Jack Harter Helicopters

Jack Harter Helicopters is a helicopter tour and charter operator based in Lihue on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The company traces its history to 1962, when founder Jack Harter brought his first helicopter to Kauai with the aim of offering tours, charters, emergency rescues and utility services. Today it flies visitors over waterfalls, canyons, cliffs and beaches, and takes on private and commercial charter work.

Tours

• Kauai Doors-Off Helicopter Tour in the MD500E, a full tour of about 60 to 65 minutes for ages 10 and over
• Kauai Doors-On Helicopter Tour in the six-passenger AStar, about 60 to 65 minutes and open to all ages
• Doors-Off Heart of the Island Kauai Tour for ages 10 and over, flying into the interior of the island
• Online booking, gift cards and a private charter enquiry form

Charters and special missions

As a Part 135 and Part 133 air carrier, the company offers location scouting and surveying, aerial photography and videography, off-airport transportation, flower showers, external load transport and emergency services. Clients named on its charters page include National Geographic, the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the County of Kauai, NASA and AT&T.

Fleet and safety

The company states that it operates FAA certified MD500E and Airbus AStar B2 (H125) helicopters with GPS tracking, maintained by FAA licensed mechanics. It also describes real time weather monitoring using FAA weather cameras and radar before flights. Jack Harter flew a range of early aircraft on Kauai, including the Bell 47G, Bell 47J, Hiller FH1100, Sikorsky S-53 and a Bell JetRanger 206BII.

Company facts

• Operating on Kauai since 1962
• FAA Part 135 and Part 133 air carrier
• Tour helicopters: MD500E and Airbus AStar B2 (H125)
• Supports the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project through volunteer work and donations
• Base: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii