If you see helicopters this Friday-Saturday, they are probably headed to the Museum of Flight for the American Heroes Airshow, “Courage at the Speed of Flight.” Twenty-two helicopters are scheduled to arrive: three on Friday, July 13th around 3 pm and the rest on Saturday morning. They will all start departing the museum around 3 pm on Saturday.

“Courage at the Speed of Flight,” Seattle’s only helicopter airshow, is a free event meant to celebrate public service. Here’s the Museum of Flight’s description:

Visitors can see how helicopters play an important role in law enforcement, fire service, public safety, communications, national defense and homeland security. The American Heroes Air Show features static displays, special presentations and entertainment. Representatives from many organizations including local flight schools, Border Patrol, Search and Rescue units, and the U.S. Coast Guard will be available to answer questions. See helicopters like the Blackhawk flown by the U.S. Army 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, as well as those flown by Airlift Northwest, KING 5 TV and many others.

Stop by the museum’s parking lot between 10 am and 3 pm to participate. You can even come early (starting at 7 am) just to watch the helicopters land and enjoy some free refreshments. This year, the airshow will also include a U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service naturalization ceremony for members of the military, first responders, and aviators who have applied for U.S. citizenship. The public is also welcome to this event.

Jen Boyer, the show’s director (who also provided the photo above), has been a West Seattleite for eight years. She is both a helicopter pilot and member of the Whirly-Girls, a female helicopter pilots association. The Whirly-Girls have volunteered their time as the event’s organizers since 2005, when the first show was held. Jen does it to teach the community, and especially younger generations, about the importance of the aircraft she loves:

When I was a little girl, I attended a small event like this where I sat in my first helicopter. I’d been interested in helicopters before, but seeing, touching and sitting in that helicopter did it for me. One day I reached my dream and became a pilot. I do this each year to inspire future generations, boys and girls alike, and to help the community on a whole learn about the value of helicopters in our community.

Find more info from the Museum of Flight here.