VERO BEACH — A 1929 Ford Tri-Motor plane is now on display and flying people back in time as they experience a piece of aviation history. The first flight Monday in Vero Beach took Gene Fortin and Rabian Ramirez up along with members of the media. Pilot Tom Leahy and his Co-Pilot Bill Hallauer manned the plane.
“This is the first time south of Atlanta since 1989,” said Pilot Tom Leahy.
Before take-off, aviation enthusiasts, who paid $80 and signed a waiver, sat through general safety instruction like on commercial airplanes.
But, this was like no commercial air travel.
One of the main differences is that the traveler could see directly into the cockpit and the plane can only fit up to nine passengers.
Every seat has a window and is separated by an aisle. Air travel comfort in the Tri-Motor Plane is comparative to a small aircraft like one that would fly from Atlanta to Orlando, just a little more on the airy side.
The plane was manufactured in 1929. After being sold in 1930 it became Air Force One for the Dominican Republic in 1946. Later it became a crop-duster in 1949, when it was imported back to the United States.
During a storm in Wisconsin, it was lifted 30 feet and dropped to the ground breaking into three pieces.
The Experimental Aircraft Association purchased it and took the next 12 years to restore it now making appearances throughout the country.
Those interested in taking a rid on the Tri-Motor plane can do so today and Wednesday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport.
For more information visit www.flytheford.org.