In February, a helicopter flew twice over our home in Aliamanu at such a low altitude that it shook our home and I woke up screaming, as did my neighbor. I worked for the airlines for 40 years and know this is illegal under FAA flight rules. The minimum altitude authorized over populated areas is 500 feet. I don't know if it was military or private, but the military helicopters that shuttle from the airport to Tripler Hospital never violate the restriction. Who can investigate? Copters permitted to fly
lower than other aircraftPete Beckner, manager of the Federal Aviation Administration's Flight Standards District Office, said you should call the office directly at 837-8350 with such complaints.
You could also contact the Honolulu Airport traffic tower, which would get involved if a violation occurred in its jurisdiction.
While fixed-wing airplanes are not allowed to fly below 500 feet, helicopters are allowed to fly lower as long as they can safely autorotate to a safe landing area, Beckner said. "Most try to keep to 500 feet but they can actually fly lower than that."
Beckner said his office receives "occasional complaints" like yours. "Usually, if it's a low-flying helicopter in this area, sometimes it's the fire department or police department doing a job, so that's what we need to look into."
But they still have to comply with safety regulations, he said.
I was surprised to see a Pets Unlimited advertisement for green tree frogs in the Star-Bulletin. They are bound to escape and be released. Is it legal to import them to Hawaii? It's legal to import only certain species, said Larry Nakahara, chief of the state Department of Agriculture's Plant Quarantine Station. Pets Unlimited has a permit from the state to import the species it is selling, a spokesman said.
"It's one of the few amphibians that you can bring in," he said, so is popular among people who like exotic animals. The store has been carrying the bright green frogs for "a long time," he said.
