The Tin Goose - Part One

I have Tuesdays and Thursdays off so on a whim I noticed in the morning newspaper that a unique plane was going to be on exhibit and even giving rides at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Beautiful day (aren't they all?) so I hopped on the Beast for a 30-40 minute trip. After a rather difficult time finding the plane at the north end of the airport I finally found the place and grabbed my camera.

So, this is the Tin Goose. Manufactured on August 21, 1929 and was purchased by Pitcairn Airways, who started Eastern Airlines with it and its sister ship. On October 1, 1930 the plane was sold and moved to Cuba where it inaugurated Cubana Airlines. In August of '46 it became the Air Force One for the Domican Republic. After that it became a crop duster, and then a smoke jumper and borate bomber for the Forest Fire Service.

The plane was used in the Johnny Depp movie “Public Enemies” and the Jerry Lewis movie “Family Jewels.” “Everyone’s seen ‘Casablanca.’ The plane at the end of the movie is a Ford Tri-Motor,” he said. “The whole final scene takes place in front of one.”

Everyone gets a window seat and there are 9 seats.

It went through a 12 year restoration that was completed in 1985. It now works for its upkeep funds by offering rides throughout the US.

Only a 199 of these were ever built. 5 survive in the US and this is the only still flying.

This was the first passenger plane in commercial aviation.

I could have taken a ride for $80 but I really just wanted to get some pictures.

This is based out of Appleton Wisconsin, but earns its keep by giving rides.

Built out of corrugated tin, thus the Tin Goose.

In 1973, the plane was wrecked during a windstorm in Burlington, Wis. EAA then purchased the plane, restored it and flew it again in 1985, Messenger said.

Trademark corrugated tin skin.

Cabin area isn't at all plush, but they tried to spruce it up a little.

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