The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (AHMEC) will host Torque, a Belgian Malinois who holds the world’s record as “the dog with the most flights in a Huey helicopter,” during its annual FamilyFest on June 24 at 12 p.m. in its theater. The museum will present her with a special award for her achievements following a talk from her handler about this amazing dog.
“Torque started flying in EMU 309, a fully restored 1965 UH-1H Huey Helicopter, when she was only 11 months old!” explained her handler. “A lot of training went into making sure Torque was well acclimated to working in and around the helicopter prior to her first flight and after over a decade of flying, Torque holds the World Record for ‘The Dog with The Most Flights in a Huey Helicopter.’ She’ll also be throwing out the first pitch at the Phillies versus Mets game on Friday night, June 23, in Philadelphia!”
Torque frequently rides in EMU 309 with the Huey Vets in the San Francisco Bay Area and is a regular attraction at air shows. She works with charitable organizations like the Tug McGraw Foundation and aids veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The talented canine also fights crime as one of only a few dogs in the country that specializes in electronic storage device detection.
“I want to thank the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center for recognizing Torque’s achievement, because this is much more than an award about a dog who flies in a helicopter,” Torque’s handler continued. “When Torque flies with the crew in the Vietnam War-era Huey, she not only serves as a reminder of how important America’s working dogs are, but she also serves as a therapy dog during flight, helping veterans, children, and those who need it most.”
The hour-long talk by Torque’s handler will include the history of dogs in helicopters, information about K-9 Torque, Torque’s world-record achievement, the training and equipment involved, and a book reading and signing of her new inspirational children’s book, Torque-The Dog Who Wanted to Fly. Paul Kahan, AHMEC’s Executive Director, will present Torque with a plaque honoring her accomplishments.
FamilyFest will also feature food trucks, vendors, bounce games, a classic car and motorcycle show, music, and more. Admission is $20 per person. Children under age five and museum members are free.
AHMEC wishes to thank its FamilyFest sponsors: A Storage Depot, Brandywine Aviation and Maintenance, Brandywine Regional Airport, Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning, First Bank, First Resource Bank, Fastener Systems, Inc., Greg A. Vietri, Inc., MBA Advisors, Metro Aviation, Pillar Real Estate Advisors, Team Toyota, and the Vertical Flight Society.
