Friends of Army Aviation brings Vietnam-era Huey helicopter to metro

NEW CENTURY, Kan. — This weekend, families are getting an aerial view of the metro that few people get to experience thanks to the Friends of Army Aviation .

“Everybody who was there saw them, flew them, were resupplied by them, or evacuated by them,” Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Hugh L. Mills said.

The iconic and unmistakable sounds of the UH-1 Huey helicopter filled the air over the Commemorative Air Force Museum in New Century Sunday, as pilots took families for a ride on the Vietnam War-era aircraft.

“We didn’t have seats, so we sat on the floor with our gear, shoulder to shoulder, face to face,” Retired Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran David M. said.

“Some guys sat at the door which seemed very dangerous to me.”

Since the first Huey flight more than 50 years ago, the aircraft was a symbol of hope for Vietnam veterans that help was on the way.

Sunday’s passengers got a small glimpse into what soldiers like David experienced.

“It just feels like you’re kind of floating and at one point all the rudders are just going and you’re just up there,” passenger Samantha Richter said after a flight her with dad, mom and sister.

“This was a great experience with the girls because they got to do something I did when I was their age and being up flying, you know you’re up there you feel it bouncing around and it’s the best experience ever,” said her dad Douglas Richter.

Mills flew Huey helicopters during the Vietnam War and hopes the experience gives families a greater appreciation for its role on the battlefield and what some of those soldiers went through.

“You’ve got families here with family members who served in Vietnam who have never experienced what they experienced, and they never will, but you can get close with a ride in the Huey,” Mills said.

The Huey will be at the New Century Airport until Tuesday and then will travel to Fort Leavenworth and then Topeka for more ride-alongs.

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