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- From Randy Cochran
on 30-Oct-2009
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I read the comments about Tropicbird Flight Service, and totally agree. My wife and I flew their Cessna 182 on a tour of the Big Island Oct. 26th, 2009, and had an absolute blast! Jon Dabel, one of their flight instructors, went with us as our communications coordinator, weather advisor, traffic lookout, and very knowledgeable local tour guide. Both Jon Dabel and Mike Lauro at Tropicbird were terrific! They went out of their way to ensure we had a wonderful experience and an amazing view of the area. This flight was the ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT of our activity-packed week on the Big Island. If you're going to Hawaii, be sure to schedule a 2-3 hr. flight around this island paradise. You'll see cloud-draped volcanoes, spectacular waterfalls, lush green fields of vegetation, turquoise patterns of coral, sparkling blue ocean depths, and island views that would be difficult if not impossible to see any other way. If you want the best, Tropicbird Flight Service is the place to go.
- From Jesse Wagner
on 03-Aug-2009
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An unbelievable experience. Mike gave my family and I the island tour. As a CFI candidate, I enjoyed the weather briefing before and during the flight. Mike explained in great detail his experience with the weather patterns around the islands. The Arizona desert offers some interesting weather patterns so it was great to get experience in another climate. Thanks Mike, I'll be back.
- From Mike Pastore
on 20-Apr-2009
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My son-in-law and I are both CFI's. We had the pleasure to fly with Mike Lauro in his 182 for a Big Island checkout. We had a great time! Mike is a very thorough professional and a pleasure to fly with. Tropic Bird is highly recommended to anyone interested in seeing the sights on the Big Island of Hawaii.
- From Vlad Bogak
on 02-Apr-2009
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Went on a flight in their sweet DA-20. Well, island around flight took about 2.5 hours, you figure out the price of dual (my wife didn't kill me... Yet) But it was well worth it!!! Reviewing the tapes and pics just was - just WOW! Didn't need a checkout, as I knew I would fly just once this time. Thank you, Mike! --V.
- From David Burton
on 21-Mar-2009
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I'd like to echo all the positive comments about Mike and Tropicbird Flight Service. I flew with him March 12, 2009 and after a great flight in his 182 my wife and I planned to go up with him again weather permitting. It didn't clear up to VFR conditions on the East side of the Island before we had to head home. You should make a flight with them a part of your trip to the big island. I suggest you book early in your stay especially if you are not familiar with the Island. Mike will definitely show you the best places to go!
- From Doug Moser
on 10-Mar-2009
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We flew with Mike Lauro and it doesn't get any better than this. As a pilot sitting left seat, I often handed Mike the controls to do some serious looking below. Very casual atmosphere with Mike and he's very knowledgeable and informative on the island. This is a must for any pilot (or non-pilot) visiting sunny Kona. As Arnold says, "I'll be back."
- From Jeff Maurer
on 10-Jan-2009
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Mike did a fantastic job of showing us (me, my wife, and son) around the "Big Island". It was a great experience and we saw everything from volcanoes to whales to incredible valleys to coral reefs and incredible "Pacific blue" water. He's super-professional and very knowledgeable about the island.
- From F Morio
on 05-Apr-2008
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I'd highly recommend Tropicbird. Mike (owner) is a very nice guy and fun to fly with. Nicely maintained A/C, and just overall a good operation. Thanks!
- From Richard Miller Sr.
on 01-Apr-2008
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My wife, son, and I flew with Mike Lauro today around the Big Island. Mike is professional, VERY knowledgeable about local weather, and a great tour guide. We rented the Cessna 182, which was a very nice plane to fly. My flight with Mike was the highlight of my Hawaii vacation, and I'd fly with Mike again in a heartbeat.
- From Joe Young
on 01-Mar-2008
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Mike Lauro and Tropicbird Flight Service are a great combination for seeing Hawaii from the air. His local knowledge made the flight around the Big Island something to remember. Volcano’s, spectacular mountains, arid deserts, beautiful waterfalls, humpback whales, and black sand beaches...All in a short 2 hour flight. Weather and a minor mechanical issue threatened to keep me from making the trip, but Mike's persistence made it happen. Thank you!
- From Richard Bartlett-May
on 15-Feb-2008
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My wife and I spent the morning with Mike and his C182 flying around the entire island, from the volcano lava flows down south to the spectacular waterfalls in the north. I would recommend Tropicbird Flight Service to everyone. Mike is a wealth of knowledge about the island and as a fellow CFI I was impressed with his professionalism and approach to safety. The aircraft are very clean and well maintained and our time spent with Mike was one of the highlights of our trip to the big island.
- From Ryan Sabol
on 12-Nov-2007
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Taking a flight lesson in combination with a beautiful sight-seeing tour is a real treat, and this is the outfit to book. They're ready for us mainlanders. I emailed Mike from the mainland and just said "What do I need to do" and he provided everything I needed. 182 is in good shape, and the flight instructior, Daryl was awesome. He grew up on the island and had some amazing personal stories to go with the amazing sites. He did a spectacular job in introducing me to VFR navigation as well as help with cross wind landings. In all, a wonderful experience.
- From Jim Olmsted Diamond Star 38CF
on 16-Aug-2007
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If you are planning a trip to Kona, this makes for a great experience. My son and I rented the 182 with the owner, Mike, as our right seat companion. We made the complete trip around the island in just less than 3 hours, and had an unbelievable experience. Several circles around the active volcano (Mike took the controls so I could get great shots..turns on a point may finally come in handy...) Also great views of steep cliffs and waterfalls. Mike agreed to meet us at the cruise ship terminal and drop us off afterward. Highly recommended. Very reasonable, compared to usual tourist trips.
- From David Johnson
on 27-Apr-2007
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My wife and I rented the C-182 with Daryl as the CFI to show us around the island and familiarize us with the local weather patterns. This was an important step, as the weather around the Hilo side of the island is very different than the Kona side, and it was raining with 1500' ceilings by the time we got over there. Daryl was fantastic- a friendly local with great knowledge of the island. The airplane was very well maintained and clean...Surprisingly corrosion-free for its time spent near the water. Mike Lauro (owner) also impressed me as very personable and definitely interested in safety. He counseled me a bit on the local weather as well, which was most welcome. All in all, a very positive experience and I'm a picky guy. I would recommend Tropicbird, especially if you're like me and vacationing on the Big Island with a need to scratch the flying itch.
- From Patrick Fox
on 31-Mar-2007
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We rented the 182 with Darryl as the CFI. He grew up on the island and his local knowledge was very nice. Logged 2.7 flying around the island. A great experience for a mainland pilot. Will do it again and highly recommend Darryl and the FBO.
- From Brent Bickel
on 17-Feb-2007
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I flew around the island with Mike in their new two seats Diamond Eclipse which is a great plane for sightseeing. Mike was great. He was very knowledgeable and guided us to some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see.
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