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EAA Chapter 309 brought the 1929 EAA Ford Tri-Motor to Charlotte! The event was hosted by the Concord Regional Airport in Concord, NC, the NASCAR Airport of America and the designated relief airport for the Charlotte Douglas Airport.
The Charlotte area public had a rare chance to experience the early days of air travel in an aircraft that made aviation history. The Ford Tri-Motor was the airplane that gave rise to scheduled passenger flights. The first scheduled passenger flight, as well as the first scheduled air freight flight, took place in a Ford Tri-Motor. The EAA Tri-Motor is the actual plane that was 1 of 2 used to start Eastern Airlines passenger service! On May 17,1938, Eastern Airlines flew the first scheduled airline passenger flight into Charlotte. The Carolinas Aviation Museum at the Charlotte Douglas Airport, the premier aviation museum in the Carolinas, is now housed in the original airport facility. All major airlines began with a Tri-Motor.
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! All major airlines started with the Ford Tri-Motor.
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! All major airlines started with the Ford Tri-Motor.
After an arduous, twelve-year restoration process by EAA staff, volunteers and with assistance from Ford Tri-Motor operators nationwide, the old Tri-Motor once again took to the air. Its official debut was at the 1985 EAA convention in Oshkosh. It was displayed in the AirVenture Museum until 1991 when it returned to its former role of delighting passengers and now with local EAA Chapter Sponsored rides over their home town at very modest prices. Ford Tri-Motor NC8407 is the flagship of EAA’s Pioneer Airport, a part of the AirVenture Museum experience. It is even a Movie Star!
A local newspaper columnist reports on his Ford Tri-Motor "flight back in time" at Concord Regional Airport. Thanks to O.C. Stonestreet for his great article that was published in the Statesville Record & Landmark and the Concord Independent Tribune.
If I am again fortunate to Chair this event I will definately invite Make-A-Wish to participate! Watch this priceless video to see part of the thrill of the Ford Tri-Motor!
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