When the subject being studied is inherently dangerous—with possible exposure to dangerous gases, shifting terrain, and lava flows—helicopters provide researchers with access at a safe distance. Te eruption of Kilauea Volcano on Mar. 8, 2011, is visible through the cockpit of a helicopter piloted by David Okita of Volcano Helicopters. In a 2016 report, the US Geological Survey described helicopters and the pilots
and the mechanics who maintain them as crucial to the safety of its scientists and their ability to reliably assess the status of Hawaii’s active volcanoes.