Ford Tri-Motor 4K

April 28, 2023, EAA brought one of the two flying Ford Tri-Motor passenger aircraft to Tullahoma, Tennessee. It's from 1929... and the Tri-Motor was the first purpose-built passenger aircraft ever made. The Darling Bride and I were thrilled by the opportunity to spend a little time in the air aboard this gorgeous piece of aviation history!

Only 199 Tri-Motors were built: and only two are known to still be in flyable condition. This one has been meticulously restored to its former glory as a massive 10-passenger aircraft.

First-class appointments are everywhere: from the curtains to the courtesy lights and periscope air vents, the Ford Tri-Motor helped ease public fears about flying and ushered in the era of passenger air travel.