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Air Kauai Helicopters (Visit this link)

In the early 1980’s, Chuck DiPiazza, owner/pilot of Air Kauai Helicopters, took a flight over the island of Kauai that would forever change his life. Chuck viewed the grandeur of Kauai by helicopter and was in awe over the versatility of the aircraft and the splendor around him. He had flown in small planes before but flying in a helicopter was different. When compared to a small plane, a helicopter offers its passengers a smooth comfortable flight, freedom in the air, greater visibility and a much roomier cabin. Chuck fell in love with helicopter flight and knew he was destined to live out his dream flying helicopters over this special place, known as the Garden Isle, and sharing the magical experience that had so captivated him.

Chuck’s journey led him to flight school. After obtaining a commercial helicopter rating, Chuck’s talents as a pilot took him to several places around the world. Those jobs provided much experience but he still longed for a certain small island in the middle of the Pacific. In 1986, his dream was realized, or so he thought, by working as a pilot here on Kauai. After flying for a few different air tour companies, knowing that a better service could be provided, Chuck yearned to start his own operation. In 1988, Air Kauai was founded with the primary vision of providing the best helicopter tour experience possible. The goal was simple: to be the best. Striving to be the best involves several elements: an absolute commitment to meticulous maintenance, factory-pilot training, a friendly professional staff and most importantly the aircraft and the pilots.

Air Kauai helicopters are the latest generation Eurocopter with a cost of $1.3 million each. Air Kauai’s helicopters are the newest on the island and are meticulously maintained by a team of expert technicians. These air-conditioned helicopters have first-class leather seating and a unique cabin design allowing for more leg room and comfort. They are also equipped with Bose Noise Canceling Stereo Headsets providing a concert in the sky and two-way communication with the pilot.

In his relentless drive to be better, Chuck wanted to improve the visibility from his aircraft by a unique door design and added skylights. A three year concentrated effort ensued between Eurocopter-Canada and Air Kauai to make high-visibility doors and additional skylights a reality. These doors feature floor to ceiling windows providing passengers with unsurpassed visibility. In addition, this unique design provides extra shoulder room.

The newest equipment and the best pilots make Air Kauai different. Chuck and each of his pilots have over 10,000 flight hours and pride themselves on a perfect safety record. Chuck and his pilots do more than just provide a tour. The pilots put tremendous detail into sharing the island’s history, geology and topography as well as uniquely orchestrating the flight so that it is an unforgettable experience. Chuck wants his passengers' flight to be such a profound experience that they leave the island with calm and joy in their heart, having experienced the mana of this magical isle.

http://www.airkauai.com