LAKEPORT, Calif. – A classic airplane will make a stop in Lakeport in January as part of a California tour.
The Ford Tri-Motor will be at Lampson Field from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, through Sunday, Jan. 22.
The tour is presented by the Experimental Aircraft Association, or EAA, based in Oshkosh, Wis.
Known as the “Tin Goose,” the Ford Tri-Motor was first built by the Ford Motor Co. in the late 1920s.
EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor was constructed in 1929 and has a colorful history, with roles ranging from service as a Cuban airliner to fighting forest fires and transporting smoke jumpers.
After a thunderstorm flipped and nearly destroyed the airplane in 1973, EAA founder Paul Poberezny purchased the aircraft. It then underwent a 12-year restoration to return to flying status with many of the same features it had in the late 1920s.
Since then, it has been hangared at the EAA AirVenture Museum’s historic Pioneer Airport when it is not on its national tours or making special appearances.
The airplane also has a Hollywood pedigree, as it made cameo appearances in two major
motion pictures – 1965’s “The Family Jewels” starring Jerry Lewis and 2009’s “Public Enemies”
starring Johnny Depp.
Community members will have a chance to purchase a 15-minute ride on the plane, the world's first mass-produced airline and a piece of American aviation history.
EAA’s Tri-Motor can carry up to 10 passengers at a time, with every seat a window seat that offers the chance to see Lake County's scenery from a new vantage point. Passengers are encouraged to bring a camera to record and share this experience.
Tickets are $75 per person adult for adults (or $70 if booked online prior to Jan. 19) and $50 for children under 18. Rides are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
People also are welcome to come and view the plane for free.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.flytheford.org .
Classic Ford Tri-Motor plane comes to Lake County in January
- Lake County News reports
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