The Ford Trimotor was touring around the United States with a stop in Titusville Florida offering scenic rides. Prior to take off, the ground staff providing a historic and safety briefing regarding the flight for all passengers. This specific aircraft's first flight was on December 1, 1928. During that time, the aircraft was the latest and greatest flying machine which took several days to fly across the United states with various stops. A total of 199 aircraft were made until 1933. This specific version, the Ford 5-AT-B, is powered by 420-hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp C-1 or SC-1 radial piston engines. It accommodates two pilots and 15 passengers and a total of 41 built.
The aircraft, during its introduction to service, expanded transcontinental service within the United States in conjunction with rail service on certain segments. The aircraft flew (and still does) at 80 mph and bridged the gap over certain parts of the country where rail service did not exist. There are still a few Ford Trimotors airworthy today with some touring the United States offering historic rides. Ford Trimotors, aka "the Tin Goose", can also be seen in several museums including the Smithsonian in Washington DC with additional aircraft being restored to flight condition.
The flight was a quick flight taking off from Titusville (Space Coast) regional airport in Titusville Florida. With little wind, the aircraft departed from the Warbird Museum ramp and taxi out to runway 18 for take off. While the runway was over 7000 feet long, the aircraft only used a small faction of the runway to accelerate to 80 mph and take off to the skies. The flight proceeded to the south of the airport doing some scenic flying around the intracoastal waterway prior to turning back to the north and lining up for landing on runway 36. The large picture windows and open cockpit was a treat along with hearing the radial piston engines during the flight.
A great flight and experience if you ever get a chance to be a part of aviation history and fly one of these.