Plane instead of Helicopter?

We are going to Kauai in March and were considering an airplane tour over the Napali coast instead of a helicopter. Does one get as good a view %26amp; experience in a plane as in a helicopter? (I%26#39;ve been on 6-pass. float plane in Alaska and the view was nothing short of spectacular - but this may be different - altitudes, terrain, distance, speed, etc)..

I suppose it is difficult to really assess the safety factor because so few planes do this tour in comparison to helicopters - but does anyone know the safety issues involving small planes in that kind of terrain/area?

THANKS!!

Lisa

Plane instead of Helicopter?

Lisa

There are two excellent fixed wing tour companies on the Garden Island. Both have perfect safety records, both a owned by great and professional people, and you will have a wonderful time.

AIR VENTURES: Lihue airport. They fly a brand new high wing aircraft, built in australia. No worries about gross wt, with lots of room, large windows for picture taking, and very comfortable.

Carry six passengers, plus one up in the right seat ( where I flew with the pilot ) but when I flew them there were only four of us passengers.

. The entire operation was extremely friendly, and professional.

I had a great time, and took lots of pictures.

They actually ';slow fly'; the aircraft, to provide plenty of opportunity for

photo taking, and you will get a cirlcle island tour.

WINGS OVER KAUAI: Also out of Lihue, and they fly a Cessna 172.

Doug is also highly professional, and although I have not flown with him, I have met him, and talked story.

Max is three passengers, and he also is highly respected , and we always have great reports from his passengers.

Highly recommend both Air Ventures, and Wings over Kauai. And would fly with either of them, anytime.

Denny

Plane instead of Helicopter?

My wife and I flew Wings over Kauai this past August, 2007. After flying fixed wing, it would be hard for me to recommend a helicopter to anyone. As the previous posters states, their Cessna carries three passengers, so you%26#39;re guaranteed a window seat. You can even open the front window if you like. From a photographer%26#39;s perspective it%26#39;s ideal -- the comfort of a closed cabin, and when you need it, the visibility of an open window.

Besides a great flight, Wings over Kauai provides Bose noise cancellation headsets, and other details that make the experience all the more special. If you%26#39;re still not convinced, compare prices. Helicopters are more expensive to maintain and operate, all of which you end up paying for. Overall, it%26#39;s hard to go wrong with a fixed wing flight, particularly Wings over Kauai.

Mike

Toronto, Ontario, Canada