This was my second flight with Oahu Aviation, a small but very friendly organization on the Honolulu International (They seem to have ceased operation one year later.) A checkout was mandatory of course, and contained a proof of proficiency in dealing with the busy Honolulu class B airspace. One channel crossing was necessary during the checkout to get permission for flights to other islands. Solo flights to Kauai were permitted to IFR pilots only, because the both islands vanish from sight in the Ka'ie'ie Waho Channel.

On this flight we took off from 4R to the right. We received permission to fly over water in front of Waikiki shoreline. We flew counterclockwise around the Island, all way around to the Dillingham Airfield on the opposite side of Oahu. From there we were heading back to Hale'iwa, Pearl City and Honolulu. Once the flight returns into class B, it carries a significant stress element. I would not recommend to fly through the busy restricted areas, which include Wheeler AA, Pearl Harbor and the Hickam AFB and do photography without a copilot familiar with the area. It was a magnificent adventure! I returned for more flights on Oahu several times since, but nothing compares to the thrill of this first flight!