Army Aviation Heritage Foundation Gateway Chapter Performs Huey Runup After Winter Maintenance

By Carmelo Turdo

A unique rotor slap echoed across Creve Coeur Airport as the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation Gateway Chapter performed a post winter maintenance engine runup on their iconic Vietnam-era Huey helicopter last Saturday. Chapter members put in many hours to complete the phase inspection and replacement of the swashplate and support assembly, scissors and sleeve assembly and a number of bearings as required in their maintenance program. The engine runup went smoothly, with no leaks or new issues to address before the first test flight scheduled for later this week.

Here we feature the preparations and the runup from the apron near the chapter's hangar.

UPDATE! First flight of the year was made on March 21. Here is a preview:

The Gateway Chapter is preparing the Huey and Cobra helicopters for their first local ride event of the season to held on May 18 at Creve Coeur Airport. Check back soon for details on the event and more coverage of the Huey and Cobra as they take to the air over St. Louis this spring.