Flights on historic plane offered at Page Field

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A piece of aviation history lets you go up in the air and back in time.

One of seven remaining operable 1929 Ford Trimotor airplanes is stationed this week at Page Field, where it’s taking nine passengers at a time for 15-minute aerial tours Thursday through Sunday. The plane, known as the “Tin Goose,” was the first built out of metal in the U.S.

“In its time, it was very futuristic,” pilot Tom Leahy said.

Its three engines have 450 horsepower each, and the plane introduced a much more comfortable experience for passengers. Every seat is next to a window, and the interior is lined with mahogany wood.

“There was a restroom in the back and a flight attendant that would move around and serve tea and lemonade,” Leahy said.

The Trimotor quickly became obsolete as planes became more sophisticated. But it remains a key link between the first aircraft and today’s luxury liners.

“[Henry Ford] thought it would revolutionize the aviation and airline industry, and it did,” Leahy said.

Call 920-379-8348 to book a tour, and click here for more information.

WINK News reporter Michelle Kingston went live via Facebook during her flight on the plane Thursday: