Aviation enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, mark your calendars for an extraordinary opportunity to experience history in flight. The Michigan Flight Museum is bringing their iconic Huey helicopter “Greyhound” to the History on Wheels event at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport on July 26, 2025. This rare chance to fly in an authentic Vietnam-era helicopter with its doors wide open promises an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views that few civilian experiences can match.
Thrilling Adventure Awaits
- Experience the adrenaline rush of an open-door ride in a historic Huey helicopter at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport. Source: allevents.in
Visitors to the History on Wheels event will have the unique opportunity to soar through the skies in an authentic Huey helicopter, experiencing the raw thrill of open-door flight just as military personnel did during the Vietnam War. These approximately 8-minute rides, priced at $125 per person (with a discounted rate of $115 for museum members), offer an unmatched aviation adventure that combines historical significance with pure excitement. The Huey helicopter, officially designated as the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Vietnam War, with its distinctive “whop-whop” rotor sound becoming emblematic of an era.
The Michigan Flight Museum’s “Greyhound” has been meticulously maintained to provide a safe yet authentic experience that honors the legacy of these remarkable aircraft. Each flight can accommodate up to 10 passengers, making this an ideal activity for families, groups of friends, or aviation clubs looking for a shared adventure. Weather permitting, passengers will experience the rush of wind and unobstructed views that only an open-door helicopter flight can provide – something rarely available to civilians but standard operating procedure during the helicopter’s military service when rapid deployment of troops was essential.
Complete Event Experience
Beyond the exhilarating helicopter rides, the History on Wheels event offers a full day of entertainment and education for visitors of all ages. The Michigan Flight Museum will have their C47 “Hairless Joe” aircraft on static display, providing an up-close look at another iconic military transport plane that played a crucial role in American aviation history. Classic and antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles will line the grounds, showcasing decades of transportation evolution alongside the aircraft, creating a true “history on wheels” experience from land to air.
The family-friendly event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport, located at 9601 Groh Road. Attendees can enjoy food vendors, music, and various exhibitors throughout the day. For those interested in securing a spot on the Huey helicopter rides, advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended through the Michigan Flight Museum website (miflightmuseum.org/huey-helicopter/). With limited flight opportunities available during the five-hour event and a maximum capacity of ten passengers per flight, these unique experiences are expected to sell out quickly as aviation enthusiasts and adventure seekers secure their chance to fly in this legendary aircraft.
