Rare Opportunity to Fly in Huey #354
Perhaps there is no more iconic symbol of the Viet Nam War than the venerable UH-1 Huey helicopter. On Monday, July 29th, Tuesday, July 30th and Thursday, August 1st, Huey #354 will be available for rides from 9 AM until 4 PM at the Fond Du Lac County Airport, 260 S. Rolling Meadows Drive in Fond Du Lac. Huey #354 is part of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and will also be appearing as part of the air show at AirVenture this year.
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, known by all as the Huey, first flew in 1956 and was the first helicopter powered by a turbo shaft engine that controlled the two bladed main rotor as well as the tail rotor. The UH-1 went into full production in 1960 and over 16,000 Huey’s were produced. The first combat service for the Huey, in 1963, was in Viet Nam and the US Army utilized the Huey for troop transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), search & rescue and all general utility roles. Depending on the mission, the Huey could fly with a crew of up to 4. The Huey is no doubt one of the world’s most recognized helicopters.
Huey #354 (N354AF) is one of 4 flyable UH-1’s owned by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. #354 flew over 1,500 combat hours in Viet Nam and has been faithfully restored, by members of the foundation, in the exact markings that were on the aircraft when it served in Viet Nam. The Huey was acquired from the Georgia National Guard in 2008.
“Folks love to fly with the veterans and aircraft that made history and that’s why we enjoy making #354 available for rides as often as possible” said Rick Welch, Director of the Foundation. The price per rider is $60.00 and the minimum age requirement is 5 years old. Reservations are not necessary during this rare 3 day opportunity, but all flights are flown on a first come, first serve basis.
For additional information or questions, call 770/897-0444
