08-06-2009, 05:40 AM
There have been times and places where the coquis were worse than helicopters. Where the forest comes right up to the house in a heavily infested area, about 8pm, the noise from the coquis is shocking. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't heard it myself.
Overflying helicopters are annoying, but many of the complaints I have heard I can only assume are exaggerated due to the perception that there are people up there choosing to intrude on your peace and quiet. Many of those who complain refer to greed and money as being behind helicopter operations. Obviously they are making a living or they wouldn't be there, but they are not getting rich. They are not transporting bales of drugs, which is about the only way that general aviation is lucrative. Pilots (I am one) would be shocked to hear that the FAA is protecting them from criticism by the general public like some kind of paid enforcer. Follow the money. There ain't much in general aviation. What is the motivation for this grand conspiracy to keep the helicopters flying no matter what?
I have property in Eden Roc. I have flown from Hilo to Pu'u O'o crater by following Rt 11 then passing over my property in Eden Roc. It seems to be a natural pattern to follow that seems to reduce time spent over residential subdivisions. I have also spent time on my property when helicopters were flying. I will admit when they are low they can be annoying but to focus on them to the exclusion of other noise sources is biased. As I said, there can be worse coqui situations and worse noise from traffic. What I am saying is that I detect a very high level of bias against helicopters.
Overflying helicopters are annoying, but many of the complaints I have heard I can only assume are exaggerated due to the perception that there are people up there choosing to intrude on your peace and quiet. Many of those who complain refer to greed and money as being behind helicopter operations. Obviously they are making a living or they wouldn't be there, but they are not getting rich. They are not transporting bales of drugs, which is about the only way that general aviation is lucrative. Pilots (I am one) would be shocked to hear that the FAA is protecting them from criticism by the general public like some kind of paid enforcer. Follow the money. There ain't much in general aviation. What is the motivation for this grand conspiracy to keep the helicopters flying no matter what?
I have property in Eden Roc. I have flown from Hilo to Pu'u O'o crater by following Rt 11 then passing over my property in Eden Roc. It seems to be a natural pattern to follow that seems to reduce time spent over residential subdivisions. I have also spent time on my property when helicopters were flying. I will admit when they are low they can be annoying but to focus on them to the exclusion of other noise sources is biased. As I said, there can be worse coqui situations and worse noise from traffic. What I am saying is that I detect a very high level of bias against helicopters.