I'd heard it said that there were only a small number (one?!) of different keys available for each type in the US Army fleet.

And whilst I'm spreading potential urban legends, it's always been my understanding that ShyTorque's story about helicopter theft is correct; but that it gets better.

The story goes that an unrated Huey crewchief (during the time of the Vietnam war) became most disgruntled, and so stole his bird to take it to the White House lawn and have his issues out, mano-a-mano, with The President.

This didn't go down well, as you'd imagine, hence the requireemnt in future designs for a key.

When the aircraft are not in use, they keys are held securely by... the crewchief. :ok:

Right then US Army types - this is now your chance to tell me that one of favourite anecdotes is wrong. :D

Apache Longbow has an ignition key and a canopy door key. The ignition key, I believe, is to avert unwanted engine starts since the whole process is close to fully automatic. Canopy door key of course is to try to avert theft.

That said, if one really wanted to gain access you could blow the canopy from outside and climb in the hole. Hot wiring the MIK switch is easy. You could steal a ride, but it's going to get a bit breezy at about 30 KTAS.

Got a great story about a crew chief who started an engine recently but I'll have to wait a couple of months before I share it.