August 31, 2024

The Friends of Army Aviation is hosting UH-1 Huey ride along events open to the public in the greater Kansas City area Sunday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 8.

The events will allow families and children the opportunity to explore and ride along in a restored UH-1 Huey Helicopter. The ride events will be held at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in New Century, KS (September 1-3); Sherman Army Airfield at Fort Leavenworth, KS (September 5); and the American Flight Museum in Topeka, KS (September 6-8).

At the event, participants will learn about the history of the aircraft and get a chance to examine the helicopter up close or take a ride.

“For more than 50 years, the UH-1 Huey helicopter has held a special place in the hearts of Vietnam Veterans who knew its iconic and unmistakable sound meant help was on the way. Experience that sound for yourself and feel the wind in your face as we fly with the doors open, and gain a greater appreciation for this aircraft and its role on the battlefield.”

The primary mission of the Friends of Army Aviation is to educate the general public about the key contributions of Army Aviation. In addition to education, we aim to inspire young people who may be considering a career in aviation, as well as honoring our Soldiers’ service, both past and present.

“Our goal with the ride along events is to let kids get up close and personal with aircraft they want to explore and to simply provide all families with a fun and educational afternoon.” Eric Puls says.

The events will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., subject to weather and participation. Children under the age of sixteen must be accompanied on the ride by a parent or legal guardian, while minors aged sixteen or seventeen may ride alone with a parent or legal guardian’s written permission. On-site tickets will be available the day of the event. We encourage you to come early as we fly on a first come, first fly basis and seats may sell out early. Tickets may be purchased using cash, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Cash App. Ticket pricing and address details are available at the Friends of Army Aviation Website.

The ride along events are being facilitated by Col. Hugh L. Mills, Jr., one of the most decorated pilots during the Vietnam War and the author of the book “Low Level Hell” covering his service with the 1st Infantry Division or “Big Red One.”

The Friends of Army Aviation is a non-profit public education organization filed under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. The organization is dedicated to presenting the Army Aviation story to the American people through static displays of legacy Army aircraft and an associated ride program.