Huey Helicopter impounded in Florida

[Latent Heat]

It appears that Huey helicopters are in demand down in the Cape. So much so that a Cape Town helicopter operator refinanced his long ranger in order to raise the cash to purchase a Huey from the states.

The same gentleman along with his "man" overseas, in their haste to get the machine over to south africa "apparently" failed to follow the correct import/export proceedure which resulted in the machine getting impounded. (for how long who knows?)

Whats are the laws around bringing in ex war birds, fixed or rotorwing?

The above info is based on hear-say only, so if anyone has more solid gen on this matter, go ahead and let us know.

[Solid Rust Twotter]

Seconds out of the ring...

Round Two!


Ding!!:E

[B Sousa]

Latent Heat........First post and its a nice one........at least first post under this name.
There is a procedure in which to get these things out of the states. One that is here in SA has been done and more may be on the way.
As to what the Capies are doing I have no clue, bet its shaky at the very best.
Its not necessary to go name calling as We can all guess who has their fingers in this pie if its true, and beings its from Florida I can only assume that it is probably has an SWFA origin.
Just a matter of paperwork will get the job done, then its a matter of the SACAA buying off on it, which also will probably happen.
The More Hueys the merrier...........
Hearsay is acceptable on a rumor network.........

[Latent Heat]

What i do know is that this particular Huey/205 ( a blue, red and white color scheme) was purchased from a private owner and stood in the docks in Houston for close on 18 months before being loaded.

The ship then steamed to some port in Florida where the aircraft seized.

It would be interesting to get the whole story....

[glimmerman_alpha]

Ha Ha Ha....That "operator" has even changed his numberplate to either HUEY-WP or VIETNAM-WP.

It was suppose to be here in January, then March, Then June...

Then September, confirmed by his personnel.:p

Sorry Rob!

[B Sousa]

From Houston indicates it may not be an SWFA. If it was a B205 to start I dont know the problem. Sounds as if it was a Military to start. If thats so, then Export Permit will be required......
Could have been seized for other reasons, ie. financing etc.
We are all guessing here, if you have further drop the bomb.......

[glimmerman_alpha]

Apparently it is the Huey from a CT operator( Not Famous Van!). Or so they say. It has not yet been delivered and they avoid the topic so it may be the Huey or 205 or whatever this "malkoppie" purchased.

[SASless]

The Huey I am flying in the UK took 19 months to get the export licence approved by the US State Department. Without that....the aircraft gets impounded.

[B Sousa]

Sasless, there are ways to do things properly. It appears that others such as the one in the UK were done that way. Down south here its a matter of lets see how much we can do for nothing..........
Further rumor has it that its not the Capies whom we have seen commented on, but the famous "Flying Elvis" who may be the brunt of this thread..........
If so it may be a "Garlick" Conversion of a UH-1, therefore paperwork will have to be in order. Garlicks website seems to be down, but no surprise. I first remember flying at the same fires with Ron Garlick in the 70s. He is a character for sure and even did time in the grey bar hotel because of his actions on helicopters. So he should get along well with the cape crowd.
Again its still anyones guess which Aircraft we are talking about.

InnKeeper another round of drinks and fresh horses for my men......We ride at dawn.

[Parrot]

In a country that still regards a Tiger Moth as a military threat I dont think we should get too excited about developments just yet

[alwaysinverted]

We all know that this Huey was purchased by the famous Cape Town Rock & Roll Singer. The one with the implanted sidies, and the real macoy sunglasses.

According to FAA records, it was de-registered on March 13, 2003 as exported to SA. Its definately a UH-1H.

The singer was in such a hurry at the time to compete with Gary's Huey, that the procedure on the paperwork was not correctly followed. The result? Two and a half years on the docks in the very "corrosive Gulf shores" and still no sign of it or news when its ever gonna get to FACT. This despite continuous rumours thats its enroute and will dock shortly. Ha Ha! Joke!

No one knows whats going on, only the singer, and he's not so sure either whether he knows or not. This guy's been reincarnated for to long, and I think something has gone wrong with his ephimeris.

In the mean time, the other Huey guys have sent the jackal to the States and other places, and it is now again rumoured that they have bought 25 Hueys, four which will go to the "Working with Fire" people.

Seeing is believing, but good luck to them anyway. :ok:

[Latent Heat]

alwaysinverted, yes it is the famous rock and roll singer with the implanted sideburns and all.....the same Elvis that had a VEETNAM - WP number plate registered only to find out a few days later that he had spelling of vietnam incorrect :uhoh:

Taking into consideration his ability to balls his own number plate up one has to wonder what went wrong with the export permits of his huey :E

[I.R.PIRATE]

:mad: :yuk: :yuk: :uhoh: :yuk: :yuk: :ugh: :{ :zzz: :zzz: :zzz:

[B Sousa]

"In the mean time, the other Huey guys have sent the jackal to the States and other places, and it is now again rumoured that they have bought 25 Hueys, four which will go to the "Working with Fire" people.
"

Ok lets translate a bit. The Jackal, is that the same as a Fox?? other places, such as Germany, South America??
The "working with fire "folks...same as the guys in Nelspruit? if so there are a few Ag types up there making money who may not be happy, also the Ruskies have a piece of that action. Two things you dont want to do to take money from the Ruskies. 1. try and outdrink them and 2. take away their paychecks. both will cause a big kak up in that part of the world.
I dont think the working with fire guys have an extremely large budget, so who is going to pay for the Hueys..........

[glimmerman_alpha]

I can indeed confirm that the Jackal is the same as the fox. That guy IS everywhere!!

[Gunship]

Thanks for the humour Latent heat :p :p :p

yes it is the famous rock and roll singer with the implanted sideburns and all.....the same Elvis that had a VEETNAM - WP number plate registered only to find out a few days later that he had spelling of vietnam incorrect

Taking into consideration his ability to balls his own number plate up one has to wonder what went wrong with the export permits of his huey

Oh what a grunt .. :} :} :}

[Latent Heat]

Gunship, no problem. One can always rely on Elvis for a joke..hes a comic!

[B Sousa]

OK its now Wednesday and Ive been in Capetown for a week (I Havent been hiding in the winelands either) Rumor has it, as per Supervan's staff at the waterfront, that the "Huey" is in Nelspruit on a Fire Contract for a month.

This is not the impounded one but the one that was turning up in Capetown the other day, as I saw it on the ramp with some kids in the back, doors pinned, must be someone doing some maintenance prior to the trip.
So what will the CAA do now. Its closer to their backyard, and ready to work.....with no C/A???, Timex Parts??, No Part 96Cert.?? and No Insurance??? And this is South African Commercial Aviation?? Again its only Rumors........

Heres hoping whatever happens nobody gets hurt... We can throw stones here on the Rumor network but its necessary that all remember words cant hurt you.......

[Latent Heat]

The old rumour mill is starting to grind again.....


The Old Fart with the fake sideburns did indeed balls up the paperwork. One needs a department of state (usa) export licence, a few special requirements for export which needs to comply with the AC21 - 2J/K and an SA import permit.

Helicopter N774ar a BELL UH-1H, serial number 66-01009 was purchased from a certain Mr John Karl Weith JR who resides in Houston, TX. (according to landings.com)

Registration date - 01 Apr- 2003
Airworthiness Certificate Type - experimental
Approved Operations - exhibition

I was told by one of the Elvis people that the National Conventional Arms Control Committee is very piss:mad: d off about something.



Once again, its all hearsay..let the "Mill" grind away...........

[B Sousa]

Grinding.............

Under USAF Serial numbers: "1009 (c/n 5492) to civil registry as N774AR. Registration cancelled Mar 10, 2004 as sold in South Africa."

Another:"Helicopter UH-1D 66-01009
Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 66-01009
The Army purchased this helicopter 1266
Total flight hours at this point: 00000966
Date: 02/10/1968
Accident case number: 680210031
Unit: 129 AHC
Number killed in accident = 0 . . Injured = 0 . . Passengers = 0
costing 2936
Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database.

Crew Members:
P O2 HAAS EW

Accident Summary:

Loss of RPM on attempted takeoff from LZ. Aborted takeoff and main rotor blade struck small tree. Aircraft settled to ground. Gusty winds and turbulence in LZ contributed to control difficulties with loss of RPM

This record was last updated on 01/05/1997


The following is Goldbook information on US Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 66-01009
It is provided here as an ESTIMATE of the history of this helicopter and is not intended to be the final authority.
This helicopter was purchased by the US Army in 1266.
Please provide any additional information on this helicopter to the VHPA.


DATE FLT HRS UIC UNIT AREA POST COUNTRY
6612 0 0 W0MHAA DIROF SUP TRAN 6TH ARMY SHARPE GD SUPMACOM
6701 0 0 W0MHAA DIROF SUP TRAN 6TH ARMY SHARPE GD AVCOM
6702 27 27 W0MHAA DIROF SUP TRAN 6TH ARMY SHARPE GD AVCOM
6703 78 105 3410 POST SUPPLY 6TH ARMY FORT ORD 6TH ARMY
6704 68 173 3410 ARMY AVN DIV 6TH ARMY DUGWAY PG TEVALCOM
6705 35 208 3410 ARMY AVN DIV 6TH ARMY DUGWAY PG TEVALCOM
6706 65 273 3410 USARV FLT DET VIETNAM RVN
6707 64 337 3410 USARV FLT DET VIETNAM RVN
6708 117 454 3410 BELL HCPTR BAILMENT FT WORTH AVCOM
6709 55 509 3410 BELL HCPTR BAILMENT FT WORTH AVCOM
6710 85 594 3410 BELL HCPTR BAILMENT FT WORTH AVCOM
6711 141 735 3410 355 AVN CO 4TH ARMY FORT SILL 4TH ARMY
6712 92 827 3410 355 AVN CO 4TH ARMY FORT SILL 4TH ARMY
6801 53 880 3410 355 AVN CO 4TH ARMY FORT SILL 4TH ARMY
6802 86 966 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6803 97 1063 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6804 2 1065 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6805 127 1192 WFELAA 162 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6806 102 1294 WFELAA 162 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6807 150 1444 WFELAA 162 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6808 143 1587 WFELAA 162 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6809 114 1701 WC41AA 173 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6810 165 1866 WC41AA 173 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6811 127 1993 WC41AA 173 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6812 97 2090 WC41AA 173 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6901 96 2186 WC41AA 173 ASLT HEL CO VIETNAM RVN
6902 0 2186 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN STORAGE NAVAL AIR STN AVCOM
6903 0 2186 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN MAINT NAVAL AIR STN AVCOM
6904 0 2186 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN MAINT NAVAL AIR STN AVCOM
6905 0 2186 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN MAINT NAVAL AIR STN AVCOM
6906 0 2186 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN STORAGE NAVAL AIR STN AVCOM
6907 0 2186 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN STORAGE NAVAL AIR STN AVCOM
6908 44 2230 4206 HHD 44 ENG GP THAILAND PACIFIC
6909 37 2267 4206 HHD 44 ENG GP THAILAND PACIFIC
6910 39 2306 4206 HHD 44 ENG GP THAILAND PACIFIC
6911 23 2329 4206 HHD 44 ENG GP THAILAND PACIFIC
6912 12 2341 4206 HHD 44 ENG GP THAILAND PACIFIC
7001 21 2362 4206 7 CORPS SPT COM GERMANY EUROPE
7002 25 2387 4206 7 CORPS SPT COM GERMANY EUROPE
7003 10 2397 4206 7 CORPS SPT COM GERMANY EUROPE
7004 58 2455 4206 7 CORPS SPT COM GERMANY EUROPE
7005 35 2490 4206 7 CORPS SPT COM GERMANY EUROPE
7006 0 2490 4206 AVN SEC EBD 6TH ARMY FORT ORD CBTDVCOM
7007 1 2491 WCLDAA 568 TRANS CO ALASKA ALASKA
7008 20 2511 WCLDAA 568 TRANS CO ALASKA ALASKA
7009 23 2534 WCLDAA 568 TRANS CO ALASKA ALASKA
7010 40 2574 WCLDAA 568 TRANS CO ALASKA ALASKA
7011 6 2580 WCLDAA 568 TRANS CO ALASKA ALASKA
7012 45 2625 WCLDAA 568 TRANS CO ALASKA ALASKA
7101 36 2661 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7102 8 2669 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7103 39 2708 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7104 16 2724 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7105 37 2761 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7106 28 2789 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7107 46 2835 WCLDAA DIR DIST TRANS IN STORAGE SHARPE AD AVSCOM
7108 32 2867 WCLDAA DIR DIST TRANS IN MAINT SHARPE AD AVSCOM
7109 32 2899 WCLDAA DIR DIST TRANS IN MAINT SHARPE AD AVSCOM
7110 34 2933 WCLDAA DIR DIST TRANS IN MAINT SHARPE AD AVSCOM
7111 24 2957 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7112 3 2960 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7201 17 2977 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7202 34 3011 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7203 33 3044 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7204 0 3044 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7205 0 3044 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7206 0 3044 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7207 0 3044 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7208 0 3044 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7209 0 3044 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7210 0 3044 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7211 40 3084 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7212 21 3105 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7301 28 3133 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7302 21 3154 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7303 20 3174 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7304 57 3231 WCLDAA E TRP 1ST CAV ALASKA ALASKA
7305 11 3242 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7306 49 3291 WCLDAA 12 AVN CO ALASKA ALASKA
7307 37 3328 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7308 37 3365 WCLDAA 242D AVIATION ALASKA ALASKA
7309 38 3403 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7310 4 3407 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7311 0 3407 WCLDAA 568 TC CO ALASKA ALASKA
7312 0 3407 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN MAINT NAVAL AIR STN AVSCOM
7401 0 3407 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN MAINT NAVAL AIR STN AVSCOM
7402 0 3407 W0MUAA ARADMAC IN STORAGE NAVAL AIR STN AVSCOM
7403 9 3416 W0MUAA SUPPLY DIV 5TH ARMY FORT KNOX TRADOC
7404 1 3417 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7405 39 3456 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7405 39 3456 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7409 57 3687 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7410 21 3708 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7411 96 3804 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7412 51 3855 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7501 0 3855 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7502 0 3855 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7503 50 3905 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7504 69 3974 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7505 32 4006 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7506 78 4084 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7507 25 4109 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7509 125 4286 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7510 91 4377 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7511 98 4475 W1DZAA USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS
7512 57 4532 W0U902 USAAVNS 1ST ARMY FORT RUCKER TRADOCAS

Thats its Military History for a start..............If its final Assignment was Ft Rucker then its a good chance it was used as a training aircraft which usually translates that student pilots beat the snot out of it.........

[Latent Heat]

Interesting reading Mr Sousa....


What do these clowns intend doing with the Huey once/if it gets here to the fair cape?
How will the operate it? Afterall, they where the ones to throw all the mud (at the real Huey people) in the beginning, underqualified pilots, bad machine, bad parts, back yard mechanics etc etc..the list goes on and on? Has anyone ever got injured?

The best that i have heard was that the Huey was fitted will a timex blade that one of the guys bummed from CHC??? Best of all this blade was cut down to size and fitted by a diesel mechanic and a team of sale agents from the waterfront...??? Come on guys, how can this be?

Which brings me to how the the man who sings "jail house rock" will operate his Huey??? These guys have never been leaders but always followers, yet they claim to be over and above the rest.

O what a lovely season its going to be..i cant wait.

[B Sousa]

"Afterall, they where the ones to throw all the mud (at the real Huey people) in the beginning, underqualified pilots, bad machine, bad parts, back yard mechanics etc etc..the list goes on and on? Has anyone ever got injured?"

I dont think things have changed with (the real Huey people)<<< that term makes me ill.
Nobody injured that I know of but Aviation Safety has to do with limiting the exposure to accidents, not by the body count. As I have said in the past one thing that is on their side is the fact that the Huey is a tough machine.
If this impounded machine does make it to SA and based on what little we know of it. I think it will be in one hell of a lot better condition than the Ethiopian Originals. A lot will have to do with its sitting for such a period of time and possible exposure to an Ocean enviornment. It may in fact be just another rust bucket too expensive to make fly (as per the rules)

[Latent Heat]

(The real Huey people)<<<< That term makes me ill.

Mr sousa, not a very nice thing to say about a bunch of good people. I have read your previous posts and all the Huey saga that dragged out for a couple of years.

Those people are professional down at helibase. I had the honour of a walk through there yesterday and was impressed with the organisation and the number of qualified staff. Infact, what i saw was a bunch of ex SAAF engineers and professionals working on various interesting projects.

Two more Hueys are just about compete,I would say within a month or so we will have the pleasure at seeing these beautifully restored machines gracing the Cape skies. With a bit of luck i can get a conversion onto one them machines.

I cant understand why the critics continue to hammer these people based on hear say and not fact.

[B Sousa]

"Mr sousa, not a very nice thing to say about a bunch of good people. I have read your previous posts and all the Huey saga that dragged out for a couple of years."

And it should still be here..OK. Maybe you are correct in some fashion. That should not apply to all there and many I do not know, so for them I will not cast that shadow.
There are those involved who know what Im talking about when I say that that some are not qualified, do not hold proper licenses and do work that requires a higher level of maintenance that cannot be done in the "Hanger by the highway"
They continue to creat a situation in which its a matter of time before some serious Sh1t will occur. Whats worse is the fact that SACAA wont/cant lift a hand to do what should be done based on their current situation. we have someone who will share blame if problems occur.
Its becoming apparent that its just a matter of "thats the way its done in Africa" if thats the case so be it and the outcome has been mentioned on other posts.
Its either done correctly or they will forever get rained on for doing things incorrectly. Africa is not alone, most of the STC companies in the states have felt the rath of the FAA. Garlick Helicopters, SWFA, etc.... At least there was someone who would make sure it was done correctly or come down seriously with violations. I dont see that happening therefore when I hear of folks who say that the situation in the Cape is a great boon for tourism etc. I have no problem saying thats Bullsh1t. As I see this situation its just a matter of a great amount of profit. Those doing the wrenching have no idea how little of it they will see.

"Those people are professional down at helibase. I had the honour of a walk through there yesterday and was impressed with the organisation and the number of qualified staff. Infact, what i saw was a bunch of ex SAAF engineers and professionals working on various interesting projects. "

Another question or two comes up when I read a post from someone hidden in anonymity. How do you know they are professional? what is your aviation backround? Did you check those qualifications?? And what could an interesting project be to someone who may/may not be into the helicopter world. Ok it looks pretty it must be good??
I can remember in another world when I had a military crew chief who dam near killed me while I was rearming in a Cobra. He got a rocket stuck in the pod and was hitting the warhead with a wooden dowel to get it in the tube while I was in the seat... In those days we rearmed and refueled hot at the same time.. just because someone is ex military does not make it allright. I preface my words by saying I am also not gods gift to Aviation, but I have some experience..

Before we get too far from the original topic, does anyone know for sure why the Huey was impounded and what is your source. Was it export permit?? Im sure someone in the Elvis crowd could enlighten usall..... Who has the aircraft at the present?? where is it located etc?? Saves on research..

"I had the honour of a walk through there yesterday and was impressed with the organisation and the number of qualified staff"

I had to think about this for a while..............Where is there honor in walking through there......your pleasure maybe, but an honor...

Fire Away...