Henry Ford mobilized millions of Americans and created a new market with his Model T “Tin Lizzie” automobile from 1909 to 1926. After World War I, he recognized the potential for mass air transportation. 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”.
Ford Motor Company built 199 Tri-Motors from 1926 through 1933. EAA’s model 4-AT-E was number 146 off Ford’s innovative assembly line and first flew on August 21, 1929. It was sold to Pitcairn Aviation’s passenger division, Eastern Air Transport, whose paint scheme is replicated on EAA’s Tri-Motor. This is why our Ford resides in the Pitcairn hangar at Pioneer Airport. Eastern Air Transport later became Eastern Airlines.
In 1930, NC8407 was leased to Cubana Airlines, where it inaugurated air service between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The airplane was later flown by the government of the Dominican Republic.
EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor returned to the U.S. in 1949 for barnstorming use. In 1950, it was moved from Miami, Florida, to Phoenix, Arizona, and was refitted with more powerful engines for use as a crop duster. With two 450 HP engines and one 550 HP engine, it became the most powerful Model 4-AT ever flown. In 1955 it was moved to Idaho and fitted with two 275 gallon tanks and bomb doors for use as a borate bomber in aerial firefighting. Then in 1958, it was further modified for use by smoke jumpers.
After working for a variety of crop spraying businesses, EAA’s Tri-Motor moved to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1964, where its new owner flew barnstorming tours. During this period it had a variety of roles, including serving as the primary setting for the Jerry Lewis comedy, “The Family Jewels.”
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I got to fly in this one twice. The second time upfront with the pilot. It was in Casper Wyoming a few years ago. The pilot was an amazing guy. He greased both landings.
that is very cool!
My father (born 1903 - died 1973) told me as a young one that he had only flown once in his life. In 1930 in a Ford Tri-Motor. I would love to follow in his footsteps before the FTM (and me) are gone.
Great story on the Ford Tri- Motor. Brings back memories when I was 18, year 1969, got to fly one at Santee, S.C at the "Wings and Wheels" museum. I had a J-3 Cub and flew there from Orangeburg, S.C. My friend was a pilot who flew the airplane (N9612) to haul passengers for rides. I got to sit in the co-pilot's seat,and go up for ride. The passengers sat in seats that looked like wooden baskets. It was like flying a bus, lot of leg work for rudders and slow ailerons, sensitive on the elevator. Fun to fly though.
That's so cool!
Love how you recorded other people instead of the plane taking off. Really nice video young lady😂
Wow! I have always loved this plane. I flew in a b-17 once, and would love to be in one of these great aircraft. Wonderful people still care to keep them flying. What a nice guy that pilot was!
The pilot was awesome
Wow - a flying Model A! Terrifying & awesome at once....
My wife and I flew the tri-motor at Put-in-Bay
I flew on this plane each of the 4 days it was here in North Platte, NE before it came there. Bill Thacker is an amazing and the plane ...well beyond amazing ! I almost drove to Colorado (where I'm originally from) to fly again.
It’s such a cool plane to fly in, isn’t it? So much history
It really is ! The plane has a regal aura to her, a truly grand lady! Also to think about the innovation in her build. It's just awesome. I did 2 flights in passenger cabin and 3 in co-pilot seat (which was really awesome)! Truly an experience I will never forget and worth every dollar spent! Thank you so much for this great video!
Very very good, it must be very exciting to fly in one of these...
Lovely !
My Grandfather flew for United. Pacific Air Transport had a fleet of six that they purchased new. My Grandfather was killed on take off in inclement weather 1-24-33. NC431-H Dawson. He also flew mail in Model 40's CAM Route 8.
Very cool
A very experienced TW pilot once told me the Trimotor was the hardest airplane he had ever flown?
i've hears she is a tricky one at times, and this guy seemed to really fly this plane well.
There are gauges on the engine body outside amazing!!! 6:15
I would love to fly in the famous F30! Where I can reserve a seat? Thanks.
At 7:04 you see Charlton Heston, enjoying his plane ride.
My first ride on a airplane, Island airways, Putin in bay Ohio
Did you sell the Sunrader yet?
I decided not to sell
The SOUND IS AMAZING!!! After the Flight you should have had a nice Cocktail, in a nice Bar with the RUDY VALLEE ORCHESTRA😂🤣🍸🎷🪕🪗🎺