Rainier Arrangies May Again Fly His Huey On Commercial Flights

An African businessman in Namibia may once again fly his UH-1 "Huey" helicopter for commercial purposes, but it will need some modifications to its paint job.

Rainier Arangies owns the Vietnam-era vintage helicopter (similar aircraft pictured in file photo), which is painted to look like it did back when it saw active military service. But the "United States Army" markings apparently were not appreciated by the Namibian Ministry of Works and Transport and the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA). On March 7th, a judge had ordered Arangies to stop commercial operations with his helo, and use it only for recreational purposes.

Last Thursday, the High Court in Windhoek said it could again be used for commercial flights. But Arangies will have to have the helo repainted to cover up the "United States Army" markings, as well as its registration number and horse-head calalry insignia on the aircraft's tail. Also to be removed is a yellow circle painted on the cabin door. It will be allowed to retain its U.S. Cavalry crossed swords symbol, as well as the number "91" painted on its nose, according to the website allafrica.com.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba reportedly saw the aircraft at Tsumeb and was "perturbed" by its military markings from the Vietnam War era, which got the court case underway.

FMI: www.superiorcourts.org.na/high/registrar/index.html