FAA proposed new safety rules for Hawaii sightseeing flights
The Federal Aviation Administration has drawn up proposed new safety procedures for Hawaii based aerial tour operators.
It aims to reduce the number of accidents suffered by sightseeing flights by small plane and helicopter.
There have been several crashes in the state in recent years, including one in 2019 that killed seven people.
Air tour operators would be able to request authorization to descend below certain required altitudes to avoid flying into bad weather.
Bad weather conditions and limited visibility has led to accidents in the past, the FAA said.
Current regulations require Hawaii air tour operators to fly at least at 1,500 feet above sea level but they can seek authorization to fly lower.
The agency also proposed measures to boost pilot training and aircraft maintenance.
The FAA also wants Hawaii sightseeing flight operators to adopt recognized safety and risk management systems.
The new procedures would likely become effective in early 2024.
The FAA has been criticized in the past for not implementing safety recommendations following NTSB investigations of previous crashes.
Since 2000, 11 fatal helicopter tour crashes have claimed 45 lives in Hawaii.
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