Historic plane flies in Findlay

A 95-year-old airplane is the center of attention at the inaugural Wings & Wheels car show this weekend at the Findlay Airport. An original 1928 Ford Tri-Motor commercial plane, which seats 10 passengers and two pilots, will be providing rides Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the airport, 1615 Gray St. It's the first transcontinental plane modeled after a train cart. And, some are calling it the original "built Ford tough." "Every seat has a window, every seat has an aisle," said Gary Baker, a retired United Airlines pilot who will fly the plane for riders this weekend. "It has lights and vents." Baker said the ride is smooth, lasts about 15 minutes and goes no faster than 85 miles per hour around the boundary of Findlay. In 1929, the plane would take passengers from New York to Los Angeles, turning a seven-day train ride into a two-day trip. And, 95 years later, it's still flying. Currently the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton owns the plane and is leasing it to the Experimental Aircraft Association for the event, Volunteer and Tour Coordinator Jim Betounes said. The association does have their own plane, Betounes said, but it is out of service for maintenance. The plane for this weekend's event will be returned to the museum at the end of the year. Rides in the 1928 Ford Tri-Motor are available at cost, between $65 and $95, and passengers can buy tickets at the airport. Rides take off when the plane has enough passengers. Along with the plane rides, Wings & Wheels attendees can view other planes with local pilots, historical and modern vehicles, food trucks and a craft and vendor market. The car show starts at 10 a.m., with awards being handed out starting at 3 p.m. The show is free to attend, but registration for cars is $15.