KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Southwest Michigan residents can fly in a piece of aviation history this weekend at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.
Known as the first “luxury airliner,” the 1928 Ford Tri-Motor is taking to the skies of Kalamazoo and offering tours to the public.
Volunteer Pilot Dave Ross says 199 of these 10-passenger airplanes were built by Ford Motor Company in Dearborn between 1926 and 1933.
“It’s like reliving travel back in the early 30’s, everyone comes off smiling,” Ross said.
He explained that one of the perks of the small aircraft is that everyone gets an isle seat and a window seat.
Residents can see the aircraft for free Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at RAI Jets 5825 Willoughby Drive in Portage or purchase a ride.
Each flight experience is approximately 30 minutes, with about 15 minutes in the air. The Tri-Motor also burns about 1 gallon of fuel per minute between all 3 engines.
Walk up tickets are $77 for adults, $52 for anyone under 17.
Ginger DeVillers, CEO of the Plainwell Aviation and STEM Academy says 50% of the proceeds from this weekend’s flights go to their youth programs which help teach kids math and science and eventually how to fly with actual air time.
The rest of the money covers maintenance costs to keep the Tri-Motor up and running.Flight information can be found on the EAA’s website as well as more information about the Tri-Motor.
