Charles G. "Jack" Harter ( Cave Junction 1951 )
posted: Jun 17, 2021
Jack, 89, died April 1, 2021, in Lihue, Hawaii. He was born December 26, 1931, in Rapid City, S.D. Jack earned his pilot's license at an early age and bought his first plane at age 18. He jumped at CJ 1951, 54-58 and was a squadleader for Base Manager Jim Allen (NCSB-46).
Jack was a 2nd Lt. US Army in Korea and was twice wounded in action July 5, 1953, in North Korea.
In 1962 Jack had a dream to start a helicopter business on the Hawaiian island of Kauai offering tours, charters, and other services.
Fifty-eight years later, Jack Harter Helicopters, the original helicopter tour company on the island, is still in business. Despite the competition from as many as 12 other companies, Jack kept his company on top. He had flow over 35,000 lifetime hours.
In 2005 his business pioneered the first ever doors-off tour of Kauai. "We want a way for photographers to capture the raw beauty of the island without the glare from windows."
Today Jack Harter Helicopters operates four MD 500s, 1 Airbus A-star, has six pilots and 32 employees.