Kern County retires helicopter after 24 years of service

Mark La Ciura.

Bell Huey H407 is still in operation with the Kern County Fire Dept.

I have seen Kern County Fire Department "Bell Huey" helicopters fly in the Tehachapi area for many years.

Helicopter H408 began its service in 1968, serving in the Vietnam War. It served as a medical Helo-chopper as part of the Army's 117th Assault Helicopter Company. H408 suffered a serious crash in 1970. An explosion occurred onboard, shearing its tail boom and shredding its mast.

Four soldiers were injured on landing. Those soldiers survived, but H408 was retired by the military. The aircraft was repaired and began serving multiple positions in the U.S.

H408 was acquired in 1999 by the Kern County Fire Department, who also acquired money for its refurbishment. In 2000, H408 began assisting KCFD's fire operations.

The brand new helicopter, H409, is to replace H408. H407 (pictured in this article) is still operational and will be working with the new helicopter.

H409 has dual engines and is capable of running one engine, so if you lose an engine you can still fly and land safely.

It's always fantastic to see the Kern County Fire helicopters fly in the Tehachapi area, and some are now based in Tehachapi Airport's east end hangars.