.”

It was noted that at this time the state of Hawaii is under an emergency order and nonessential travel is being discouraged.

“Alaska Airlines is discouraging all non-essential travel to Maui and have a flexible travel policy in place that allows guests to change travel plans to a different island or cancel completely—with the option of a refund to the original form of payment or a future travel credit allowing passengers to change their travel plans or get a refund.”

Alaska Airlines is donating 5 million miles to Kanu Hawai‘i, one of the airline’s existing nonprofit partners, which provides opportunities for people to connect with one another and take action to build more compassionate and resilient communities across the state.

“In partnership with Maui Rapid Response, a local collective disaster response organization, the donated miles will be used by Kanu Hawai‘i to provide travel for Maui residents displaced by the fire so that they can relocate while they work to rebuild what they have lost.”

The Alaska Airlines Foundation is also donating $25,000 to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), which is a member-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians.

The CNHA has pledged to match the airline’s donation of up to $250,000 in support of Maui wildfire relief efforts.

The fire downed powerlines so electricity and cell phone services were not available.

According to CNBC survivors said they did not get any warning as to how rapidly the fire was moving until they saw the smoke and heard explosions nearby as the flames reached cars and propane tanks.

Although Hawaii has more than 400 outdoor sirens to warn the populace of impending dangers such as tsunamis, survivors said the sirens did not activate to warn them about the approaching firestorm.

State officials have said they don’t know why the warning sirens did not sound the alarm.

Beware of Scams

Emergency officials are warning people to be careful about donations made to help Maui, as emergency responses like this often breed fake websites and GoFundMe pages.

Verified support groups for relief include the Red Cross, Maui Food Bank, Maui Humane Society, and Maui Strong Fund.

The post Aviation Community Sending Aid to Maui appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The fire broke out on Tuesday, August 8, and is being pushed by strong winds generated by an approaching Category 4 Hurricane Dora. The cause of the fire has not been determined. However, state officials and the national weather service note that Hawaii has been under a red flag warning because of dry conditions and high winds, which heighten fire danger.

On Tuesday, the winds were so high aerial support was not an option. When the winds died down, the Hawaii wing of the CAP conducted two aerial surveys of the devastation to look for changes in fire behavior that may threaten other communities.

Aerial photography captured by the missions shows streets reduced to ashes. The fire appears to have destroyed much of the town of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination. State media reported the fire moved so quickly that people ran down to the harbor to escape the flames. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued them.

According to the CAP, the photos “are being used to document and provide detailed information for damage assessment and search and rescue operations at various locations on the island.”

According to the Seattle Times, Maui County officials say more than 270 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and dozens of people have been injured. The Maui fire is the deadliest in the U.S. since the Camp Fire that destroyed the town of Paradise in California in 2018 and killed 85 people.

About the CAP

The Civil Air Patrol was established in 1941 as an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. The CAP operates a fleet of 555 single-engine aircraft and 2,250 small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). The CAP is a non-profit organization that performs 90 percent of search and rescue operations in the contiguous U.S. The organization is also a leader in aerospace education, offering STEM-based courses (science, technology, engineering, and math) to cadets under 18.

This is a developing story that FLYING continues to follow.

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Battjes not only called the company Rainbow Helicopters, but she’s had her fleet of touring and training R44s and Airbus AS350 AStars painted in schemes to match. We caught up with Battjes to take a tour of the islands and gain insight about what it’s like to fly one of the most popular working rotorcraft in the world, in one of the world’s most beautiful places.

• We Fly: Airbus AS350 B2

The post We Fly: Rainbow Helicopters Airbus AS350 AStar appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Thoughtful design through its history and Airbus’ engineering experience now mean the helicopter is easy to maintain and fly, which contributes to the AS350’s excellent safety track record throughout its five decades in service. At Rainbow Helicopters, we selected the AS350 B2 to comprise a part of our fleet because it is a great fit for the Hawaiian tour market. The helicopter’s power means we can fly up to six passengers on back-to-back tours without refueling. With large windows and the ability to fly with the sliding doors open in the back, every seat can experience the breathtaking views. And we knew that this proven airframe could handle a high-volume operation safely.

We have two relatively new models in our fleet, both being placed into service in 2021, and refurbished to meet our needs. To show what makes the AS350 B2 a great choice for Rainbow, I’ll take you through a tour flight from start to finish so you can learn all about this remarkable aircraft.

A. This AS350 B2 has an Aspen Avionics EFD 1000H accompanied by a centrally-mounted iPad for use inflight. An approved EFB is used in operations as well as electronic recordkeeping, signatures, and manuals.

B. This version still utilizes fuses, while newer versions of the model switched to circuit breakers.

C. The panel is optimized for VFR flight, given the profile of most of the AStar’s missions, with engine gauges positioned for close monitoring, especially during start-up.

D. The flight controls—cyclic and collective—include integrated coms and other controls for easy pilot access during flight.

Preflight Inspection

The elegant design of the AS350 B2 makes the preflight process pilot-friendly by eliminating the need to open and close a large number of compartments, and placing critical components in places that are easy to check. 

I begin my standard preflight with a walkaround, usually conducted in the bright sunshine of a Honolulu morning. During the walkaround, I remove the pitot cover, the air intake and exhaust covers, the tail rotor block, and the blade tiedowns while inspecting for any noticeable damage.

After the walkround, I have to open just three cowls—two for the transmission and one for the engine—to visually check the internal components and fluids. While the cowls are somewhat large and heavy, their size provides great see-through visibility, making the compartments easy to inspect from any angle. The AS350 B2 is a clean-burning machine; noticeable smears or pools of oil on the engine or in the transmission decks are a clear sign of a major problem.

Once the engine and transmission have been checked, it is time to move on to the main rotor head. Steps on both sides of the aircraft make it easy for pilots of any height to get up to inspect the blades. The AS350 B2 has a Starflex rotor system with a hingeless, bearingless design. It uses composite materials and elastomers widely, in keeping with Airbus’ lightweight failsafe design philosophy. I look at the rotor blades for signs of cracking, chipping, splitting, and any other signs that the failsafe composite materials are damaged. I check the elastomers for dry rot, chipping, pitting, and cracking.

Once I am satisfied that the main rotor head is in good shape, I climb down and move to the rear of the helicopter to check the tail rotor. Like the main rotor, the tail rotor is made of lightweight composites and elastomers. I check the tail rotor using the same criteria as the main rotor.

With the rotor blades inspected, I do a final walkaround to make sure that the cowls are lowered and secured to prevent them from rising up in flight, and check to be sure the gas cap is in place and tight and all latches are fastened. Once I have my preflight inspection complete, I sign off on the before flight inspection, check applicable airworthiness directives, and ensure there are no open discrepancies.

Starting Up

Among modulated helicopters, the AS350 B2 is a gentle-starting aircraft. The startup sequence is short, with few buttons to push and a limited number of preliminary checks. As a best practice, I ensure that the collective control is down and locked, I have adequate voltage, and the area around the helicopter is clear before I initiate startup procedures.

Airbus refers to what is commonly known as a master switch in airplanes as the external power battery switch in the AS350 B2. Pushing this single button brings the cockpit to life. Then I engage and test the electrical and hydraulic systems before turning the boost pumps on to get the fuel flowing to the engine.

After 30 seconds of fuel flow, I am ready to begin the startup sequence. Unlike the most modern fadec-controlled aircraft, Rainbow’s AS350 B2s require a modulated start.

To avoid a hot start, Rainbow pilots “rock out!” I make a rock n’ roll sign with my right hand and then place my index finger and pinky on the T4 and Ng gauges to focus my attention on them as the engine starts. A hot start—exceeding 795 degrees Fahrenheit for more than five seconds—damages the turbine blades and other internal components of the engine. In addition to putting a damper on a glorious Honolulu day, a hot start in an AS350 B2 brings a $250,000 price tag in unexpected maintenance costs.

It’s now time to really rock ‘n’ roll. I depress the start button and advance the fuel flow control lever. The sound of the igniters popping and the muffled explosion of the engine lighting off concentrates my mind and gets my heart racing with excitement. I keep an eye on the temperature as I accelerate the engine to its idle position.

With the engine humming at idle and the blades beginning to spin, I engage the avionics and other required systems before completing additional checks. I make sure the collective is secured and locked before checking the hydraulics. The hydraulic system on the AS350 B2 is simple and efficient, with nitrogen accumulators designed to provide limited pressure in the event of a hydraulic pump failure.

Once system checks are completed, I advance the fuel flow control lever to the flight position allowing the governor to take control. The trade winds that make Hawaii’s weather nearly perfect year round also mean that we almost always have a windy environment for loading. To avoid blade sailing, Rainbow hot loads passengers with the blades spinning at flight rpm.

The steady whir of the blades at flight rpm prompts me to check that all systems are in the green, and remove the float safety pin to allow me to activate the floats, if necessary. Floats give us an extra margin of safety when we fly over water, which means we can roam freely around our island paradise.

Now we’re ready for our guests to board the aircraft to enjoy their beautiful trip around the Hawaiian Islands.

Launching a Rainbow

Nicole Battjes moved to Honolulu, Hawai’i, about 12 years ago and launched Rainbow Helicopters with a single Robinson R44 and the “spirit of aloha” so vital to life in the islands. “We seek diversity in our team and celebrate it in our customers,” says the company’s website—and that is felt throughout a visit, from the moment visitors are welcomed with beautiful, fragrant leis to the care with which they bid customers farewell after sunset photos on the ramp.

Approaching 12 years in business, Battjes has grown the fleet to field six R44s—used both for scenic tours and a little bit of flight instruction—and two AStars, flying tours, private charters, and custom trips.

“I chose the AStar because of its high useful load, powerful Arriel 1D1 engine, and floor-to-ceiling views for guests to enjoy extraordinary tours of our beautiful island home,” says Battjes. “I decided to buy a second one in order to ensure we could offer the 6-seat platform at all times, even when one is in maintenance. And to meet the post-Covid demand of tourism in Hawai‘i.”

Battjes is a board member of Helicopter Association International (HAI), and she takes safety seriously. Her team regularly conducts safety management system (SMS) training—a step up in maintaining a conscientious operation they take to heart. “We are an active participant in the FAA’s SMSVP (SMS Voluntary Program),” says Battjes, “which means we voluntarily comply with Part 5 of the FAA’s regulations.” The move towards a mandated SMS program by the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues.

Rainbow Helicopters also provides lift for photography and videography missions and has a gimbal-mounted system for providing a unique vantage point for capturing the islands’ beauty for business or recreational pursuits. A Royal Crown of Oahu tour takes about an hour and costs $395 per person, while private charters—including a Proposal Flight—cost $2,175 and up.

–Julie Boatman

Ready for Takeoff

With the guests loaded up and the helicopter ready to fly, I glance out of the large cockpit at the busy Honolulu International Airport (PHNL). More often than not, “liquid sunshine”—light rain accompanied by bright sunshine—means we can see a rainbow or two as we depart the airport.

The first sensation our passengers experience is the lift into an initial hover at 3 to 5 feet. The best way to describe how it feels to hover a helicopter is to imagine sitting cross-legged on a beach ball and balancing perfectly. While the single-engine AS350 B2 has the power and capability to execute a vertical takeoff, best practice is to achieve forward airspeed to allow recovery in the event of an engine failure. So after we hover, we execute a takeoff roll, maintaining 10 feet of altitude until we reach 40 knots, and begin the climbout.

Since we operate in Honolulu Class Bravo airspace, we use specific departures designed to keep us clear of the fixed-wing traffic. For example, the Shoreline 6 departure keeps us at or below 500 feet as we fly over the lagoon south until we reach Magic Island, where we clear the terminal area. Once at Magic Island, we climb over the surfers, paddlers, and sailboats enjoying the warm Waikiki waters to approximately 1,500 feet at a rate of 300 to 500 fpm and an airspeed of about 90 knots. Upon reaching altitude, I can level off by either increasing airspeed with the cyclic, reducing engine power with the collective, or a combination of both.

In Flight Performance

Unlike an airplane that will remain at an assigned altitude for long periods, we vary our altitude for our tours between 1,500 feet agl and 2,500 feet agl on average for terrain avoidance and noise abatement.

While V_NE in the AS350 B2 is 155 knots at sea level, the average speed for our normal tour is between 110 to120 knots. For those passengers who choose to fly with the rear sliding doors open—affording a spectacular floor-to-ceiling open view—we maintain a max airspeed of 100 knots in order to make the tour more comfortable. We measure power to the rotor system with the torque meter in the aircraft, which is monitoring the twisting of the shaft. During a hover, torque can be anywhere from 90 to 100 percent, while in cruise flight, torque is reduced to 80 to 90 percent. We also monitor the Ng (gas turbine), which sits at about 90 percent on our flights.

The AS350 B2 is as powerful as it is elegant, allowing us to carry a payload of up to 1,700 pounds and still cruise at our average power settings and airspeeds. Even at max gross weight, the AS350 B2 can still easily cruise within limits.

Emergency Procedures

The spectacular visibility and smooth flying of the AS350 B2 allow our passengers to enjoy the marvelous sights while our pilots stay focused to ensure a safe flight. In-flight problems are rare, but we must be able to respond appropriately when they happen. Here are a few key emergency procedures in the AS350 B2.

There’s a common misconception that if an engine quits on a helicopter, it doesn’t have the capability to glide like an airplane. In fact, it can, and we refer to this as an autorotation. During normal powered flight, airflow is directed downward through the rotor system powered by the engine. During an autorotational descent, the upward flow of air through the rotor system will propel the rotor blades, much like when you blow on a pinwheel. This is the steady-state glide.

Unlike an airplane, the forced landing spot does not have to be a runway-type environment. Using varying techniques and depending on wind, the landing area can be as small as 100 to 200 yards. Thankfully, engine failures represent a small percentage of factors in helicopter accidents. What’s more likely to happen is flight into inadvertent IMC. The weather in Hawaii is fast-moving and highly variable. As a result, we use the Hawai‘i Air Tour Common Procedures Manual, which designates a weather-enhanced safety area with cameras that can be used for avoidance. However, even with these enhanced safety areas, Rainbow Helicopters has specific policies, procedures, and annual training on unusual attitudes and IIMC recovery. Notably, the AS350 B2 is not IFR certified.

One more beauty of the small footprint of the AS350B2 is that during nearly any emergency, landing is always an option. In fact, the Helicopter Association International’s very popular “Land and Live” initiative encourages pilots to do just that.

After completing a spectacular tour, we return to PHNL via established arrivals similar to our departures. Sometimes ATC routes us directly over midfield at700 feet while visitors to Hawai‘i flow beneath us in a stream of fixed-wing commercial operations.

Return to Base

We gently decelerate from cruise airspeeds until we are on our approach angle, at which point we establish a rate of closure that appears to the pilot to be a brisk walking pace. We are often instructed to land “at our own risk” at our ramp because it is in a non-movement area, and the tower cannot technically clear us into an area that is not controlled, such as a runway or taxiway.

Instead of rolling on the ground like an airplane to our parking space on the ramp, I hover taxi at 3 to 5 feet. Once I have reached a hover over my parking spot, I lower the collective until the helicopter gently settles to the ground. An interesting characteristic of hovering in an AS350B2 is the tendency for the aircraft to drift in the direction of the tail rotor thrust. This “translating tendency” is countered by the pilot with lateral cyclic, which causes the AS350 B2 to hang right-skid low.

Pilots new to the AS350 B2 take a bit of time to get used to the feeling of tiptoeing down to the landing, which inspired the manufacturer to name the AS350 “Ecureuil,” or “Squirrel” in English. After we have settled on the ground, the operations personnel arrive to help guests unload. 

After landing, the collective is down and locked, the cyclic is secured with friction, and the fuel flow control lever is brought to idle. All unnecessary systems are turned off, the float safety pin is reinstalled, and after only 30 seconds, the fuel flow is reduced to zero, and the engine is shut down.

Shutdown and Postflight

Once the main rotor rpm reaches 100 (typical flight rpm is 390), I apply the rotor brake to stop the blades from turning. Next, I relieve the pressure in the tail rotor hydraulic system and center the pedals using the “Hyd Test” push button.

Before turning off the external power battery, I record the engine cycles, Hobbs meter, and fuel level. After shutdown, I hop out of the cockpit and conduct a short list of required inspections during the postflight before filling out all necessary paperwork.

Every evening at Rainbow, the maintenance team performs an “after last flight inspection,” services any fluids, and conducts an engine rinse. These processes are made easier by the A S350 B2’s maintenance-friendly design. Because we fly a high volume of tours, they also perform a required 7-day/10-hour check most nights. Once all maintenance activity is complete, the team puts the helicopter to bed, replacing all the covers and blade tie-downs that I removed during the preflight.

In our operation, most pilots get to go home and enjoy the Hawaiian evening while our magnificent maintenance team ensures the aircraft is ready to fly for the next day. What a life it is to be a pilot in paradise!

Airbus AS350 B2

Powerplant: Turbomeca Arriel 1D1, 732 shp turbine

Seats: 1 pilot + 5/6 passengers

Main Rotor Diameter: 35 ft. 1 in.

Tail Rotor Diameter: 6 ft. 5 in.

Max Takeoff Weight: 4,960 lbs.

Max Takeoff Weight, External Load: 5,512 lbs.

Empty Weight (std): 2,690 lbs.

Useful Load: 2,270 lbs.

Standard Fuel Capacity: 939 lbs.

Max Speed (VNE): 155 kts.

Fast Cruise Speed: 133 kts.

Recommended Cruise Speed (RCS): 122 kts.

Rate of climb (sea level): 1,675 fpm

Service Ceiling: 15,100 ft.

Hover Ceiling at Takeoff Power (ISA): 9,850 ft.

Max Range (no reserve, RCS): 360 nm

Endurance (no reserve, 54 kts.): 4 hrs., 24 min.

Max Altitude: 20,000 ft.

Min. Temperature: -40 degrees F

Max Temperature: ISA plus 95 degrees F/122 degrees F

This article was originally published in the March 2023 Issue 935 of  FLYING.

The post We Fly: Airbus AS350 B2 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Textron Aviation has delivered the first of its twin turboprop SkyCouriers to Western Air—doing business as Lana’i Air in Hawaii—which plans to operate the model on its interisland routes connecting Oahu to resorts on Lana’i.

• READ MORE: Cessna SkyCourier Expands Capability With Gravel Kit Option

“The Cessna SkyCourier is well on its way to becoming a legendary aircraft for our company,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of global sales and flight operations for Textron Aviation. “It’s highly versatile, with cabin flexibility, payload capability, performance, and low operating costs, and has already proven to be popular around the world.”

The passenger configuration swaps out the rear cargo door and open area to fit three LD3 shipping containers for an up to 19 passenger-seat installation—with large windows suitable for viewing the incredible scenery between Honolulu and Lana’i. With a 900-nm range and 200 kts cruise speed, the SkyCourier targets the short-haul mission well. 

While the SkyCourier was delivered in the passenger configuration, the cabin design makes exchanging the seating for a cargo-only profile relatively easy.

• READ MORE: Textron Delivers First Cessna SkyCourier to FedEx Express

The SkyCourier is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, paired with McCauley C779 full-feathering, 110-inch, four-blade props. Up front, the flight deck features the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated avionics suite.

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H2: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii

Elissa Lines, executive director of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum notes her favorite aircraft is the P-40 Warhawk. On December 7, 1941, a handful of P-40s made it into the sky to go against the Japanese Zeros.

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“Though not a December 7 P-40, our aircraft shares the story of the Flying Tigers,” says Lines. “It is an aircraft type that did get airborne on December 7, striking back immediately. Our P-40, on loan from FedEx, has a great history and is a flyable aircraft. Periodically, a mechanic does come to test the systems like the hydraulics controlling the landing gear, flaps. It is spectacular to watch the gear retract!” 

H2: The Visitor Favorite: B-17 Swamp Ghost

“It was to be with the group of B-17s that were coming to Hawaii on December 7. The radar operator on Opana Point, when the Japanese aircraft were spotted, was mistakenly told not to worry—they were expecting arriving B-17s,” says Lines. “Our B-17 was actually delayed due to engine issues. It was deployed on its first mission in early February and unfortunately, it sustained sufficient damage in the Battle of Rabaul.”

According to Lines, the crew, fearing that the aircraft would not make it back to the base, elected to make an emergency landing in what they thought was an open field, but turned out to be a swamp.

“The crew all safely got out and made it to another base—they all served out the war,” said Lines. “The aircraft remained in the swamp, undetected for decades, until an aircraft flying overhead saw it. It was pilfered and damaged by weather and the elements but in the early 2000’s, a California restaurant owner, David Tallichet, and an archeologist, Alfred Hagen, acquired the aircraft and pulled it from the swamp—hence its name, Swamp Ghost.”

• READ MORE: When Walt Disney Was a War Hero

Lines adds that the aircraft now sports a nose art designed by Disney artists—during World War II, Disney characters were frequent choices for aircraft nose art.

Donald Duck in particular was a favorite of the troops, as he was known for his hot temper and willingness to fight when provoked.

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