Take YOUR flight back in time this weekend in Reserve on famous “Tin Goose”
Published 12:12 am Saturday, April 28, 2018
- Pilot Cody Welch talks to passengers before taking them inside the historic Ford Tri-Motor “Tin Goose,” which is available for rides this weekend.
RESERVE — This weekend, the public is invited to fly back to a time when airplanes were a luxury and horse-drawn carriages still traversed dusty rural streets.
Constructed in 1929, the historic Ford Tri-Motor “Tin Goose” was the nation’s first commercial airliner and a precursor to all major airlines.
The historic Ford Tri-Motor “Tin Goose” was first built in 1929.
For the first time in its touring career, the Tin Goose is bringing aviation history to the River Parishes at the Port of South Louisiana’s Regional Executive Airport in Reserve.
Traveling at approximately 85 miles per hour and 1,100 feet above ground, attendees will get a scenic view of the Mississippi River, wetlands, industries and residential neighborhoods in the tri-Parish area during 15- to 20-minute flights.
The view from above in the “Tin Goose.”
Tickets are $75 for adults and $50 for children under 18, available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday at 355 Airport Road in Reserve.
Up to nine people can ride per flight, and each person gets a window seat. For more information, call title sponsor Lamarque Ford at 920-379-8348.
Port of South Louisiana Executive Director Paul Aucoin said the historic aircraft presents an opportunity to increase community education and outreach.
The view from above in the “Tin Goose.”
“This is a win-win-win,” Aucoin said. “It’s a win for Port of South Louisiana’s Regional Executive Airport because it gets us the recognition we need. It’s a win for Tri-Motor Ford because it gives insight to their airplane and all the history it represents. It’s a win for our community to be able to experience it.”
A terminal building to host business leaders and a new hangar open doors to more community involvement, Aucoin said.
Ford Tri-Motor Tour Stop and the local chapter of the International Experimental Aircraft Association are participating in the event.
Port of South Louisiana Executive Director Paul Aucoin
Pilot Cody Welch said EAA brings aviation to the public and supports the innovators who build and restore recreational aircraft.
Welch described a ride on the Tin Goose as a living trip to a museum.
Studying history is essential to future progress in aviation, he said.
Cody Welch gives media members tidbits about the plane prior to a recent flight.
The Tin Goose took flight in October 1929 and served a variety of roles in the United States and Cuba, at one point transporting smoke jumpers to fight forest fires.
The aircraft has made celebrity appearances in film and visited the lower 48 states.
Welch said the Tin Goose is slow in comparison to modern aircraft because it was made during a time when runways did not exist.
Local EAA chapter president Mike said additional fly-in events hosted at the Executive Regional Airport would allow River Parishes residents to explore aviation.
Saladino said Aviation Awareness Day, scheduled for May 5, focuses on youth and career options, while the EAA promotes research for those interested in aircraft construction or restoration.
