Fly the Ford: Experience The Golden Age of Aviation

The EAA flies the 1929 Ford Tri-Motor to the Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation in September for an opportunity to take flight in the "Tin Goose!"

A one-of-a-kind flight experience landed at the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation when the Experimental Aircraft Association’s immaculate 1929 Ford Tri-Motor adventure came to Sioux City, Iowa on September 4-7th, 2014. 

Passengers had the opportunity to experience a flight aboard the world's first mass-produced airliner. During the EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor Tour, passengers traveled  back to the early days of what was considered luxurious commercial air travel. The Ford Tri-Motor, known as the ’Tin Goose’ was first built by the Ford Motor Company in the late 1920’s. EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor was constructed in 1929 and has a colorful history, with roles ranging from service as a Cuban airliner to fighting forest fires and transporting smoke jumpers. The airplane also has a Hollywood pedigree making cameo appearances in major motion pictures, including "Public Enemies" starring Johnny Depp.

"The Tin Goose"
The Tri-Motor was the first all-metal, multi-engine transport in the United States. It was named " Ford’s Tri-Motor aircraft, nicknamed “The Tin Goose,” was designed to build another new market, airline travel. To overcome concerns of engine reliability, Ford specified three engines and added features for passenger comfort, such as an enclosed cabin. The first three Tri-Motors built seated the pilot in an open cockpit, as many pilots doubted a plane could be flown without direct “feel of the wind.” The Tin Goose" & "The Model T Of The Air" because its three 1,260 horsepower Pratt & Whitney Engines.