FAA denies Oahu helicopter company petition to continue jumping tours

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The federal government has determined an Oahu tour company that specializes in ‘helocast’ adventures has been putting customers at risk of turbulence, windblast, or human error.

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The Federal Aviation Administration denied a petition from Trident Adventures to authorize its excursions, in which passengers jump from an aircraft and into the ocean.

In its letter to the FAA, the company noted that since its inception seven years ago, it completed more than 3,400 of the plunges with no problems.

“They have a good track record,” aviation expert Peter Forman said.

Trident Adventures also mentioned its history, training programs, procedures, and conservative performance show an equal, or greater level of safety the FAA requires in its rules.

“I think the FAA was careful to focus on the safety issues,” Forman added.

The agency found issue with Trident Adventures’ request to let passengers undo their seat belts so they can jump into the water as the helicopter hovers about 10 to 35 feet above.

“It all came down to concern about hovering at 10 feet or so, and what if the engine quits while that’s happening,” Forman said.

To prevent engine failure, the company offered to use a twin-engine helicopter.

“I think that adventure company would be well served to try and appeal the decision and focus on the very specific issues that the FAA brought up,” Forman shared.

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The FAA’s denial comes after the Board of Land and Natural Resources fined Trident Adventures $10,000 in February for unauthorized water drops along Oahu’s North Shore last year.

The company held permits to operate only on the island’s south and west shores.

Former passenger D.J. Acosta Melendez went on a Trident Adventures tour twice, and both times, he said he felt staff was thorough in explaining proper protocol.

“I’d never felt more safe in a helicopter. And I’ve been in helicopters before in the military,” Acosta Melendez added. “He’s (the owner) very vocal about it. He’s very, very like, hey, do it this way or don’t do it at all. And then he always checks in with us beforehand, like, hey, are you sure you’re good?”

But many have voiced concerns over safety, including U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who wrote to the FAA opposing Trident Adventures’ petition.

“I really think it should stay pure and really focused on safety because that’s really the FAA’s job and they shouldn’t be distracted by political pull one way or the other,” Forman argued.

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Trident Adventures did not have anyone available for an interview on Monday.