At this year’s 25th annual Thunder Over Michigan hosted by the Yankee Air Museum, visitors can take flight in a Vietnam-era military UH-1 Huey ‘Greyhound’ Helicopter and other historic aircraft. Take a ride with us for a sneak peek of what you can expect during the flight!
Destination Ann Arbor | Ypsi Real marketing colleagues, Christine and Maria, had the opportunity to ride in the UH-1 Huey Helicopter at Willow Run Airport. Join them as they share their adventurous experience and find out how you can take this flight of a lifetime!
RIDING THE UH-1 HUEY HELICOPTER
When the opportunity came to fly in a UH-1 Huey ‘Greyhound’ Helicopter, we felt a sense of reverence experiencing aviation history firsthand. Given the historical significance of the aircraft and a love for new experiences, this moment left a lasting impression, reminding us of the helicopter’s legacy and the individuals who have flown in these very seats in years’ past. It felt surreal to participate in this living history experience.
THE AIRCRAFT:
The UH-1 Huey is a historic Vietnam-era military helicopter in service from 1967-71, that helped those wounded to evacuate, among other military uses, and are recognized as one of the most iconic helicopters in the world. This 57-foot long, two-bladed powerhouse has a 10-person capacity and a cruising speed of 127 miles per hour. Click here to learn more about the UH-1 Huey. 
TAKING FLIGHT
Chief Pilot Jim Wise shared stories about his time in the military, including a few stories about this specific aircraft and flights they’ve experienced together. We toured the helicopter, learned about its battle wounds, and prepared for the open-door flight.
Both of us enjoyed our on-ground tour and discussion, and now it was time to take off! After a short safety briefing, we each took our seats on separate sides of the helicopter, facing outwards, with the doors wide open. Our feet were just inches away from the edge. This was about to be a wild ride.
As the blades started picking up speed, the wind began to roar. The helicopter rose from the ground and away we went! The next 8 minutes were purely exhilarating, with wind in our hair, adrenaline rushing, and full of adventurous thrills. The ride was smooth and gave us a floating feel, different from a commercial airplane. 
Seeing Ypsilanti from a new perspective was a special experience- 1,500 feet above ground! We appreciated the greenery and flying over Ford Lake, plus familiar Ypsi landmarks in the distance. While preparing to land, we appreciated this shared unique experience. While it may have been a little nerve-racking to start, we were grateful to take the chance, and would most definitely do this again!
OUR TAKEAWAY
The Yankee Air Museum is preserving the stories of US history through creating experiences like flying in the Huey Helicopter, reminding us of its historical past, while creating a positive story and memory in the present. This flight welcomes passengers who have lived through and have flown in the helicopter during the war period, present-day aviation lovers and family members, and those looking to find new adventures.
Don’t miss your chance to fly in the Huey or other historic aircraft at this year’s Thunder Over Michigan, August 12-13 at Willow Run Airport. Click here to learn more about Thunder Over Michigan.
