From vintage to today’s fastest, helicopters from all eras will be found at Hansen Dam.

By Mary O’KEEFE

In 1940, the U.S. Congress signed the Dorsey-Logan Act that authorized funds to develop rotary wing aircraft for the War Department, according to the American Helicopter Museum in Pennsylvania.

Over the following 77 years, helicopters have changed in design and in function. And although they are still used in the military they have expanded to almost every emergency responder program. The opportunity to see how far the modern helicopter has come will be on Nov. 4 at the 2017 American Heroes Air Show at Hansen Dam.

“These aircraft are the first tool out of the tool box,” said James Paules, volunteer event director for Los Angeles. “Our mission is to educate, communicate and demonstrate.”

The show focuses on helicopters and how they are used by the military as well as by emergency responders like Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Air Rescue 5 that can often be seen flying over Angeles National Forest.

 “We are trying to educate the community about all the good work police, fire and first responders do,” Paules said.

With the latest disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, fires and floods, the public watched as helicopter pilots and crews hoisted people from flooded homes and dropped water on wildfires. At the Nov. 4 event the public will be able to talk to the men and women who respond to these type of disasters and hear their stories.

“The [crews] love sharing their stories,” Paules said.

Kids, and adults, can get an up close view of helicopters and even crawl inside a few to sit in the pilot’s seat.

There will be 23 to 26 aircraft at Hansen Dam at the event including three U.S. Navy helicopters and a helicopter from the Dept. of Energy that is equipped with specialized sensors.

Once again, the event will host candidates for citizenship. This year there will be over 50 candidates who will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

“They will become our newest citizens,” Paules added.

As many times as he has witnessed this ceremony, it is always emotional, he added.

The path to citizenship is not easy and for having the candidates to take the oath at the American Heroes event is a “big deal” for them and their families, Paules said.

In addition to the helicopters, at 9:30 a.m. several vintage emergency rescue vehicles will arrive at Hansen Dam, including 1930s and 1940s classic fire trucks and police cars.

“With lights and sirens,” he added.

Over the years, more public safety organizations have set up  recruiting booths at the American Heroes Air Show. The recruiters talk to those who are sure they want a career in public safety as well as those who are just curious about what is required.

There will be demonstrations, too, including one used many times by Montrose Search and Rescue – a hoist lift by LASD Air Rescue 5.

The gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. Admission is free, as is parking.

“Because of the support of LA City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, we have free shuttle service from the Aquatic Center,” Paules said.

Parking will be at the event and at the nearby Aquatic Center. Parking along Foothill Boulevard just outside the event is discouraged.

Paules said this is an uplifting event. This is not [an elite] celebration but one that everyone can come, enjoy and learn about the early responders who have saved so many lives.

Hansen Dam Recreation Center is located at 11798 Foothill Blvd.

  Mary Okeefe, STEVE GOLDSWORTHY