Ford Tri-Motor Tin Goose landing, giving rides at Wayne County Airport

WOOSTER −Unknown to many, Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Co. were pioneers in aviation when in the 1920s they designed and built the Ford Tri-Motor, the airplane that became the first regularly scheduled passenger airliner. One of the few surviving Ford Tri-Motors, also referred to as the “Tin Goose,” will be flying over the skies of Northeast Ohio from Aug. 17-20.

The Ford Tri-Motor Tour, hosted by the EAA and Northeast Ohio’s local EAA Chapter 846, will offer ticketed flights to the public in the historic airplane at the Wayne County Airport (BJJ).

This particular Tri-Motor was completed and first flew in 1928 and was serial No. 8. It has an intriguing history that includes roles ranging from service over the Grand Canyon in the 1930s and later as an airliner in Honduras. It was also a showpiece as part of Harrah’s auto and aircraft collection in Nevada. After a long period as a museum showpiece, the aircraft was purchased by the Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton, in 2014 and restored to its current flight status.

This is the third time a Tri-Motor has visited Wayne County. In 2015, residents were so enthusiastic about the plane, EAA Chapter 846 decided it was time to bring her back in 2019, and again in 2023. Over and over, members of EAA Chapter 846 heard passengers tell them about how, as children, the Tri-Motor was the first airplane they had flown in, when taking Island Airlines to the Lake Erie Islands. Now, they are able to share the experience with their own children, and those who have never flown in a Tri-Motor can step back in time and relive history.

The Tri-Motor will offer rides to 10 passengers at a time, and every seat has a window. Passengers are encouraged to take a camera to record and share the experience.

Tickets are purchased in advance and are $95 for adults and $65 for children 17 years old and under. Booking a spot on the Tin Goose is possible through a secure flight-reservation system at www.flytheford.org, EAA’s Tri-Motor Tour website. The public also can pre-book a flight by calling 1-877-952-5395.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Ford Tri-Motor offers Tin Goose rides from Wayne County Airport