Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Announces October Flight Schedule

Helicopter transport is the only way HVO scientists and technicians can install and maintain many monitoring instruments on the Island of Hawai`i, conduct field experiments or map new volcanic deposits in inaccessible areas, and make direct observations of eruptions. Pilots that fly the helicopters and mechanics that maintain them to the highest standards are crucial to us in performing our work safely and to report reliably on the status and eruptions of Hawai‘i`s active volcanoes. Eruption of Kīlauea Volcano on March 8, 2011, visible through the cockpit of a small helicopter piloted by David Okita, Volcano Helicopters. USGS photo.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has announced a schedule for upcoming flights planned during October 2017:

• Oct. 12, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to shuttle fencing material and equipment from ‘Ōla‘a Tract to Wright Road in Volcano;
• Oct. 14 and 15, between 9 a.m. and noon to transport crew from Kīlauea helipad to Kahuku Unit at 8,000-feet in elevation for archeological surveys;
• Oct. 18, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation;
• Oct. 18, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to shuttle fencing material and equipment to Kahuku at about 7,000 feet in elevation for silversword recovery efforts.
• Oct. 19, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between the 3,000- and 5,000-foot elevation level;
• Oct. 24, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. to shuttle fencing material and equipment to Kahuku between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in elevation.

The dates and times listed above are subject to change depending on aircraft availability and weather conditions.

In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instruments in these areas.

Park management efforts require aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue and law enforcement operations, support resource management and maintain backcountry facilities.

The park said it regrets any noise impacts on residents and park visitors.