Q. How many people can take lessons at the same time?
A. We currently are operating up to four aircraft making it even more fun to fly with your entire family or group of friends. Each person flies with their own instructor and we take off at the same time and chase each other around Kauai's skies as you take your introductory lesson.
Q. How do we make reservations?
A. Please call 808-822-5309 to set up a time for your lesson. 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 lesson may want to bring a sweatshirt.
Q. Are there any age limits?
A. Children must be at least 4'6" tall and 13 years old. We have no upper limits on height or 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 245 lbs. If you weigh between
220 lbs. and 245 lbs. please let us know when you make your reservation.
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 lesson. Pilots make the determination on weather conditions as they are the experts on its affect on flying. Cancellations made by you, with less than 48 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 your lesson 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. We have log books available for purchase.
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. He is one of five certified mechanics in the state and the only Rotax-certified mechanic in Hawaii.
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 20,000 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 photo packages to document your lesson. See our Slideshow.
Q. Do you offer advanced training for those continuing their aviation education?
A. We offer training all the way through to solo sport pilot. We are the only company in Hawaii with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) on staff. Airtime in our aircraft is charged at a rate of $300 per hour. Airtime in your aircraft is chargedat a rate of $150 per hour. Ground school time is $100 per hour. Package lessons are also available.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. You may change or cancel your reservation with no charge if you notify us at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight. If you cancel your flight within the 48-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 48-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 -- one is a partcipatory lesson and the other is passive sightseeing. A trike lesson 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. A helicopter ride is passive experience with a group of people -- akin to riding in a mini-van -- where you cannot take over the controls (this tends to make 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!