Fly with the Sky Soldiers at Greenville Airport Airstravaganza
By Tribune Staff
On Saturday, Aug. 16, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation of Creve Coeur, Missouri, will bring its Bell UH-1 “Huey” and AH-1 “Cobra” helicopters to Greenville’s Airport Airstravaganza. Anyone who wishes will be able to purchase a ticket to ride in these historic warbirds. For advance purchase visit the following links:
2025_08_16 ~ Grenville, IL Airport Airstravaganza ~ Huey LHFE – AAHF Store
2025_08_16 ~ Greenville, IL Airport Airstravaganza ~ Cobra LHFE – AAHF Store,
Prospective visitors may also visit the website at: armyav.org and follow the prompts to the prepurchase page.
This will be a unique opportunity to get a close look at two of the most important US Army Vietnam Era aircraft. Vietnam veterans will be able to recall when they flew, rode in, worked on or were supported in combat by these warbirds.
The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to telling about the history of Army aviation and supporting veterans’ causes. Their vision statement: “Empowering the past to inspire the future, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum envisions a world where the courageous legacy of Army Aviation pioneers lives on, igniting the spirit of innovation, service, and excellence in generations to come. Through dynamic preservation, immersive educational experiences, and community engagement, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who charted the skies before us, while fostering a deep appreciation for the evolution of flight, military service, and the critical role each has played in shaping history. Guided by our commitment to preserving heritage, educating minds, and inspiring hearts, we aim to be beacon of excellence, enriching lives, and building a bright and patriotic future for our nation.”
There are three chapters nationally with the local chapter based at the Creve Coeur Airport in St. Louis County Missouri. They welcome visitors at their hangar on Thursdays and Saturdays. Membership is open to the public and is not limited to veterans or pilots.
The UH-1 was first developed by Bell Helicopter in the 1950s to fill the need for a utility helicopter for the US Army. They were manufactured in large numbers starting in the 1960s. They greatly enhanced the mobility of infantry in Vietnam. Seven thousand saw action in Vietnam with an estimated 3,000 destroyed. They continued to serve the well into the 1980s anywhere troops were deployed. They were replaced by the Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk.
Bell also designed the AH-1 (attack helicopter) Cobra. It was designed as an armed escort for the UH-1 transporting troops in Vietnam. It was developed around 1965 and entered service in 1967. It played an important role in protecting the lightly armed and armored UH-1s as they delivered troops, supplies and especially as they performed their famous “medevac” role. The Cobra could respond quickly to suppress ground fire from the enemy. The Cobra had various armaments, most common being pod-mounted rockets and nose-mounted mini-gun. More than 1,000 were manufactured for the US Army. Three hundred were lost in combat. It was replaced by the AH-64 Apache.
Ticket prices: Huey $125 (Veterans and advanced purchase at armyav.org $115)
Cobra $800 ($775 advanced purchase at armyav.org)
To purchase advance tickets go to:
2025_08_16 ~ Grenville, IL Airport Airstravaganza ~ Huey LHFE – AAHF Store
2025_08_16 ~ Greenville, IL Airport Airstravaganza ~ Cobra LHFE – AAHF Store
For Airstravaganza information, call or text 618-322-3532.
For questions about the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, call 636-362-4839.
Airstravaganza is hosted by Greenville Pilots / EAA Chapter 1382 with the support of the Greenville Airport Authority.
Caption – UH-1 Huey (Photo courtesy of Army Aviation Heritage Foundation)
