Ford Tri-Motor

Photo's By Xavier Meal

Forward View/Cabin Area                         Forward View / Cabin Front

Forward View / Luggage Area                           Cockpit / Controls

Rear View / Cabin Area

One of the most important events in selling aviation to the general public was the entry of Henry Ford into aircraft manufacturing. The Ford automobile was at the time the symbol of reliability and it followed in the minds of a good many people that a Ford airplane would be safe to fly. The Ford Tri-motor was a rugged, all metal, dependable transport airplane which won a permanent place in aviation history.

The first 4-AT (for Air Transport) made its maiden flight on June 11, 1926. Between its first flight and July 27, 1931, 71   4-AT were built. The Tri-motor, with three 220 hp Wright J-5 engines, became a successful 12 to 14 passenger transporter. The 5-AT became the most famous of the five Ford Tri-motors. By the time Ford stopped producing aircraft. In 1933, 199 Ford Tri-motors had been built. In May of 1930, the 5-AT sold for $40,000. Four years later, used 5-AT's were selling for $5,000. More than 100 airlines from around the world flew the Ford Tri-motor. They were used on the first transcontinental route and were flown by Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) later to become known as (TWA.)

This Museum's Ford Tri-motor is the oldest one in existence and has been flown by Harry Brooks, Ford's Chief Pilot. This is the airplane that was used to fly Charles Lindbergh's mother to Mexico City to see her son. Charles Lindbergh himself also flew this airplane.

Go to "Ford Tri-Motor" web site for more history on this aircraft.