Helicopter Institute announces enhanced weather training centers in Hawaii

On May 10, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a hearing to announce the probable cause and draft findings and recommendations related to a fatal air-tour helicopter accident that occurred on Dec. 26, 2019, near Kekaha, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai. In response to the NTSB report identifying inadequate training for pilots to recognize weather hazards while in flight for tour pilots within the islands of Hawaii, Helicopter Institute will be opening a Enhanced Weather Training Centers in Honolulu and Kona, Hawaii. Site-specific locations map of Hawaii. Map is maintained by the FAA at the Honolulu FSDO. The Hawaii locations will provide flight simulation for the majority of make/model helicopters located within the Hawaii helicopter industry. “Training will focus on the unique weather patterns within the Hawaiian Islands and those most important decision making skills to prevent future IIMC encounters there” commented Randy Rowles, president of Helicopter Institute. “Additionally, our training program will emphasize use of the Weather Enhanced Safety Areas (WESA), along with Site Specific and Enroute Operations which will be available to all Hawaiian helicopter operators.” Along with on-site simulation, Helicopter Institute has partnered with ICARUS, patent holders of the Smart Electronic View Limiting Device