Aircraft Similar To One Flown By Kentucky Veteran Must Be Acquired, Demilitarized

The Aviation Heritage Park in Bowling Green, KY has a special mission. It links the aircraft on display with the story of Kentucky aviators who flew them, according to AHP board president Bob Pitchford.

Recently, the museum located a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter of the same type that had been flown by U.S. Army pilot Col. Raymond T. Nutter, one of the region's most noted military aviators, according to the Bowling Green Daily News. He was a decorated Vietnam veteran who passed away in 2006.

After searching for a Huey for three years, the AHP finally located on it could afford through its relationship with the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, OH.

But it may take some time for the aircraft to travel from the Davis-Monthan Air Force "boneyard" to Bowling Green. It has to be demilitarized, which is a process that can take up to three years, according to Air Force officials.

AHP is lobbying to expedite the process and bring the aircraft to the museum as quickly as possible. Pitchford told the paper that they hope to have it on display at the annual Hangar Party next summer. They are currently working to raise funds for transport and other related costs. Pitchford said the aircraft will help tell the story of Col. Nutter, as well as the many other local veterans who were in some way touched by the iconic helicopter of the Vietnam era.

(Image from file)

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