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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.