The Mora Memorial
A simple request
The cabin is located, then another
The search begins
At the Buckeye Az. Airfair in Feb. 2023 Richard Lilient (L) approached our display and asked if it was possible to find a Huey for their memorial. Lyle Strader (R) stepped up with 63-8512.
The search begins
The cabin is located, then another
The search begins
Starting from scratch we need to find a cabin and all major components possible to assemble the ship. Donations from our supporters are the key to getting started.
The cabin is located, then another
The cabin is located, then another
The cabin is located, then another
Karl Renz III donated a B model Huey cabin that drastically reduced our metal work that will be required. 61-0750 did not have the transmission mount damage that 8512 did. Both will combine to complete the ship
John Boucher joins in
8512 arrives in Glendale
The cabin is located, then another
John donated the correct tail boom from his company in Northwest Arizona. John is instrumental in our ability to obtain technical advice and support.
8512 arrives in Glendale
8512 arrives in Glendale
8512 arrives in Glendale
Now LHL volunteers have a good look at what is and isnt there. This airframe also is supporting another restoration for a memorial. These ships are so important to keep our history alive. nothing is wasted.
Getting her on her feet
8512 arrives in Glendale
8512 arrives in Glendale
In order to move the cabin and make it stable enough to work in the skids are mounted underneath.
63-8512 in better days
Nothing can be taken for granted
Nothing can be taken for granted
The donor ship when she was a crop duster.
Nothing can be taken for granted
Nothing can be taken for granted
Nothing can be taken for granted
Scott Hurst who works for John was able to fabricate the shorter B model landing skid from a longer H model skid. Some parts will be a real search as they just disappear over time. This fabrication takes skill.
Parts aint pretty
Nothing can be taken for granted
It all starts with a bath
LHL has a wrecked ship that was used in logging for all those little parts that are so important. No one was killed or seriously injured. This a like gold for our project, but it has seen better days.
It all starts with a bath
A transmission arrives, sort of.....
It all starts with a bath
750 goes into the Glendale Az. Municipal airport wash bay to hose out years of dust and dirt so we can see what we are up against.
A transmission arrives, sort of.....
A transmission arrives, sort of.....
A transmission arrives, sort of.....
The components arrive from Karl to assemble the transmission needed to support the 500 pound main rotor system. The parts are not servicable but provide a learning opportunity for our volunteers.
The mast from New Mexico
A transmission arrives, sort of.....
A transmission arrives, sort of.....
The parts will come from all over the country. Dave Barron of LHL won an auction in Santa Teresa NM and donated one of the masts to the project.
Cargo doors
Gearboxes arrive
A local donor
The two cargo doors arrive from California. We did get the pick pf the litter in this case.
A local donor
Gearboxes arrive
A local donor
At his request a local retired pilot traded parts we dont need for the right engine cowling, the syncronized elevators for the tailboom an inlet screen for the engine and a firewall.
Gearboxes arrive
Gearboxes arrive
Rotor blades from Oklahoma
The 42 degree and 90 degree gearboxes are donated, some assembly required for the tail rotor drivetrain.
Rotor blades from Oklahoma
Rotor blades from Oklahoma
Rotor blades from Oklahoma
These came halfway across the country to be included in the buildup of the ship. Parts are a nationwide scavenger hunt.
bullet hole patches??
Rotor blades from Oklahoma
bullet hole patches??
Her history is a mystery. There are many patches consistent with bullet holes in the underbelly and cabin floor. We will endeavor to find out.
A minor mystery
Rotor blades from Oklahoma
bullet hole patches??
In the cabin floor are 4 holders that fit the feet on an Army stretcher. The Army Aviation museum could provide no insight as to these holders. We have not seen them on any other ships. Perhaps 750 was an early air ambulance.