My Dad (yes, my Dad) flew these back in the late 20s/early 30s out in the western states. He was an early air mail and very early airline pilot. Born in 1896, he left home in SC and headed for California to join the army and learn to fly. He ended up a flight instructor at the Presidio in S.F. under (then) Captain 'Hap" Arnold. Discharged in 1919, he rambled around until he started flying air mail up/down the west coast in the mid 1920s. He died in 1957, after a spectacular 41 year career in aviation. I was fortunate enough to fly on the 'City of Wichita' when it visited Venice (FL) a few years ago. A beautiful 20 minute flight aboard what seemed a big graceful bird soaring at 1100', doing about 80-90 mph. An unforgettable experience!!

I love those old radial engines. The sound they make is amazing! Glad to see you got the old girl in shape for a flight again.

My Uncle owned N 9651 during the 1960’s and 70’s, he Owned Mox-Air at the Santa Monica Airport where he kept it and where it was restored. It took a few years to do. He bought it from someone in Idaho at a private airport and got it running and flew it all the way back to Santa Monica. That was in 1961 or 1962. In June of 1967 I went to work for him out of high school. I was very lucky to be able to do a lot of work on the tri motor. At that time it was painted silver and blue. I also got to fly co- pilot with my uncle Mox all over Southern California from 67- 69, then again in 1972- 1973. After the military. All I can say is what a great experience, I will never forget!

The 20 minutes I had in-flight aboard a Tri-Motor are some of the most memorable of my life. I really felt like I had gone back in history.

Love this aircraft. About 5 years ago my wife bought me a flight for father's day on one of these amazing pieces of history. One of the best flights ever. Thanks for sharing this.

Checked off another bucket list item by paying the extra to sit in the co-pilot's seat for a ride in NC9645 Spirit of Port Clinton from Lakeland Linder - LAL last Feb. Marveled at how the thing climbed while trimmed level. That big wing just lifts it straight up as long as it's going forward. Beautiful old girl built in 1928. Pilot enjoyed answering questions and made the flight that much more fun.

Hard to believe these are over 90 years old and still look and sound fantastic! A bit like a flying tool shed, but also, way ahead of it's time. These are in my top favorite planes.

A Ford Tri- Motor being prepared side by side with a Douglas Dakota, how much beauty and nostalgia can one lazy sunday morning take?

I can't believe I just set her for 20 minutes to watch a tri motor taxi and return to the parking ramp. Thank you Kermit. i

Thanks Kermit! What an awesome piece of transportation history. We appreciate your dedication, time, money and effort to keep these wonderful examples of early flight, flying and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Good on you! 👍🏻

Only a very few years before I lost my dad, we were fortunate enough to have been able to take a nostalgia touch and go flight out of Port Clinton, Ohio airfield, into it's historic U.S Mail stop on South Bass Island Airstrip and back to Port Clinton, Ohio airfield ! I can't remember my dad ever having a smile like that on his face before that very special day ! One of my best investments ever ! Nice job gentlemen ! Keep the passion alive !

I got to fly right seat in a 5AT about three years ago here in Atlanta. A real thrill. I love the old planes. I love the new planes. I love all planes. And I love FoF. Thank you Kermit. Have a 2022 and stay safe.

Another piece of history restored. Can't beat the sound of a radial.

I watched this beautiful airplane almost crash on a foggy day in Watsonville CA... This red and white tri motor was coming in "at minimums" where the runway was obscured by increasing fog. Several attempts were made and then the need to get on the ground seemed to increase. On the next attempt to land the Try Motor Ford was too high, too slow and mid way down the runway. Everyone watching that day gasped in horror as the big plane began to drift back on its tail while it sickly sank toward the ground. Any normal airplane would have stalled and ended up in a ball with pieces scattered across the tarmac. All at once the sound of three firewalled engines filled the air and I witnessed this beauty right herself and continue flying as if a mighty hand had reached down and place the plane back in the sky. That is why they call this plane a legend, there is magic in that airframe.

I had a ride in a Ford Tri-Motor - I am old, When I was 8 -10 years old (would have been around 1960) we , family went to Detroit on vacation. Henry Ford Museum etc. You could buy a ticket and they took you up, short ride around the field. It was GREAT

What an awesome old girl, I can’t get over how thick that wing is.

Beautiful! Gonna date me....but for Gramps' birthday 3-5-28, Henry Ford gave his 1st Apprentice tour of Detroit area in his brand new model! Henry brought Grandson Henry II, and Gramps brought his Son of same name along w/members of The Purple Gang (as Gramps had new occupation). Fine time had by all including picnic lunch. On return my Dad got Ground Guy to take photo of Fords, Schmidts, other guests, & Pilots in front of plane w/his Brownie. '76 Henry II still had enlargement under glasstop desk!

My first flight in an airplane was in a Ford Tri-Motor that American Airlines had restored back in 1964. They had the plane at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City along with their new 3 engine jet, the 727 to show them both to the public. My father was a commercial photographer and he photographed the event for American. I still have the press packet and photos of my brother and I in the cockpit and outside the plane. That plane is now hanging in the Smithsonian. I remember watching out the window as we took off, looking at the wheel struts and wondering if they were ever going to stop extending. I guess they have a pretty long travel. Great memories to see you have one restored and running.

Thanks for getting this old lady back together Kermit, she's beautiful in a noisy lumbering kind of way.

Some day I promise go to know you my dear "Knight Kermit", I now a lot of pilot in the world, but YOU are the Best and more complete Human Pilot, seing by KZfaq. You search the adventure, you look for the planes, you find the pieces and join them with your experts, what an exciting job, I regret not being part of a human team like yours. My father was a pilot and he instilled in me the love of airplanes, since I was little, I have been able to enjoy with him, his stories of youth, trying to fly in his Aeronca Champion 1945. The history of the BF -108 is particularly close to me since I live in Chile, and I saw this plane fly in some incursion through Santiago in the years around 1968. Years later we auctioned off a plane with my father complete a Mentor T-34. Later we had a coup in 1973, and the plane was requisitioned by the militia. I want to congratulate you Kermit not only for your videos so well made and explained. Currently I am an Audiovisual Communicator and I work on TV. and that makes me appreciate the quality of your visual records over the years. It is a luxury to preserve all the historical detail of each of your Planes so well maintained, and the meticulous work that this means. Again I congratulate you Kermit and I hope that someone can always continue your incredible work with History and Love for airplanes. Con mucho aprecio un saludo desde Chile. Gary González Piñeiro.

Thanks for sharing all the hard, expensive work you all put into this amazing piece of aeronautical history. It is awe inspiring to realize just how far we have come. It should never be forgotten.

Got to fly on the EAA Tri Motor years ago. Best $80 I ever spent! Such a awesome experience that I will never forget! We also had the privilege of going inside the Tri Motor that is on display at San Diego Air and Space.

This reminds me of starting up my old shovelhead. A tap here, a movement there. If it isn't leaking oil somewhere, then it's time to add some.

Years ago someone brought one to Macon, Ga and got to fly in it. There was a flight school there at the time. Was fun watching the students get a Ford Tri-Motor added to their flight logs... When license time came, sure there was someone at the FAA scratching their heads over it... That was a fun ride by the way...low and slow over the swamps...

Can't wait to see Kermit flying this beautiful airplane.

Kermit & Wayne, what a fantastic, straight-up honest radial way to open up a retirement Monday morning -- seeing the smoke and hearing those cylinders click! Thank you for a splash of calm aviation perfection and a pretty damn cool peek at them ol' days. I lived in Anchorage, Alaska, for 50 years -- a solid, traditional military and world aviation crossroad town; full-spectrum airplane noise -- 365 -- and generations of associated livelihoods, man, as good as it gets. Living in South Dakota now, I miss living under Merrill Field's pattern (those two good scout pilots slid that R4D to a halt a few hundred yards from my old place). Being able to open up and see the class and credibility of channels like yours keeps life manageable. 1971, there was a a Tri-Motor Bushmaster parked at Merrill for awhile. 1976, my (retired USAF nav) dad made sure that I got to ride Island Airlines's Tri-Motor, from Port Clinton, OH, to Put-In-Bay -- a loud, open window rush and smell that still resonnates as priceless. Coming from an air cargo/maintenance/aircrew life support tech, and military CSAR environment, whenever I see aircraft like these, I take a long, deep-breath pause and look around for all of the dedicated folks (Wayne, good on ya!...) & rest-of-the-story reality-check of what it takes to keep our history alive. Kermit, did you mention Richard Bach? ...an author who much-inspired my imagination. Regarding your 4 1/2 hour flight to bring her to a good home -- sitting behind that magnificent, honest old panel and hose (hell-yes!) tractor controls would have been good-as-it-gets rush. Archival footage was great! Press on.

In these ridiculous times you're doing a noble service to present your splendid collection on-line, where we can escape the lockdown and drift into another era for 20 minutes. Thank you.

My first RC plane kit was a Ford Tri-Motor back in the 70s... it was such a fun kit to build and even more enjoyable to fly. Ever since then, this is one of my more favorite civilian-type planes.

That is the only Ford I like to work on! I grew up at Rockford when John Lock had N414H hoping rides! Fond memories!

Thank you sir...by you we almost fly these birds...what a beautifull machine....

Absolutely LOVE the old Fords!! Thanks, Kermit! And Happy New Year!

WOW... What a fine plane you have !....... next time I go to KOSH I'm taking the "Ride" on one of these for sure. Thank You Kermit.

I love those old Ford Trimotors. They operated from Lake Erie up in Ohio for several years and of course served as bush planes. Sturdy and reliable.

I could watch Kermit's videos all day. As a Brit, I love his accent.

and I bet that 4-1/2 day trip home was way more memorable than the 4.5hr trip via modern airplane to get her. Thanks for sharing of these old tri-motor Fords!

Those engines are so beautiful.

Just gorgeous! Can't wait for a new Kermie Cam flight.

The 747 of the 1920s. What a great plane.

We are so fortunate that we have someone who has the passion, know how, and resources ro keep these treasures air worthy.

Priceless Mr Weeks...thanks for your interest, energy, talent and money in restoring these aviation icons.

WOW! just amazing. It's getting harder to find original aircraft. Please keep it up.

I got a ride once at KRFD during an airshow back in the early to mid 1980's I can still remember that when I was 12 or 13 years young

Dunno why but I just love that plane. Thanks Kermit

Absolutely timeless machine! I fell in love with the Ford Tri-Motor around the age of 8. It's great to see them in action, even if she didn't fly in this video. I'm looking forward to more of your videos on this aircraft!

Such a beautiful old girl!! Amazed how quickly she picked the tail up! Cant wait to see her fly again

had the pleasure of riding in the right seat in the early 90's in one. the management by the pilot was amazing. I worked on the Grumman C1A in the navy, radial engines are a unique sound.

I love the smell of burnt blue-gas in the morning! Nice looking ol tri-motor!

I love it, Remain me my Military Service in 1955

I read up on Kermit's collection, but it's always cool to see what he'll pull out. Who doesn't love this aircraft? It just wanted to jump into the air on the run -up.

I flew on the Tri-Motor back in 1972 from Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay. A couple weeks later it crashed in Lake Erie. Luckily, no one was killed.

the right carb is acting just like most of the carbs that came from S&T in Texas. I had 4 out of 5 that where set wrong from that shop!

When I was a child I got to fly in American Airlines Ford Trimotor that was at the time parked at the Maintenance facility in Tulsa Oklahoma. I loved it. Rattled teeth and all.

That's a true classic for sure. My father and I paid for a ride in a Tri Motor up in SC back in the 1960s.

The Ford Trimotor - A bee keepers friend and an EPA regulator's job security. Amazing how you guys keep Aviation History alive.

Cant wait to see this beautiful bird fly!

I'm in love with this plane, the external gauges, the control cables on the side, the beauty of the three engines, a machine show! (Sorry, Google Translator)

What a treat today. Thank you Mr Weeks. You’re the best!

A real beauty ! Thanks Kermit

at first I thought it was the JU-52, but the differences are very obvious. A beautiful monument. 👍

Fabulous piece of history.

saw this buzzing by palm beach monday, purring like a kitten! what an airplane!

A few years ago, I took my son (he was 8, or 9 at the time, he's 12 now) for a ride on a 1932 Ford Tri-Motor, the City of Port Clinton. One of smoothest take offs and landings I've ever expirienced. Loud, too. It was a fantastic flight.

Glad to see your passion in these old aircraft!

Piece of art. What a beautiful machine

Born and raised in N Idaho, the smoke jumpers headquarters/ school was in Missoula I think. I still remember tri-motors flying around the area in 50's and 60's typically orange wingtips for visibility.

Absolutely fabulous aircraft. Thank you 😊

Such a beautiful aircraft - may she live long! Can't wait to see her fly again!

Sounds lovely. Thanks for sharing.

Absolutely stunning

I had an opportunity to go for a flight in one a few years ago-what a great aircraft.

In the 1970s, United Airlines would send my dad a Nixon Galloway print with each "executive flight" he took. As an auditor, he took many. He would then give me each print for my bedroom wall. I first saw the Tri-Motor in one of those prints, and never forgot it. Such a lovely aircraft.

Hi Kermit! A late friend of mine lay one of these in the South American jungle. He wanted to avoid the war, but was forced out of South America and had to return to Germany. There he became a chief test pilot (Versuchflieger) for Junkers for such things as Ju 390, the Ju 248 and more. He fled to Sweden after the Russians tried to kidnap him and his family. Made the second "real" ejection seat evacuation in history. Thanks Kermit for this video. I recall Hans Pancherz showing me the pictures of the Tri-Motor in the jungle.

Love the C-47 in the background.

Fabulous airplane!

Kermit; What a fantastic collection! You must pinch yourself every morning! Good stuff.

I was able to ride in one of those once; best $100 I ever spent to support a good cause.

Good Memories

Like always, love your videos! Beautiful airplane

What a beauty! And that sound never gets old...

Thank you for recording this with good sound! I managed to get my neighbors to run out of their house into their yard to see what was in the field next door! It was my open windows and 600 watt home stereo!

I went for a ride in one of these when I was a teenager back in the mid 80's at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head, Maine. They even let me sit in the right seat before they started it. Won't ever forget it.

Wow, just wow! Another great video and another great plane! You the man Mr. Weeks!!! Thanks for bringing us along on your adventures!

Hello my commander Good afternoon!!! Aeronautical Greetings I've been watching your aviation videos and I see the passion we have for our flying machines. My name is Nilson, I'm from Recife/PE in Brazil. I finished my Theoretical Course and because of Covid-19, I didn't take the theoretical tests to start flying. A hug. Good flights. Sincerely Nilson Theorist's Student Recife PE Brazil.

I caught the flying bug at 3 years old. Spent a lot of time @ Lex Dupont's Airport in the 70s. We played in a p38 glass nose(pre restoration) and were lucky enough to watch him occasionally fly his f4f. Saw you @ Reading in the 70s. Thank you for all you do!!!!

I got to fly copilot on a ford tri motor a few years back. It is a fun plane to fly.

Fun history facts on the end, tnx for showing this. Keep it up!

Love your stuff man...God bless you and keep you 🙏

as a passenger in the days of this machine, must of been an incredible time

@14:56 Hey dont ya see the NO SMOKING sign? lol! 🤣Thx!!!!

Rode in one back when I was a teen (would have been back in the mid-60's - I'm 68 now). It was Island Airways... in Port Clinton Ohio. The LAST airline in the world to use the Ford Tri-Motor on regular schedules. What a brute of an aircraft!!! Then another year, the family camped at a campground about 50 feet off to the side of the end of the runway. Watched them land and take off for a week. Loved every sight of them. I'm my lost memory serves me... they used them up into the late 70's early 80's. Then it just got to expensive for parts for the engines.

Preserving History.......Thanks Mr/ Kermit.....🙂

Love the ford tri-engines

What a gorgeous plane!

Love the sound of them old piston pounders! Thanx for the share Kermit! 🤙🏽

You have a tremendous amount of will power to not pull back on that yoke at run-up. Flying that must be a dream.

Thanks love to see the planes you protect for us. history alive

Wow! That was beautiful 😍 Thanks Kermit!

Thanks Kermit yes times have changed not always for the better, thanks again!

What a beautiful aircraft! Love the combination of colors and Pratt powerplants! Well done, folks!

What a lovely plane ! I'm building one for the moment...in 1/72 scale of course. For my dining room hangar. Happy new year Kermit !