The Tallahassee area will be visited soon by the EAA Ford Tri-motor. This April 6-9 (Thursday-Sunday), the pioneer airliner developed by the Ford Motor Company will be based at the Tallahassee International Airport for the public to come out and see close-up, take pictures, and even take rides for a modest fee. It will be located at the north ramp near the old terminal Compass Pointe facility.

The Ford Tri-Motor, one of the first mass produced all-metal designs of the airline industry, performed in a variety of capacities as a civilian airliner, a military transport, and as a research/exploration aircraft. Built in the late 1920s and early 1930s, its reputation for rugged reliability extended its service life several decades to well past World War II. 

It was the first aircraft to fly over the South Pole with the Admiral Byrd Antarctic expedition in 1928. Yet, it was still being used as a “flying school bus” transporting children living on the Lake Erie islands to school on a daily basis as late as the 1970s.

The EAA has two vintage Ford Tri-Motors which tour the country to provide lucky localities the rare chance to witness the historic aircraft and capture photo opportunities as well as to take rides. Advance online tickets for adults (18 years and older) are $70 per flight; $50 for children; walk-up tickets $75.

For more information or to order tickets, go online at FLYTHEFORD.ORG, or call 1-877-952-5395.