Got To Fly Right Seat In A Ford Trimotor Today

[FAC257]

I was outside at work earlier this week when I heard the distinct sound of an older aircraft. Caught a Ford Trimotor just over the tree line, flying low along the beach heading north. Figured it was heading into KSRQ.

As soon as I got out of work this AM, I headed up to the airport and went for a flight and got to fly shotgun in the co-pilot's seat.






Heading west out over Sarasota Bay.





A few moments of hands on the wheel while the pilot snapped several photos. Really surprised at how light on the controls she is.



These guys were all smiles until I yelled back, "I'm an A2A beta pilot and I need to practice making passengers scream." .......Just kidding.



Heading back to KSRQ.



What a blast. I was smiling all the way home.

[Oracle427]

WOW! That's awesome to have had the opportunity to fly it. It looks somewhat roomy in there. The "yokes" crack me up.

[Lewis - A2A]

WOW, thats awesome, how'd you manage to get up front, luck or some sweet talking?

cheers,
Lewis

[Ian Warren]

Look at the day GORGEOUS .. then course how the camera has photoed the prop .. so extra COOL

[Killratio]

Brilliant Mate! Congrats.

[FAC257]

Lewis,

The right seat spot just sort of happened. Two of us from work went up with all intentions of just riding in the back.

When we got there, the whole atmosphere was really casual, very few people, and the EAA guys were all as friendly as you could ever ask for.

As we were getting ready to sign in, one of the volunteers that we had been talking to about the aircraft, mentioned that for a few dollars more anyone could fly right seat. SOLD!
We split up, with my fellow worker taking the next flight, and I took the flight after.

The pilot was just as friendly and approachable as the rest of the EAA guys.

Flying up front in an antique airliner, with passengers, window open, and my elbow out the window, over the water on a beautiful day. It was way too cool.

[AviationAtWar]

That's great! They came around with the Trimotor to my airport when Aluminum Overcast was being rebuilt after the gear up accident. I didn't have any extra money then and had just bought a house but I still regret not spending the money on a flight. I did hang out at the airport for a decent amount of time and I do remember somebody getting their log book signed off on after having flown right seat.

[Scott - A2A]

There is something about the trimotor that looks so relaxing to fly. What a blast. Scott

[sixgun]

Found this old trimotor video from back in the day. Cross country in 48 hours. Was stationed at Clovis when they finally had to teardown the old Lindbergh hanger about 20 years ago for safety reasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ6DynEDxaw

[Dogsbody55]

Lucky man!!! Has the smile gone from your face yet???


Cheers,
Mike

[Katana1000]

Awesome, you are a very lucky Guy!

The Trimotor would be another good candidate for a future A2A aircraft, Hint Hint

[Paul K]

That must have been a very interesting and entertaining flight, FAC. Unusual too - there's not many who get to sit in the right hand seat of a Trimotor. Much enjoyed the pictures - those Ford steering wheels remind me of my dad's old Anglia.

[rosariomanzo]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[n421nj]

Awesome. What a great job just flying a trimotor around all day.

[Sundog]

My parents, at Fort Myers Beach, called me when that Ford Tri-Motor had just flown over their house. It looks like that was a nice flight, thanks for sharing the pictures.