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.
