PowerPoint Presentation

HAVE YOU FLOWN IN A FORD LATELY?

Sound on, click advanceMUSIC: Eric Robertson Baby James

a Jerry C Smith production 2012

On May 19, 2012, I was once again privilegedto ride in a vintage Ford Tri-Motor , Model 4-AT-E. Yep; Ford, like the car. Ford built these aircraft for early airline use. Ford NC8407 now belongs to the ExperimentalAircraft Association . She was barnstorming at Shelby County Airport (KEET), transporting dozens of local folks way back into aviation history. Built in 1929, this machine has enjoyed a colorful career

There were only 199 Ford Tri-Motors built; 18 are still flying today. Theycost about $42,000 to build; equivalent to todays $529,000. By contrast, theFord Model As parked under her wing sold for about $500 ($6300 today).Based upon similar designs by GermanysFokker and Junkers companies, Fords Tri-Motor kick-started Americas airline industry.

Yep; those are Ford auto steering wheels

Talk about control pressure!

NC8407 originally came with threePratt & Whitney Whirlwind engines, @ 300hp each, but now hasP&W Wasp @450hp. Fuel burnaverages 15-20 gallons per hour, per engine , which yields about1.5mpg at an average cruise of 85-90mph. Not bad, though, considering a total of 1350hp, with 9-13 passengers and two crew aboard a 83 year old airliner.

Our pilot, EAA volunteer Rand Siegfried

Our senior passenger,Mr. Mize ofOdenville, AL.

At age 96, hewas a teenager when this plane was built.

Okay, folks; time to board

Something old, something new.

Running up the engines

You folks all ready to fly?

Shelby County, Ford 407 on one six main for takeoff32

She lifts off so gently you dont notice

North at US31 , Pelham,AL I-65 at far right

One of many limestone quarries in Shelby County

Low & slow.note plane shadow

One of the worlds most beautiful sounds

Tank farm, Pelham, I-65tanks were once flattened by a tornado

Each passenger has a picture window seat

Upwind approach to 16 pattern

Midfield crossover into pattern

Turning final

Taxiing to apronWhat a wondrous ride!Thanks for joining us.

And a very special thanks to the Experimental Aircraft Association for making such things possible.