History Takes Flight in Springfield
The Ford Tri-Motor Tour Stop in Springfield was an unforgettable celebration of aviation history and community. Over the course of three days, 34 flights took to the skies aboard the iconic 1929 Ford Tri-Motor, one of the earliest airliners to carry passengers across America.
Visitors of all ages had the rare opportunity to step back in time and experience what commercial air travel felt like nearly a century ago. From excited first-time flyers to seasoned aviation enthusiasts, every passenger stepped off the aircraft with a smile and a story.
This event was about more than just flying. It connected people to the legacy of American aviation, brought families and communities together, and inspired curiosity about flight. It also gave many the chance to hear and share personal stories from their own past or that of their families, veterans recalling their service, grandparents passing along memories, and young children developing a newfound passion for aviation.
A total of 34 flights were flown:
- 9 flights on Friday
- 11 flights on Saturday
- 14 flights on Sunday
Special thanks go to Pilot Bill Thacker, the EAA Air Tours operations team, and Tour Coordinators Pat Polehla and Shelby Johnson for their professionalism and dedication throughout the event.
We also extend sincere appreciation to Stellar Aviation of Springfield for their outstanding hospitality. They provided hangar space during rain, helped reposition the aircraft as needed, supported media coverage, and opened their facilities to guests and volunteers alike.
In addition to scenic flights, the weekend featured a steady stream of visitors who came to view the aircraft up close, photograph it alongside vintage cars and motorcycles, and engage with local aviation history. Social media has since lit up with snapshots and stories, a testament to the strong connection this aircraft made with the public.
More photos and stories from the weekend will be included in our next newsletter. For now, we invite everyone to enjoy the media coverage and photo links below. If you captured any great moments from the event, feel free to share them by emailing eaa770newsletter@gmail.com.
Thank you to all who came out to be a part of this extraordinary experience. Events like this remind us of the power of flight to connect generations, spark wonder, and preserve the spirit of aviation for the future.
Media and Photo Links:
- Chris Bildilli's photo gallery: https://www.spi-photo.com/Aviation/2025/EAA-Tri-Motor-Visit
- WAND TV full interview:1929 Ford Tri-Motor to offer historic flights in Springfield
- Talk of The Town with Trent Nelson on WMAY:Listen to the May 31 podcast episode (Interview begins around the 2-minute mark)
