Ford Tri-Motor Flight

The EAA was in town this weekend, offering rides in a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor at Monroe Airport just outside of Charlotte. It is one of two that they have been touring with - one which they own, and this one, owned by the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum. I missed them when they were at Brookhaven earlier this summer, and when I heard about this visit, I immediately booked a flight for this morning. I got to the airport around 8:30 for a 9am flight, but the weather wasn't good this morning - 400 foot ceiling, fog, mist - but the forecast was for improving conditions. Finally around Noon, the ceiling rose, the sun poked through a bit, and they called us for the first flight of the day.

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Yes, that is a C-46 in the background...

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Corrugated aluminum skin, control cables routed outside the fuselage!

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This was the second flight of the day departing.

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Takeoff!

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Climb out from Monroe. That's our shadow behind the wheel.

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The flight lasted a little more than 10 minutes. We cruised at 90 knots and 1,000 feet, making a big circuit of the area before returning to the airport. The airplane carries 10 passengers, seated in rows of two with a very narrow aisle between seats. I was actually surprised at the noise level - it was loud, but even with the engine right outside the window, I was still able to talk to the passenger sitting next to me. I don't know that I would have wanted to fly cross-country in it, but it was a comfortable ride, and a great experience!

Great shots John, looks like an awesome experience. Thanks for sharing...

Very cool and great shots Moose !!:cool:

Awesome Moose! Just like a time machine.

Very cool Moose

That is one sweet looking vintage bird!

Awesome set Moose!