‘Tin Goose’ Ford Tri-Motor Tours this weekend at the Carson City Airport

A week before the Carson City Airport Open House, aviation enthusiasts can get a thrill of the vintage aircraft variety this weekend aboard the "Tin Goose." The airplane will soar Saturday and Sunday over the capital city, taking community members on rides both days.

The 'Tin Goose' is one of the few remaining flying Ford Tri-Motors in the world. It takes guests on tours above Carson City and back in time to when the plane made air travel extravagant, organizers say. Its visit was made possible through EAA Chapter 403.

In 1927, Ford Motor Company produced the Ford Tri-motor, one of the first all-metal airplanes. It was often referred to as the"Tin Goose" or "Flying Washboard."

It was the first plane created to carry passengers rather the mail, with a seating capacity of 12. As the name indicates, the airplane had three engines, which allowed it to fly higher and faster than other airplanes of the same time period. The Trimotor could reach speeds up to 130 miles per hour. A Ford 4-AT-15 Trimotor monoplane, piloted by Berndt Balehen, was used in the first flight over the South Pole in November of 1929.

The 'Tin Goose' is taking tours at the Carson City Airport at 2500 E. College Parkway, rides are $75 adults, $50 kids 17 and under. The flying event continues through Sunday. Plenty of walk-up space available. Call onsite crew at 920-379-8348 for more information.

The plane's arrival comes a week before the Carson City Airport's annual open house, which will be Saturday, June 20 at the Carson City Airport.

The open house event kicks off at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast for purchase provided by Experimental Aircraft Association. The EAA-Young Eagles program will be taking sign-ups for free plane rides for children which will be scheduled for Sunday, June 21.

Flybys begin at 9:30 A.M. and include sky divers and an exhilarating field of planes: P51 Mustang, War Birds, T6 Texan, T33 Shooting Star, F86 Sabre Jet, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and more. Planes/helicopters will be landing at the airport for public viewing.

The full host of events includes hot air balloon rides, a bouncy house, face painting, paper airplane contests, various aircraft, food and drink vendors, as well as performances from local dance, tumbling and martial arts studios.

Carson City Airport, located at, 2600 College Parkway, is used regularly by general aviation aircraft, corporate aircraft, and important flight operations including: fire-fighting operations, air ambulance medical flights, and Law Enforcement among others. The airport also offers support for flight schools, air charter services, aircraft sales, aircraft fueling and aircraft maintenance services, as well as being an important hub for business, pleasure, and legislative sessions.

"Collectively, we are dedicated to expanding education and lifelong learning opportunities in the aviation and aerospace fields," added Airport Manager Rowe. "Sadly, these areas are not seeing the volume of interest from young people they once experienced. Ultimately, this will lead to shortages in qualified pilots, maintenance personnel and aerospace engineers.

"The Carson City Airport understands the economic significance of aviation and aerospace to Carson City. Carson City Airport is proud to offer such an outstanding, free event to our community. We encourage everyone to attend,” said Rowe.

The purpose of the Carson City Airport Open House is to raise community awareness of the importance of aviation and aerospace for Carson City and Nevada’s economy. The economic impact of the airport to the local community is estimated at over $30 million annually. Additionally, the event will focus on educating and encouraging our young people to consider careers in the areas of robotics, aviation and aerospace.
For more information on The Carson City Airport Open House, visit FlyCarsonCity.com or call 775.841.2255.