Helicopters Fly-In for American Heroes Air Show June 18th

Museum of Flight
Military and civilian choppers descend for free family event, special guests include Capt. Keith Colburn and Edgar Hansen from “Deadliest Catch” reality TV show

June 18 is a day of heroes and helicopters at The Museum of Flight. The admission-free family-friendly American Heroes Air Show and Code 3 public service recruitment fair features static displays of a wide variety of helicopters, vehicles, special presentations, helicopter rides and entertainment in the Museum’s parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special guests include crab fishing boat Capt. Keith Colburn and crabber deckhand Edgar Hansen from the Deadliest Catch reality TV show. The two fishermen will be available to meet Air Show visitors.

The annual event demonstrates how helicopters play an important role in law enforcement, fire service, public safety, communications, national defense and homeland security.
Representatives from organizations including local flight schools, Border Patrol, search and rescue units, federal agencies and the U.S. Army, Navy and Coast Guard will be on hand to answer questions. Rides in civilian helicopters will be available for $50.

New Permanent Helicopter Exhibit Opens
The day also marks the opening of a new helicopter exhibit in the Museum featuring a former Coast Guard helicopter, the classic Sikorsky HH-52 Seaguard. This helicopter was last stationed at Port Angeles, Wash., and was retired in 1982. There will be a dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. with representatives from the Museum and the Coast Guard. Speakers include Museum President and CEO Doug King, HH-52 restoration leader Coast Guard pilot Lt. Mark Haines, and Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles Commander Richard Hahn. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore, Thirteenth Coast Guard District Commander and “Ancient Albatross of the Coast Guard,” will speak about the significance of the HH-52 during its operation in the Northwest. The ceremony is open to the public, and free with admission to the Museum.

Helicopter Book Signings
The Museum is hosting an all-day book signing party with some of Northwest’s top aviation writers including Jay Spenser and Steve Vermillion. Spenser is the author of “Whirlybirds: A History of U.S. Helicopter Pioneers;” Vermillion’s autobiography, “”Dustoff – No Compromise! No Rationalization! No Hesitation! Fly the Mission,”
is about helicopter medivac flying during the Vietnam War. The event is free and located in the Museum lobby, with books available for purchase.

Here is the official schedule of events:

Schedule of Events
7:30 a.m.
Aircraft begin arriving. The public is welcome to come early and watch. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be available to early visitors.

8:30 a.m.
Capt. Keith Colburn of the Fishing Vessel Wizard arrives to meet with fans and crews before the show opens.

10 a.m.
Gates open and helicopter rides begin.

11 a.m.
Dedication ceremony of the Sikorsky HH-52 helicopter exhibit in the Museum Side Gallery.

1 p.m.
Edgar Hansen, deckhand on the Fishing Vessel Northwestern, presents the U.S.Coast Guard with a certificate of appreciation in the Museum’s Allen Theater. Accepting for the Coast Guard are flight crews from USCG Air Stations Port Angeles and Astoria. Included in the program is a Discovery Channel video of actual Coast Guard helicopter rescue operations at sea. The audience is encouraged to ask questions of the Coast Guard personnel in attendance.

2 to 2:30 p.m.
Edgar Hansen meets and greets fans at the show.

For more information on the event, visit www.heroes-airshow.com

1 Reply to "Helicopters Fly-In for American Heroes Air Show June 18th"

  • bridge to somewhere June 10, 2011 (7:55 am)

    Awesome! A copter ride fir $50? That’s a good deal!

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