09-16-2017, 07:37 PM
Erik thanks, that's the first reply I've had to my question:
"When cruising a 5 seater will burn about 28-30 gallons an hour, but climbing costs more, probably around 35-38 gph. If you're climbing 20 minutes more per flight that can add up, plus the passengers don't get the best views."
Now for a geekish reply. The tours typically take 50 minutes, let's call it an hour. The Airbus EC130 helicopters Blue Hawaiian operate have maximum rates of climb of about 1800 feet per minute, so to get to 3000 feet even with a lower rate of climb, doesn't take long. But even assuming it'll take ten more gallons for the trip, what's that, less than $50 per trip - shared between four passengers. Tickets already cost $260 - $310 per person, so it's not a lot to add on to the ticket price.
As for the passengers not getting the best views, well, I can accept that, but I'm not talking about flying at that height over the lava flow or the eruption sites.
Anyway, as geochem pointed out, this is hardly the biggest issue most have to deal with, to me, it's more academic. Geochem - thanks for the advice about noise canceling headphones. Unfortunately, I'm just one of those people that just can't sleep if I have something stuffed in my ears! When I'm with Pam, I lend her mine so she can't hear me a long time before she wakes up - she loves them!
"When cruising a 5 seater will burn about 28-30 gallons an hour, but climbing costs more, probably around 35-38 gph. If you're climbing 20 minutes more per flight that can add up, plus the passengers don't get the best views."
Now for a geekish reply. The tours typically take 50 minutes, let's call it an hour. The Airbus EC130 helicopters Blue Hawaiian operate have maximum rates of climb of about 1800 feet per minute, so to get to 3000 feet even with a lower rate of climb, doesn't take long. But even assuming it'll take ten more gallons for the trip, what's that, less than $50 per trip - shared between four passengers. Tickets already cost $260 - $310 per person, so it's not a lot to add on to the ticket price.
As for the passengers not getting the best views, well, I can accept that, but I'm not talking about flying at that height over the lava flow or the eruption sites.
Anyway, as geochem pointed out, this is hardly the biggest issue most have to deal with, to me, it's more academic. Geochem - thanks for the advice about noise canceling headphones. Unfortunately, I'm just one of those people that just can't sleep if I have something stuffed in my ears! When I'm with Pam, I lend her mine so she can't hear me a long time before she wakes up - she loves them!