The Tin Goose is landing in Sandusky

Technology has connected the world we live in today like never before in human history, and as a result, it can be easily forgotten how far mankind has come in just a relatively short time. In some ways it is impossible for the younger generation to even fathom what life was like a almost a century ago, but the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will be offering a glimpse of that fabled past as they bring the Tin Goose, a restored 1929 Ford Tri-Motor airplane, to the Griffing-Sandusky Airport from July 2-6.

Visitors will be able to admire and inspect the plane up close on the runway and take a flight over beautiful Sandusky Bay. Tickets for the 15-20 minute flight are $60 per person ($50 for EAA members), and can be purchased either at the airfield or at the EAA's website, flytheford.org.

EAA Chapter 50, which meets at Hinde Airport in Huron, is bringing the Tin Goose to Sandusky as part of the plane's seven-city tour of the Great Lakes region. Bill Gleason, secretary of Chapter 50, has been involved in aviation for over 50 years. He's thrilled to have such an iconic plane here and believes that anyone with even a slight interest in flying should come.

“If you like airplanes, you definitely need to be here,” Gleason said, adding that “last time we got 961 people to ride.” The plane itself, a Ford Tri-motor, has a nine-passenger capacity and a long and distinguished history. Gleason recounted that “Henry Ford once flew to Cleveland in this plane, then when he arrived he got out and assembled two Model A automobiles, just to show people how reliable everything was.”

In addition to service in the United States, the plane was popular around the world, even serving as the presidential plane for Cuba at one point in time, according to Gleason.

The Huron Chapter of the EAA is also hosting a dance on July 3 from 6-10 p.m. Party with the Planes is a rare opportunity to be around and enjoy classic aircraft, all the while dancing the night away as the 18-piece Swing City Big Band provides music for the evening. In addition to the music and dancing there will be a military vehicle display for a backdrop as well as refreshments and a cash bar. Tickets for the dance are $13 and can be obtained at the airport.

Chapter 50 of the EAA provides services to the community, aside from bringing classic airplanes to the area such as the Tin Goose. The organization works to promote and share a love of the skies with its members. It also serves over 1,000 area kids, including boy scouts striving for aviation-related merit badges (at no cost), by providing activities that help promote an interest in flight to younger generations.

Gleason is proud of the work done by his club and the entertainment that the Tin Goose will soon be providing.

In his mind there is no decision to make regarding whether or not to come.

“Absolutely. Come out and enjoy the fabulous view as we fly over the Sandusky Bay,” Gleason said, “and experience what it's like to ride an airplane from 1929.”