KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – If you are in the Portage or Kalamazoo areas this weekend, you might see a restored Vietnam-era UH-1H Huey helicopter will flying low over the area as part of a special visiting aircraft experience at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center.
The Air Zoo is partnering with with the Michigan Flight Museum & Air Adventures to offer public rides on the legendary aircraft, which served in combat with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Tickets and ride information are available at airzoo.org/fly. Seating is limited, and advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.
In addition to flights, guests are welcome to visit the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center at 3101 Milham Avenue, Portage to welcome the crew and to get an up-close look at the Huey while it is on site.
This UH-1H Huey helicopter, tail number 66-01126, was built in 1967 and quickly deployed to Vietnam, where it served until 1971. Assigned to the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, it flew missions under the call sign “Greyhound,” supporting troops and evacuating the wounded.
After returning to the U.S., 66-01126 served in several Army and National Guard units before being retired and privately owned. Eventually, Northwest Helicopters, specialists in restoring UH-1 aircraft, brought the helicopter back to life by repainting it in authentic 240th AHC livery and preserving its storied legacy.
The Michigan Flight Museum & Air Adventures acquired the aircraft in 2019.
Comments