You’ve probably flown on a passenger aircraft before, but did you ever stop to think about where it all began? Port Clinton, Ohio-based Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation (419-635-6383) is bringing history to life.
The team of volunteers has been working on this 1929 aircraft for over 10 years, and they need your help to return it to the skies. It’s not every day you get a chance to support such an important historical project, and when it’s done, you could even experience your own flight into the past.
Go to https://www.restoretheford.org for more information.
The Liberty Aviation Museum already hosts one flying example of the Ford Tri-Motor, which played an important role in the birth of commercial passenger aviation. Through renewed interest and support over the next 12 months, the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation hopes to provide further opportunities for all of us to learn about this piece of aviation history.
Flown by Island Airlines, Ford Tri-Motors serviced remote communities on the Lake Erie Islands from 1946 until the 1980s. In over 5 decades of operation, the aircraft spawned a range of commercial aviation roles that we all take for granted, including passenger transport, medical services, mail transport, and air cargo. We think it deserves a little thanks and support from everyone.
Long replaced by more advanced aircraft, the Tri-Motors and the role they played have largely been forgotten. A team of dedicated volunteers, formed by local private pilot Ken Benjamin, set about the current restoration project in 2004. In the intervening years, substantial progress has been made on elements of the fuselage and wings, and you can now see them for yourself in a hangar at the Liberty Aviation Museum.
While some sections are well advanced, the foundation states that much work remains in order to return the aircraft to the skies. Along with funding, the foundation is also seeking donations of critical elements like engines, seats, landing gear strut assemblies, oil coolers, and radio equipment. Big or small, your help will get the old girl airborne again.
About Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation
Registered as a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation was formed with the sole aim of preserving a piece of American aviation history. In addition to providing an opportunity for you to experience a flight in one of these historic aircraft, the foundation also aims to educate all of us on the unique and colorful story that they played a leading role in.
This is a fascinating part of our history that many of us might not be aware of, and you have an opportunity to help.
See where it all began. Click on https://www.restoretheford.org so you can learn more.
