Flying The Ford

Was just talking with a buddy about the airplanes from the EAA. It brought this back.

This is from a couple of years ago when I had the opportunity to fly right seat in one of their original Ford Tri-Motors. Not a replica, not something newly built, but one of the actual aircraft still flying.

The Ford Tri-Motor first flew in 1926 and became one of the earliest successful passenger airliners in the United States. Built by the Ford Motor Company, it was designed to bring some level of reliability and scale to commercial aviation. All-metal construction, corrugated aluminum skin, and three radial engines for redundancy at a time when engine failures were not uncommon. It typically carried around 8 to 12 passengers and was used by early airlines like Transcontinental Air Transport, which later became part of TWA.

The Experimental Aircraft Association keeps a couple of these flying as part of their touring program, bringing them around the country so people can experience early commercial aviation the way it actually was. No attempt to modernize the experience. You feel the vibration, hear the engines, and see exactly what passengers in the late 1920s and 30s would have experienced.

From the right seat, it’s a different perspective. You’re not just along for the ride, you’re watching how it all works, how it feels in the air, how much of it is still hands-on compared to anything modern.

They call them the “Tin Goose,” and once you’re up there, you understand why. It’s not about speed or efficiency. It’s about being part of something that defined the beginning of airline travel.

More of my aviation photography and everything in between at https://www.secondfocus.com

May 4, 2026 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: 1920s aviation, aircraft interior, all metal aircraft, antique aircraft, aviation enthusiast, aviation history, aviation photography, classic airplanes, cockpit view, commercial aviation history, corrugated aluminum, eaa, early aviation, experimental aircraft association, flight deck view, flight experience, flying experience, ford tri motor, Ford Trimotor, historic aviation, historic flight, museum aircraft flying, Palm Springs aviation, pilot perspective, radial engines, right seat, secondfocus photography, tin goose, tri motor airplane, vintage aircraft, warbird adjacent | Leave a comment