Historic Vietnam-Era Helicopter to Soar Over Portage and Kalamazoo July 12–13

Photo courtesy of the Air Zoo and Michigan Flight Museum’s Air Adventures

This Event Has Ended. 

KALAMAZOO, MI, July 10, 2025 – Residents of Portage and Kalamazoo can expect to hear the unmistakable thrum of history overhead this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, a restored Vietnam-era UH-1H Huey helicopter will fly low over the area as part of a special visiting aircraft experience at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center, presented in partnership with the Michigan Flight Museum’s Air Adventures.

The public is invited to book a ride on this legendary aircraft,

which served in combat with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Tickets and ride information are available at airzoo.org/visiting-aircraft. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

In addition to flights, guests are welcome to visit the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center (1301 Milham  Ave., Portage, MI 49002) to welcome the crew and to get an up-close look at the Huey while it is on site.

About the Aircraft: Greyhound 66-01126

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. The 240th AHC’s structure included three divisions: “Mad Dogs” (gunships), “Greyhounds” (transport), and “Kennel Keepers” (maintenance). With official support from the Greyhound Bus Company, the unit embodied camaraderie, courage, and creative spirit.

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 acquired the aircraft in 2019, and it has been flying with their Air Adventures program since 2020.

About the Air Zoo

The Air Zoo is an internationally acclaimed Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science center, boasting a renowned collection of over 100 rare and historically significant aircraft and more than 80,000 unique artifacts, displays, and exhibits showcasing history, science, and technology. The Air Zoo stands apart from similar museums and learning centers of its kind, with a keen focus on hands-on learning and engaging educational programs. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Air Zoo is a one-of-a-kind destination perfect for the whole family with flight simulators, a theater, amusement rides, hands-on exhibits, a restoration program that specializes in WWII planes rescued from the bottom of Lake Michigan, and a one-of-a-kind indoor, hand-painted mural that reaches 32 feet tall and 800 feet wide!

About the Michigan Flight Museum and Air Adventures

The Michigan Flight Museum, established in 1981 as the Yankee Air Museum, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicates itself to educating individuals through the history of American aeronautics, aerospace industries, and their associated technologies while inspiring generations through personal experiences to instill pride in our national accomplishments. Michigan Flight Museum and Air Adventures is located at 47884 D Street, Belleville, Michigan on the grounds of historic Willow Run Airport. Visit  www.yankeeairmuseum.org to discover more or call 734-483-4030.