Rotors Over Mentone 2023 on Saturday, Sep 9th

This year's "Rotors Over Mentone" Fly-In event will acknowledge the work accomplished by John Walker and his American Huey 369 (AH369) Organization in the restoring and maintaining of flyable Bell Huey helicopters and the current construction of the National American Huey History Museum in Peru, Indiana. The American Huey 369 is a 501(c)3 Not for Profit Organization which was established in 2005. The organization's objective is to help educate the public to the history of the iconic Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter and its veterans, especially to those who served during Vietnam War era.

John and his brother Alan Walker are co-founders, and along with John’s wife Kae, operate American Huey 369 with the help of more than 200 core member volunteers. John Walker is a former Marine Corps captain and helicopter pilot...and still flies today. It was back in 2005 that John saw a Huey helicopter listed on eBay and along with his brother Alan, decided to purchase it. It took two years for them to bring back the Huey 369 (Bell UH-1H) to an airworthy condition. First flight of this post-restoration aircraft took place in July 2007. Also in 2005, they obtained a second Huey, a Bell UH-1H, tail #803 and began restoring it as well. With both aircraft fully restored and airworthy, and an American Huey volunteer aircrew in place, they began to fly them to airshows and other events offering membership rides. Today, the organization houses and operates three airworthy Bell Huey helicopters. The most recent flyable Huey is the Bell UH-1B Gunship, tail #049. They also have additional unrestored Hueys along with memorabilia in a temporary facility.

Helicopter rides will be offered by American Huey 369 (with $125 membership) and by Cleveland Helicopter Services. Cleveland Helicopter Services will offer rides in either their Enstrom 280FX (two passenger seats) or a Robinson R44 (up to three individual passenger seats). Helicopter rides offered by Cleveland Helicopter Services can be paid on site with either cash or by credit card (which is $5 extra). Prices begin at $50/person (cash) in the Enstrom but requires a second paying passenger to go up. A single passenger ride in the Enstrom (which is allows for more room) is $70 cash. If the Robinson R44 is used, price is $70/person (cash), but requires a second paying passenger.

Weather permitting, we are expecting Lutheran Air and Parkview Samaritan hospital helicopters to fly in for the event as well as other helicopters. Local celebrity and helicopter pilot Flyin' Brian Walsh from Radio Station WIOE, Oldies 101.1 FM will again bring his helicopter, a Bell 47J Ranger named "Lucy" which was a big hit at last year's event. We hope the Indiana State helicopter can come as well as our friends from Sweet Helicopters, bringing one or two of their aircraft. In addition, plans are for Radio Station WIOE, Oldies 101.1 FM to broadcast live from the Museum.

This event will be held on Saturday, Sep 9th at the Lawrence D. Bell Aircraft Museum, 210 S. Oak St, Mentone IN.
Admission and parking are free.

Schedule of Events (as of 25 Aug 2023):
09:30 Begin arrival of helicopters
10:00 Morning Helicopter Rides (Cleveland Helicopter Service) until 11 am, Food Tent opens until event closes
11:00 Program
- Welcome - Tim Croy, Museum President
- Invocation - Pastor Dave Meredeth, Mentone United Methodist Church
- Placing of Colors - Warsaw American Legion Post 49 Color Guard
- National Anthem - Band Members of Tippecanoe Valley High School
- Recognition of our Veterans in the Audience
- Introduction of Guest Speaker - Tim Croy
- Event Speaker - John Walker, American 369 Organization
- Closing Remarks - Tim Croy
12:00 - Helicopter rides resume until close (American Huey 369, Cleveland Helicopter Service)

Fly-In Note:
For helicopter pilots that fly in for the event, call sign is: "Bell Operations". Monitor Frequency is 123.025.

Food Tent Menu (items and prices are tentatively and subject to change):
Hamburger $3.50
Cheeseburger $3.75
Brat $3.00
Hot Dog $1.75
Chips $.75
Potato Salad $.75
Ice Cream $5.00
Coffee or Drinks $1.00

A final list of items and prices will be updated prior to the event.

For additional information, please contact Marsha at marshscott49@gmail.com or by mobile phone at 574-328-2034.