Tropicbird Flight Service

"Tropicbirds was a spectacular way to parts of the big island my wife and I never would have seen from the ground. My pilots license isn’t current so I flew with, Mitch one of the CFIs. He was great at helping me refresh my flying skills and was also an incredible tour guide. I’d recommend going this route to any visiting pilots."

"Mike is running an incredible business at Tropicbird. His decades of expertise makes him a great leader and instructor. I was visiting the Big Island and got very lucky and was able to have Mike as my instructor. He let me fly within my comfort limits and had so much expertise on the ins and outs of all things flying related in regards to Hawaii. We got to fly up to the North Side and practice touch and gos. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND for anyone looking at furthering their training while either living or visiting Kona. Recommend calling a week in advance to get on the schedule. Thanks for everything Mike and look forward to the next time we meet!"

"I was able to fly with Tropicbird and CFI Eric Herrle in their Cessna 182 in May 2022 while on vacation. I'm an instrument rated private pilot but this was my first experience flying a high-performance aircraft and navigating the local airspace, radio procedures and etiquette, and island weather, and it was an amazing experience. Eric did a great job of being both CFI, co-pilot, and a bit of a tour guide, and after a quick briefing we worked well as a team (I was pilot flying and I was happy to let him do most the radios and verify my pilotage) and he allowed me to balance a wonderful flight lesson (dual received) with unmatchable beautiful island sights. Our flight ended with a short approach to sneak in before a 737 on 9 mile final; the fact the controller was willing to offer us the short approach and trust we would execute it and exit runway in front of jet traffic is testament that the Tropicbird team is professional and trusted by the local controllers! No better way to see the island and improve your pilotage and weather knowledge and I highly recommend."

"I’m a student pilot visiting Kona. I thought it would be a good opportunity to build more hours while experiencing island flying and I don’t regret it! I got to see both sides of the big island and had the opportunity to make full stop landings and experience the unique microclimates at Hilo, Upolu, and Kona. Eric made sure the flight was both educational and enjoyable. No matter your experience level, he will be there to help with the peculiarities of the area (e.g. tuning frequencies, handling radios) while taking the controls when you want to snap some pictures."

"Flying at Tropicbirds was a great experice. Mike is a great flight instructor and has compassion for his students. He has lots of knowledge of flying. I enjoyed flying with him and recommend him to someone that wants to learn the value of flying. His planes are well maintained and safe. Safety is the key when flying with Tropicbirds."