Bell UH-1H Huey 69-15372

This Huey was last used by the California Deptartment of Forestry and had been in storage  for many years. It had also been used for training and spare parts, so it is in pretty rough  shape. The museum will use the major parts from two Huey's to restore it, the majority and   fuselage from 69-15372. Both Huey's had considerable combat time in Vietnam.    In Dec 06 we finished the restoration of 372 and it was traded for another Huey that the museum will be able to fly. 372 is headed for a new home in Alabama, where it will be proudly displayed. Below are final pictures of its restoration.

Here Pat Rodgers straps the fuselage down on the tow truck for  transportation from its past home in  Hemet, to the museum. Nov 9th, 2005.

The next day we attached the boom so we  could get into the hangar. It was raining  and we were leaving later that morning for  the Nellis airshow.  Nov 10th, 2005

We had previously painted this  nose panel with the markings of the  Kingsmen, the unit Frank served in   during Vietnam.

Frank can be seen through the door as  we worked on the Huey. It was exciting  to see the "H" model finally here.

This picture shows how beat up the  interior is. The fuel cells were home to many  critters and some were full of bees, hundreds  of bees, luckily now dead. One of the 4-  legged critters was determined to keep his  home, but finally jumped out while going  down the freeway. How he missed being run  over is anybodies guess, but he made it.

Now isn't this an awesome sight! Our  helicopter lair now with the "H" model  tucked inside. Someday we hope add an   OH-6 and a Cobra.

In Nov 06 after we rec'd the request to finish 372 for Alabama, we moved it to the main restoration hangar.

Here Volunteers Chase Meder and Frank Tresenrider work on the cowlings of 372 in preparation for paint. To the right is 372 ready to be painted.

The instrument panel all finished. Finally the painting begins as Shayne applies the first coat.

Here is 372 all done and painted in the markings of the 176th AHC "Minutemen", which it served in during Vietnam.

December 27th, The day after we received our new H model Huey we loaded 372 on the same trailer. It was transported to Arizona where it will receive more parts and eventually make it to its new home in Alabama.

Volunteer Robert Tresenrider is the driver who transported both Hueys using the trailer from Overseas Aircraft Support Inc. Thanks Robert!!

For general information on the Bell  UH-1 Huey         Click here.

This picture was taken by Frank Tresenrider on a stop in northern Arizona. Its hard to believe this is Arizona. What an awesome sight-a freshly painted Huey with a dusting of fresh snow. A Christmas Card picture.