December 16, 2016
Pilot Bill Sleeper directs volunteers at the Pine Mountain Lake Airport in Groveland, California, as he moves a 1928 Ford Tri-Motor airplane into a hangar on Friday, December 16, 2016.
This Ford Tri-Motor NC9645, nicknamed The Tin Goose, has a wingspan of 77 feet 6 inches and was constructed in 1928. It was named the City of Wichita, and it was used to introduce the first coast-to-coast passenger air/rail service in the United States on July 7, 1929, and the development and inauguration of the first all air passenger service on October 25, 1930. The plane can carry up to 10 passengers.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is a worldwide organization of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 185,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring aircraft. Pine Mountain Lake’s EAA Chapter 1337 is hosting the airline’s visit.