So, as if I don’t have enough volunteer obligations I have recently picked up another. I think some of you may be interested in it yourself. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation just started up a new chapter, first west of the Mississippi, in AZ. A retired Army O-6 who is also a newly retired VP at Boeing Helicopters that I flew with in the Sheriff’s Office started it, so I came over. We just got our first aircraft last week, an AH-1F Cobra. There is a good chance we will have a Huey by end of next year. We are also angling for an OV-1 Mohawk and O-1 Bird Dog. As a fixed wing only guy I am holding out for them. In the mean time I am happy to help in any way.
We had our first event today. I will be working air show ops, loading and briefing pax, helping with minor maintenance like dailies, and helping promote the new outfit. When the Huey comes I hope to train as a crew chief. The big payoff comes someday when I can fly copilot on a ferry flight or repositioning hop.
The Legacy Chapter is in the Atlanta area and we are in AZ. I highly recommend this organization. You helo guys just might get an awesome flying opportunity. Any job is rewarding given that we are keeping museum pieces flying in their original condition. The vets, especially the Vietnam guys, just love it. Some will buy rides in the Huey for all their grand kids just so they can experience a small part of what grandpa did in his youth. I have worked several airshows and static displays over the years. Folks really respond to this unlike most of my observations in the past. Had a guy today buy a ride in the Cobra because he was wondering what it was like from the pilot’s position all those times Cobras came to support him in combat.
The AH-1s are actually still on the Army registry and bailed to the Foundation. They have 13 total. Only a handful are flying so far. The other aircraft are owned by the Foundation or a member who permits its use to support the mission of the Foundation. The Hueys and Cobras are maintained to Army specification, aggravatingly so! The Cobras are actually required by the bail agreement to be maintained by the book and the Foundation is audited by the Army to ensure they are. The aircraft are in super condition.
Check out this great organization. If you live anywhere near a chapter consider getting involved. In any case, your membership money, merchandise purchase or donation would be greatly appreciated. If you are a Socal resident, we are trying to see if we can get into the Miramar Show next year. If so, I’ll be there. Come say hey.
http://www.armyav.org/home-page.html
We had our first event today. I will be working air show ops, loading and briefing pax, helping with minor maintenance like dailies, and helping promote the new outfit. When the Huey comes I hope to train as a crew chief. The big payoff comes someday when I can fly copilot on a ferry flight or repositioning hop.
The Legacy Chapter is in the Atlanta area and we are in AZ. I highly recommend this organization. You helo guys just might get an awesome flying opportunity. Any job is rewarding given that we are keeping museum pieces flying in their original condition. The vets, especially the Vietnam guys, just love it. Some will buy rides in the Huey for all their grand kids just so they can experience a small part of what grandpa did in his youth. I have worked several airshows and static displays over the years. Folks really respond to this unlike most of my observations in the past. Had a guy today buy a ride in the Cobra because he was wondering what it was like from the pilot’s position all those times Cobras came to support him in combat.
The AH-1s are actually still on the Army registry and bailed to the Foundation. They have 13 total. Only a handful are flying so far. The other aircraft are owned by the Foundation or a member who permits its use to support the mission of the Foundation. The Hueys and Cobras are maintained to Army specification, aggravatingly so! The Cobras are actually required by the bail agreement to be maintained by the book and the Foundation is audited by the Army to ensure they are. The aircraft are in super condition.
Check out this great organization. If you live anywhere near a chapter consider getting involved. In any case, your membership money, merchandise purchase or donation would be greatly appreciated. If you are a Socal resident, we are trying to see if we can get into the Miramar Show next year. If so, I’ll be there. Come say hey.
http://www.armyav.org/home-page.html
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