A chance to experience what it was like to fly on the world’s first passenger airliner is coming to Savannahthis weekend when a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor makes an appearance, thanks to the Savannahchapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Flights on the EAA 1929 Ford Tri-Motor are $70 per adult and $50 per child 17 and under. People can also reserve all nine seats – all of which have a window – and passengers are encouraged to bring cameras and videorecorders on board.
Adults must accompany kids under 16. Children under 2 can be carried in an adult’s lap free of charge.
For more information about the aircraft, go here: http://www.airventuremuseum.org/collection/aircraft/Ford%20TriMotor.asp
Or, read this press release courtesy the EAA, which also includes information on how to book your flight.
EXPERIENCE OF 1920S LUXURY AVIATION
WITH EAA’S FORD TRI-MOTOR TOUR
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (August 5, 2013) — EAA’s immaculate 1929 Ford Tri-Motor and its “sister” from the Kalamazoo Air Zoo will be touring the country this summer and fall 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 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 wrecked havoc on the airplane in 1973, EAA Founder Paul Poberezny purchased the aircraft, which then underwent a 12-year restoration. Since then it has been hangared at theEAAMuseum’s historicPioneerAirportand only departs to make public appearances and for its touring.
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.
It’s “sister” Tri-Motor was also constructed in 1929. It was brought to National Air Transport where it traveled across theUnited Statesdelivering freight and mail. In 1945 it received a complete overhaul from Monroe Airways. From there the Tri-Motor performed a variety of duties providing scenic flights down to theGrand Canyonand also fighting forest fires. In 1991 it was purchased and rebuilt by Kal-Aero and then donated to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo.
Both Tri-Motors can carry up to ten passengers at a time, and every seat has a window. Passengers are encouraged to bring a camera to record and share this experience. Tickets purchased in advance are $70 for adults; walk up tickets are $75 and $50 for children 17 years old and under.
2013 fall tours begin at the end of August and run through November of 2013. Encompassing 15 different states. Book your spot on the historic “Tin Goose” through a secure flight- reservation system at www.flytheford.org, EAA’s Tri-Motor tour website. You can also pre-book a flight by calling 1-800-843-3612.
About EAA
EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 176,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.
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