Q. How do we make reservations?
A. Please call 808-822-5309 to set up a time for your flight. Our reservations line is available from 7 am HST to 7 pm HST. Reservations are required.
Q. Can I just enter "Birds In Paradise" in my electronic location device?
A. Yes, it will direct you to the Port Allen Airport on the southwest side of the island.
Q. What do I wear?
A. Shorts and a T-shirt are fine. You will be provided a flight suit, gloves and protective helmet. Closed-toe shoes and socks are recommended for warmth. Please no flip flops. Customers who book the early flight may want to bring a sweatshirt.
Q. Are there any age limits?
A. We find that children younger than 7 or 8 don't seem to have as much fun as us older kids zipping around the sky. But we have no upper limits on age -- we have had a 103-year-old WWI flying ace fly with us as well as an 85-year-old woman.
Q. What about a weight limit?
A. We can carry most passengers weighing up to 265 lbs.
Q. Will I be able to communicate with my instructor?
A. Yes, you'll be equipped with a noise-cancelling headset to wear during the flight. The instructors also have two-way aviation radios to communicate between the aircraft, other aircraft and airport tower personnel.
Q. If bad weather causes our flight to be cancelled do we lose our money?
A. Absolutely not. We only charge your credit card after your flight. Pilots make the determination on weather conditions as they are the experts on its affect on flying. Cancellations made by you, with less than 24 hours notice are subject to full charge. Also, be aware that if we experience a short weather delay anytime during our daily schedule, it can delay flight time.
Q. Is my lesson flight time that can be logged?
A. Absolutely. You will receive a signed Flight Certificate after your lesson to allow you to credit your total flight time toward a pilots certificate if you decide to continue your flight training. If you are already a licensed pilot, your flight time can be entered into your pilot's log book.
Q. How safe is it?
A. Birds in Paradise uses the latest state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with a backup rocket-propelled parachute system, a GPS emergency location transmitter and transponder, and each student wears a flotation device.
Q. What if the engine fails?
A. Each trike is powered by a four-stroke Rotax aircraft engine that is extremely reliable. Engine failures are very rare. In the case of engine failure, we are essentially flying a glider that has a 10-to-1 glide ratio. This means that at 2000 feet in zero wind we can glide 20,000 feet forward.
Q. Who maintains the aircraft?
A. Gerry Charlebois, the owner and head instructor, is also an FAA-certified mechanic for this type of aircraft -- one of five certified mechanics in the state. The aircraft are also maintained by Director of Maintenance, Ron Johnston. Ron is an A&P technician and a certified Rotax aircraft engine factory-trained technician with 15 years experience.
Q. What if I am prone to motion sickness?
A. The open cockpit of our aircraft is less likely to cause nausea than other enclosed aircraft. Motion sickness medication could be taken the night before if you are prone to it.
Q. What if I am afraid of heights?
A. We commonly hear this. We have found that after a few minutes in the air, that fear disappears due to the stability of the aircraft. Out of 18,000 students, only three have wanted to go back and land.
Q. Can I bring cameras or water bottles?
A. No, loose articles in a high-speed open aircraft can be a big safety hazard with a spinning propellor behind us. We have found that trying to be a photographer while taking your introductory lesson takes away from the experience. We offer personalized photo packages shot by the pilot for you. See our SLIDESHOW.
Q. What will I learn during my lesson?
A. We will show you the basics of weight-shift flying such as flying in a straight line, turning and steering the aircraft. As long as the conditions allow, you may take the controls and steer the aircraft yourself. If, however, you prefer not to do the flying, you don't have to. Every person is different and every person learns differently. We want you to come away from your flight with an experience of a lifetime and an appreciation for the fun and ease of flying a trike.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. You may change or cancel your reservation with no charge if you notify us at least 24 hours before your scheduled flight. If you cancel your flight within the 24-hour window, we will charge your credit card for the full amount of the flight(s) booked if we do not fill your timeslots. If you reschedule your flights to a different day within the 24-hour window, an $80 late-change fee for each flight booked is charged if we do not fill your slots.
Q. Can I go SCUBA diving and then go flying?
A. Yes, as long as you have a 24-hour time lapse. We do reach high altitudes very quickly.
Q. What's the difference between what Birds in Paradise offers and what a helicopter tour offers?
A. They are two completely different experiences. A trike flight is a one-on-one flying experience equated with being in a high-performance motorcycle with wings. You will actually learn how to fly the trike in a straight line and do circles. A helicopter ride is with a group of people -- akin to riding in a mini-van. Also, in helicoptors, the customers cannot take over the controls as it makes the other customers nervous. If you can afford to do both, we recommend it. Of course, if you can only afford one, we recommend you fly with us!