Experimental Aircraft Association to offer rides on 1929 Ford Tri-Motor
Published 9:28 am Friday, May 17, 2019
NILES — The Experimental Aircraft Association’s immaculate 1929 Ford Tri-Motor will be touring the country offering an opportunity for passengers to experience flight aboard the world’s first mass-produced airliner. During EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor Tour, passengers will travel back to the early days of what was considered luxurious commercial air travel.
The plane can be seen locally from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday, May 23 to 26 at the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport, 2018 Lake St., Niles.
The Ford Tri-Motor or the “Tin Goose” was first built by the Ford Motor Company in the late 1920s. EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor was constructed in 1929 and has an intriguing history, with roles ranging from service as Cuban airliner to extensive background fighting forest fires while transporting smoke jumpers.
After a thunderstorm wreaked havoc on the airplane in 1973, EAA Founder Paul Poberezny purchased the aircraft, which then underwent a 12-year restoration and returned it to touring status.
EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor has also made a celebrity appearance in two major movies — 1960’s “Family Jewels,” starring Jerry Lewis and 2009’s “Public Enemies,” starring Johnny Depp.
EAA’s Tri-Motor can carry up to nine passengers at a time, and every seat has a window.
People can book a spot on the historic “Tin Goose” through a secure flight-reservation system at flytheford.org, EAA’s Tri-Motor tour website. People can also pre-book a flight by calling 1-800-843-3612.
Passengers are encouraged to bring a camera to record and share this experience, officials said. Tickets purchased in advance are $72 for adults; walk up tickets are $77 and $52 for children 17 years old and under.
EAA’s mission is to embody the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 185,000 members and 1,000 local chapters said they enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, people can call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to eaa.org. For continual news updates, people can connect with twitter.com/EAAupdate.