The Jack Harter Helicopters Ohana was out at the Lihue Heliport recently to bless a newly acquired aircraft and to begin the celebration of Jack Harter’s 50th year of operating helicopters on Kauai. The four-passenger plus pilot MD500E helicopter was purchased from and completed by Phoenix Heliparts in Mesa, Arizona. The helicopter is not new, but it looks and flies like a brand new aircraft. This helicopter will be used for tour flights as well as providing charter, photography, utility, and external load flights. This addition brings the Jack Harter Helicopters’ operational fleet to three MD 500Es and one Eurocopter AS350B2 AStar helicopters.
The blessing of their MD500E helicopter was performed in Hawaiian by Lady Ipo Kahaunaele-Ferreira of Ke Akua Mana Church. After the blessing, the Jack Harter Helicopters staff presented Jack and Bev Harter with an acrylic painting of their office building located on Ahukini Rd. painted by Carmen Perez. This presentation was made in appreciation of Jack and Bev’s long-standing commitment to their company and to providing safe, high quality operations on Kauai.
Jack came to Kauai in 1962 and started the first helicopter company on the island. Over the past 50 years, Jack and his pilots have flown many thousands of hours over the magnificent Garden Island showing the beautiful scenery of the Waimea Canyon, Na Pali, Hanalei, and Mt. Waialeale to their passengers while sharing their extensive knowledge of Kauai’s unique history, geology, and ecosystems.
The recently completed helicopter was flown from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA last week. There it was partially disassembled and transported to Honolulu in a 747 cargo plane operated by Pacific Air Cargo. The aircraft was reassembled on arrival in Honolulu and then flown to Lihue.
Jack and Bev Harter, and General Manager Casey Riemer, who has guided the company and its expansion since 1996 would like to thank their staff for their professionalism and dedication to maintaining the company’s great reputation. Additionally, they would like to express their profound gratitude to the tour, charter, and utility customers who have flown with the company over the years for their continued support.
For more information about Jack Harter Helicopters, please visit www.helicopters-kauai.com or call 808-245-3774 or 888-245-2001 toll-free.