The Experimental Aircraft Association is giving the public a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to take a ride in a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor airliner and experience the ultimate bird's-eye view of the Spa City.
Over the weekend, the EAA will give rides in the aircraft from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets for adults can be purchased in advance at a discounted rate at http://glytheford.org. Children 17 and younger fly for $50 and walk-up pricing for adults is $75.
"Henry Ford built this aircraft and decided to put three engines on it. When people would ask him the question 'What if an engine fails?' he could guarantee that the plane would not go down," flight crew member Jim Heimzelman said.
"I've had about 300 landings in this plane. She cannot fly for an extended period of time but she still loves to fly nonetheless," pilot Bill Sleeper said.
The nearly 20-minute plane ride takes off from Hot Springs Memorial Field and loops around the city, flying over Lake Hamilton and a large portion of Central Avenue. The aircraft holds up to 10 passengers at a time and every seat has a window with a spectacular view. One lucky passenger gets to sit in the co-pilot's seat at the front of the plane.
Passengers can bring cameras and camcorders on board. An adult must accompany children younger than 16. Children younger than 2 years old can be carried free of charge in an adult's lap. Access to the airplane is generally easy with two normal-sized steps used to enter the cabin. Seats are individual (no double seats) and separated by an aisle with seat belt extensions available.
The inside of the plane is fully restored to reflect what the plane may have looked like after it was first built by Ford in 1929. A small aisle separates the two rows of window-lined seating, leading straight to the cockpit of the aircraft. Three large engines adorn the nose and each wing of the plane.
Email [email protected] or call 800-843-3612 for more information.
Local on 05/11/2018