JohnB wrote:
Anyone know if it's still airworthy?
This former Army UH-19D Chickasaw in the markings of a former USAF UH-19B, is NOT airworthy. I am not sure of the last time it may have flown, but it has been strictly a static display in the main hangar of the Valiant Air Command Warbird Air Museum for MANY years. This particular helicopter was apparently modified at one time as a civilian flying RV, but not sure if it was ever used as such.
It appears to be in reasonably good shape, and probably could be made airworthy with enough money and technical expertise brought to bear.
I work as a volunteer tour guide at the museum, and there are no plans currently that I am aware of to return this Sikorsky S-55/H-19 to flying status, although I would love to see one of these flying again.
In addition to several flying aircraft currently residing at the museum (most aircraft are strictly static), THREE aircraft at the museum are currently in varying stages of being restored to airworthy flying status: a TBM Avenger, an S-2/S2F Tracker and a UH-1D Huey.