Ford Tri-motor Flight at Erie International Airport
On July 3, 2013, the EAA AirVenture Museum
flew a Ford Tri-motor
(aka "Tin Goose") into Erie International Airport, and offered rides for $75 per
seat. Normally, rides in vintage aircraft cost much more than $75, so Melanie and
I jumped at the chance. We got about a 16-minute ride out to Presque Isle and around
Presque Isle Bay. The experience of flying in an aircraft with three radial engines
was definitely worth the investment, especially since it was a cool day, winds were
light, and the visibility was unlimited with a little haze. Even with finely balanced
propellers and 9-cylinder radial engines, the vibration level was very notable.
Unless you are an airplane lover who responds to such stimulation the way a newborn
baby responds to its mother's heartbeat, I can understand how hours-long flights
might have been a bit wearisome for passengers of yesteryear.
I filmed the entire flight from beginning to end, but unfortunately the flight
back and landing were lost due to a technical difficulty (i.e., cranial recutmitis
on my part). However, the takeoff and flight out video survived.
A B-17 is due here on July 20, but at $375 per seat we'll have to settle for
a walk through the airplane while it is on the ground. I'm still waiting for an
opportunity to fly in a DC-3 / C-47. Maybe someday...
Here are some detailed drawings of the Ford Tri-motor, and here are a couple photos
with the in-flight video below. Enjoy.
Ford Trimotor at Erie international Airport
Melanie with the Ford Trimotor
Passengers Boarding Ford Trimotor at Erie Int'l Airport
Presque Isle Bay from Ford Trimotor (see Brig Niagara)
I-79 Highway from Ford Trimotor (Erie, PA)
Ford Trimotor Flight Video at Erie International
Airport
Posted July 13, 2013
About Airplanes & Rockets
Kirt Blattenberger
Carpe Diem! (Seize the Day!)
Even during the busiest times of my life I have endeavored to maintain some form
of model building activity. This site has been created to help me chronicle my journey
through a lifelong involvement in model aviation, which
all began in Mayo, MD
...
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