The unique tri-motor will be featured at the 22nd-annual event, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kingsford airport.

“It is very difficult to get this plane, as it’s only available through EAA National for four-day tour stops,” said Tom Sullivan, president of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 439. “It hasn’t been here for about 10 years and was very successful (then).”

Sullivan explained that Henry Ford flew on a Tri-Motor to the area when he first built his factories.

“That was the time of the Model T or Model A and it would take you days to get here,” he added. He could fly up here in four hours.

The A-26 Invader The Silver Dragon will again be on display at Ford Airport Day on Saturday in Kingsford. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News file photo)

The EAA acquired the 10-passenger plane in the mid-1960s and has been restored several times.

The Ford Tri-Motor is now close to its original design, including wicker seats, all with a window view and wood paneling.

This weekend the plane will take passengers for a scenic view of the area.

Flights are available Friday and Saturday, and if demand is needed on Sunday morning. Cost is $105 for adults and 17 and younger is $87. To book a flight go to the www.eaa.org/flight-experiences/fly-the-ford-eaa-ford-tri-motor-airplane-tour/registration. Walk-ins will be accommodated as well.

The tri-motor is one of two available for the public to ride. The EAA campaigns around the country with the recent stop in Traverse City.

Spectators can check out the A-26 Invader The Silver Dragon, a World War II Bomber based at the Kingsford Airport.

“He will be flying all day doing formation flights, overpasses, etc.,” Sullivan said. “It’s a really loud, notable airplane — when it flies over, you will know it.”

In addition to the large variety of aircraft on display, participants can witness a thrilling air show.

“One of the reasons we host the event each year is to provide an opportunity to get up close to the planes and talk to the pilots,” Sullivan said. “This is one of the very few times people can get access to these areas of the airport.”

They want the community to see what a benefit Ford Airport is to the local area as well, he said.

Sullivan said they have many activities planned for kids throughout the day.

Youth are invited to operate drones inside the hanger.

Kids also can enjoy the kiddie train, pedal planes and the Snoopy flight simulator, where they sit in an airplane replica and use the joystick to virtually fly the plane and try to shoot down the Red Baron.

A bounce house is an added feature to the kids’ activities.

They will offer Young Eagle Flights to those ages 8 to 17. Pre-registration is encouraged for these flights, as space is limited. Those interested can go to yeday.org to sign up and select one of the time slots available for this weekend.

Sullivan noted that as long as the weather cooperates, they will be able to give 50 to 100 kids an airplane ride.

“There’s a lot available for them — it’s an event for the whole family,” he said.

In conjunction with the airport activities, a custom car show will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vehicle entry begins at 9:30 a.m., with trophies awarded at 2 p.m.

This now is the only car show in the area, he said.

Lunch will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hangar. The EAA Chapter will offer a variety menu including hot dogs, hamburgers, brat, snacks and beverages.

He added the chapter will not host a breakfast this year.

Friday will feature the free Veterans Tribute program beginning at 11 a.m. in the Dickinson County hangar at Ford Airport. Veterans also will be treated to a free lunch and have an opportunity to check out the displays before the event.

Several veteran rides have been sponsored to receive a ride on the Ford Tri-Motor.

Sullivan noted that the event is a fundraiser for the chapter each year. We built nearly a quarter million dollar hanger on the field from the proceeds from the event we didn’t borrow a dollar, he said.

He explained the new hanger was constructed for the purpose of developing a youth aviation program.

We only have one room left and I anticipate that within the next year we will start the youth program, Sullivan said, adding that it’s their goal to introduce aviation, especially young people.

Sullivan said that they are expecting a large crowd based on the feedback.

We are hoping for good weather this weekend, so everyone can enjoy the day, he added.

Admission for Ford Airport Day is $10 per person, and free for children younger than age 8. There is also a maximum fee of $30 per family.

Parking is free and handicap parking is available.

EAA Chapter 439’s Ford Airport Day continues to rely on sponsorship. Platinum sponsors are Ford Airport and U.P. Truck Center Towing & Recovery; gold sponsors are Kubick Aviation Services, First Bank, Champion Inc., Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area, and Bacco Construction; and silver supporters are CSA Air Inc., Town & Country Sales, Protech Lube Center and Car Wash, Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union, Lake Shore/Trident Maritime Systems, Blagec Brothers, Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, David and Claire Pasahow and First National Bank & Trust.

For more information about the event, go to the EAA Chapter 439 Facebook page or contact Sullivan at 906-458-6989.

———

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.