wrote:
Slightly OT, but since this is the only group I frequent, here goes.
My wife and I are making our first trip to Hawaii for a much needed
vacation. I have always wanted to fly around Oahu and see Ford Island
and other areas by air. My intention is to get checked out in a 152 or
172 and sightsee the island. Don't think I have the guts to go island
hopping, but around Oahu would be nice. But I'm obviously not familiar
with the area, availability of flight schools ( planes for rent ) ,
MOA's, etc. Anybody out there done something like this, or familiar
with this type of adventure? Thanks in advance.

Neal


Last time I checked there is a Seaplane outfit on the south side of the
International Airport that gives aerial tours, including one that goes
all the way around the east side of the island, then back over the
middle, over Wheeler AAFB, then Pearl Harbor, then back to Keehi Lagoon
for a landing.

The tour is aimed at non-pilots, but I'm sure if they knew you flew they
would point out other points of interest.

I did it in 1999, and enjoyed it immensely.

I've not rented as a tourist there.

If you want to rent on your own, there is a "TFR" over the top of Hickam
Field (joint with the international airport, but its completely within
the boundaries of the Class B. The Island is ringed with towered fields
(HNL, Kaneohe, Wheeler, Whatever Former Barbers Point NAS is called now)
, and flight following isn't a big deal there.

There are some Restricted areas over the tops of the mountain ranges,
and I was told that some of these are for safety (High energy
radio/microwaves aimed skyward) rather than traditional military ops.
Much of what you would want to see is not a factor with regards to the
restricted areas.

Don't rule out island hopping, just take recommended safety gear with
you (im sure the rentals supply them, or know where to get it)

Dave