Good morning everyone. I've heard that there are some Ford Tri-motors and Stinson Trimotors still giving rides. Has anyone ever flown/flown in one of these Grand Old Ladies? The EAA Trimotor tour is limited to a few northern venues, and I am hoping to find a more southerly Trimotor. I have always been fascinated with early air travel, and how big some of these early technology planes developed to be before the Boeing 247 and especially Douglas DC-2/3. Another one I'd really like to see fly is the huge Boeing Biplane Airliner displayed in Seattle. I forget the type, but -- wow. Although I can not afford it, I also still look longingly at the Hamilton Metalplane in Northwest livery still on display and for sale in Minnesota. Somehow the idea of comfortably wafting along at 100+ mph at a couple/few thousand feet going somewhere has some appeal over flying crammed in with the Great Unwashed at the speed o'heat at Flight Level Zippity Do-dah. Perhaps I am ultimately destined to travel in a Pitcairn Mailwing everywhere. Would love to hear from everyone. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That biplane is the Model 80. The sole survivor is in the Museum of Flight in Seattle. I prepared a huge drawing of it showing the internal and external details of the " Pioneer Pullman of the Air" that they used to restore the airplane. It took my almost two years to accomplish and it is about six feet long. I thought that it would be a good display in front of their airplane but they weren't interested. That airplane was the first to use stewardesses ( they had to be nurses ), had a chemical toilet and a real washroom with hot and cold water. A beautiful old airplane. Switches
Bryan Godlove at Grand Canyon Valle airport (40G) is still offering type ratings in a Ford Tri-motor. I hear the cost is $12,900 now, but you can find more information from Bryan. His contact info is on their web site: http://www.valleairport.com/fordtrimotor/typerating_summary.htm I hear you can fly it by the hour as well. If you like that, Dan Gryder offers both PIC and SIC type ratings in his DC-3 near Atlanta. I know Dan-- he is a great guy. http://www.theaviatornetwork.com/
Russ, you awakened a memory that I over-looked. When I flew my old clunk down to the 1969 Merced Antique Fly In I was lucky enough to get a flight in Bill Harrah's restored Ford tri- motor. It was quite a sensation, literally. Noisy, vibrating, and slow, but great fun. Wonderful view from the cabin while I sat in a dark green leather covered seat and watched the world go by at 95 MPH and 1500 feet below. The approach speed didn't seem to be any slower than the cruise speed. Switches
