Huey Helicopter Flight Experience operates the only flying Vietnam Veteran Huey Helicopter in Europe, offering doors open flights in the UK.
LAST 2024 Huey Helicopter Flight Experience Days
A flight in this iconic aircraft is an incredible, unique experience! Book your seat when dates are released – they go quickly! These are the last dates for flights this year, unfortunately due to our pilots’ other rotas this is the last weekend for 2024.
- Saturday 31 August 2024 – 0900hrs to 1200hrs – 4 seats available
- Saturday 31 August 2024 – 1300hrs to 1600hrs – 1 seat available
- Sunday 1 September 2024 – 1300hrs to 1600hrs – 2 seats available
These dates are now live on the Huey website so can book directly by deposit or full payment (deposit flights need to be paid in full 14 days before your flight).
The base is at Wesham, near Preston in Lancashire, easily accessible and just off Junction 3 of the M55. See the round landing-pad at the bottom right of the next photo –
From there, Huey Helicopter UK offers you a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity to fly in a genuine Bell UH-1H “Iroquois” Vietnam War combat veteran.
- Huey Helicopter Flight Experience is available from April to mid-October.
- It includes a minimum of 45 minutes airborne time in the Huey.
- Each flight is limited to a maximum of 5 people.
- Access to the Huey Helicopter Hangar is included for you and up to three guests.
There’s much more information on the Huey website.
You can also call 01772 689328 or 01772 671950 for more information.
Please say that you saw it on Visit Fylde Coast!
Huey Helicopter Hangar Open Days
Get up close to the Huey509 and Loach011 – helicopter Hangar Open Days are held frequently throughout the year. Keep an eye on the website and Facebook page for updates.
The Hangar doors will be open soon! It’s a great opportunity to see the hangar and learn about the history of these iconic helicopters.
More about this Huey Helicopter
Huey 509 was purchased by the US Army in 1972 and joined the 129th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam in July 1972.
The aircraft was shipped direct to Vietnam where it served in the 20th Transport Company. The aircraft technical records show that at 250 hours from new on the 17th August 1970 whilst serving in this Unit, the helicopter was on a recon mission and came under fire at a flight level of 100 feet and 80 knots in South Vietnam and took 11 hits from small arms and automatic weapons. The majority of these hits were on the underside of the aircraft causing damage to the fuel system and some aircraft components. Luckily the armour plating proved effective protecting the flight crew. Out of the three crew on board, only one was wounded in action.
A Life of Service
Records show she flew 559 combat hours before returning to the US in 1973. Between 1973 and 1996 she served with the Army National Guard, US Army Troop support and Aviation Readiness Command and the USARASF. She was sent to the Aerospace Maintenance Central facility in Arizona in 2000.
The aircraft served with the 13 other aircraft from Alliance Airport at Fort Worth and was disposed of by auction on 4th May 2004. It was then purchased by a helicopter dealer and put into storage for a number of years. It was at this point where Phil Connolly found the unit in storage in Seattle and having conducted the research with the aircraft records regarding the battle damage in 1970 he decided it would be the ideal fit into his helicopter activities and business in the UK.
Huey Helicopter UK purchased Huey 509 in 2003 and commissioned her full restoration. In 2005 she landed on UK soil!
Since then we have attended many air shows and events across the country and are now delighted to be able to offer Doors Open Flight Experiences in this iconic aircraft.
There’s much more information on the Huey website.
You can also call 01772 689328 or 01772 671950 for more information.
Please say that you saw it on Visit Fylde Coast!
Looking for different Gifts this Year?
The Huey Shop is still open. Head over to the Huey website and purchase a unique gift they’ll love. From small gifts to main presents, there’s something for everyone.
www.huey.co.uk/shop
Santa Arrives in Style!
Wow, what a way to greet the Big Man in Red! What a treat for the children of Kirkham S Michael’s C of E school, when Father Christmas came to visit by veteran Vietnam helicopter!
In May 2020, helicopter pilot Phil had visited the school while the children of key workers were missing their friends during lockdown. They’d agreed that they would come back again at Christmas, while the reindeer are having a rest! And St Michaels very own special Santa used to be in the RAF so he was super excited too. When Santa arrives in style, he’s also got presents for the children. Of course! We went along to capture the excitement…
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