Helicopter post deleted--see FAA thread

[TomK]

"I contacted my sources (military pilot) and was told Air Force fights would never fly with transponders off UNLESS it was an operational flight. Meaning, generally, a bombing mission, which is highly unlikely over Puna."

I think that's a bit of a red herring. I've never seen military flights show up on Flightaware even though I know they've taken off as I've seen them (e.g., from HNL and ITO). I suspect Flightaware only shows civilian flights. I've also seen USAF fighters circle the summit while I've been up there during the day plus seen them practise bombing targets in the saddle. No contrails though...