Molokai Coast

Flying over Molokai is an awesome experience. Today, I had the opportunity to fly with Manoj S. visiting from Pittsburgh, PA. We had a close up view of 2,000 foot valleys, waterfalls, and waves smashing rocks right next to our runway. Molokai is about a twenty minute flight from Honolulu Airport. We departed using the Freeway 4 Departure, which took us to Koko Head Crater. From there we continued VFR (Visual Flight Rules) to La'au Point on Molokai.

Dillingham Airfield (HDH)

This was our view leaving Dillingham Airfield (HDH). We missed the hole above our rear window during preflight! HDH is nestled against the Waianae mountains....so don't overshoot your base turn.

North Shore of Oahu

I grew up surfing waves on the North Shore, flying over it can be just as exhilerating. Away from mountains, and crazy helicopter tours, the North Shore is less crowded then practice areas over Mililani and Wahiawa. Dole plantation is nearby with acres of pineapple fields perfect for ground reference maneuvers. For flight maneuvers I'll stay a few miles offshore.

In a Cessna 172, Haleiwa is a ten minute flight from Honolulu Airport. You can either follow the base of the Ko'olau Mountain range, or fly above H-2 (northbound freeway). The quickest way is through the center of the island, where you will pass over Wheeler Army Airfield. The tower is in operation Monday through Friday. You will need contact Wheeler tower to transition through their airspace. During the weekend courtesy position reports are the norm.

There she blows! From October until May Humpback Whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii. I've seen most Humpback Whale pods abeam Mokuleia Beach. Because they are protected you must stay at least 1000 feet above them. Most whales will disappear if they hear your engine. Circling at 1500 feet usually works best.

ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 3 LNY, Lanai Airport

Joining The Arc
Using a radial from LNY(Lanai VOR) intercept the 10DME Arc. At 11 miles start your turn to a heading that will join the Arc.

TURN 10, TWIST 10
While arcing you will turn 10 degrees towards the VOR every time your CDI needle lines up. Be flexible while flying an arc. If 10 degrees is too much or not enough adjust your heading to stay within one mile of the arc.

Approach Brief
Use this time to set frequencies, check the ID, and brief the approach.

Always keep in mind the radial from where you will intercept your final approach course. I've seen a few students fixate on flying the arc and pass right through their Final Approach Course.

Shooting the approach
Lead your turn inbound for the Localizer to avoid passing through your final approach course.

Be ready for an updraft when you cross over the sea cliff. The edge is 1,083 feet high and can create a bump on your glide slope.

Most airports in Hawaii have an elevation close to sea level. Not Lanai, the airport's elevation is 1308 feet. Don't fly yourself into the ground! Although flying an approach to minimums in Hawaii is very rare. Passing rain clouds can turn great VFR weather into IFR rather quickly.

Lanai Airport has only a CTAF, you will have to contact HCF Approach after landing or going Missed.

VFR Departures at Honolulu Airport

VFR Departures commonly used at HNL. The actual departure directions are published in the Pacific Chart Supplement.

Red Hill 3 - From 4 Left or 4 Right fly runway heading until you reach Moanalua Freeway, turn left and stay over the freeway until you are cleared out of Bravo with HCF Approach. Maintain 1500 ft. Typically tower will have you contact HCF approach at 500-700 ft. HCF will clear you out of HNL airspace abeam Pearl Harbor.

Freeway 4- From 4 Left or 4 Right fly runway heading until you reach H1 turn right follow the freeway east. Tower will usually have you contact HCF approach at 500-700 ft. Stay over the freeway at 1500 ft. You will follow the H1 east until the freeway becomes Kalaniana'ole Hwy. HCF will clear you from Bravo either just past Daimond Head or at Koko Head.

West Loch- Not a very common departure. Used when the winds are blowing from the west. From 22 Left or Right at a safe altitude turn right and fly north. When you have cleared the airport fly directly to West Loch in Pearl Harbor. Be aware that "safe altitude" to tower translates to "once in the air turn right." You will buzz over the terminal building sometimes depending on your climb. Tower will switch you to HCF approach at about 700 ft. Then HCF approach will clear you from Bravo about midway across Pearl Harbor.