OKEECHOBEE -- Friends of Army Aviation will host an event featuring Huey Helicopter rides and live music at the Okeechobee County Airport on Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friends of Army Aviation will host Huey helicopter rides on Nov. 10 at the Okeechobee County Airport. [Photo courtesy Friends of Army Aviation]

“The objective was to do something different,” said Todd Chambers of Friends of Army Aviation.

He said last year they visited Okeechobee with a static display at the Okeechobee County airport and more than 200 people came just to look at the helicopter. This year, they will offer rides in two helicopters.

He said each flight will last about 10 minutes. Approximately 10 people can ride each time, depending on weight. Tickets will be $70 per person. Chambers said the cost of helicopter rides pays for the costs of maintaining and operating the aircraft.

Sponsorships will also be available for the event to help raise funds for Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Okeechobee.

Friends of Army Aviation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that honors veterans and preserves the memory and legacy of army aviation aircraft that served in Vietnam combat and their crews.

The mission of the non-profit organization is to provide the American public an opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Army Aviation by having an opportunity to participate in aerial flight in those legacy Army aircraft that served in combat flown by Army crews. The organization also hopes to educate those who are unaware of the importance of Army Aviation and the role it played in armed conflicts and providing the troops with the support needed to achieve their mission and to ensure their survival on the battlefield.

Chambers said the FAA-sanctioned organization has flown 21,000 passengers without incident