EAA "Tin Goose" Chapter 1247

Port Clinton, Ohio (PCW)

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Welcome !
EAA "Tin Goose" Chapter 1247 was founded in 1995 by James Parker, a local private pilot who wanted to share his love of aviation with other like-minded individuals.

Unfortunately, Jim passed away from an unexpected illness a short time later but the spirit and enthusiasm under which he started the group lives on.

Today, there are nearly 50 active members and the chapter continues to grow. Membership is open to both pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike, with the main focus being on aviation. Whether your interest is in learning to fly, building an airplane or just hanging around the airport doing some "hangar flying", our chapter has something for you.

Our chapter is based at the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport (PCW) in Port Clinton, Ohio.

If you're interested in getting more information on joining our chapter, volunteering at an event or attending one of our meetings, please send a note to mail@tingoose.org.  We'd love to hear from you!


 

Some of our Annual Chapter Activities include ...                            

- Monthly Meetings (Many offering Entertaining or Educational programs)

- Monthly e-Newsletter (Keeping you informed of the latest news)

- Family Picnics

- Holiday Dinners

- Young Eagle Programs (Help inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts!)

- Annual Fly-in/Drive-in Pancake Breakfast

- College Scholarship Program 

- Special Events (Airplane Rides, Fly-Ins, RC Airshows, etc.)

- Plus our ambitious Chapter project... rebuilding a 1929 Ford Trimotor !
 
Local History
 

Local association with Ford Tri-Motor aircraft (aka the "Tin Goose") began in 1930 when Milton "Red" Hersberger started an air service to link the nearby Lake Erie islands to the mainland. Although he originally flew to & from the islands in a Waco or New Standard bi-plane, increasing cargo loads and passenger demands necessitated that he look for a larger airplane with an enclosed cabin.

With its large payload and short field landing capability, the Ford Tri-Motor was an ideal aircraft for his purposes and, in 1936, he purchased the first one for his fleet. The air service provided regularly scheduled trips to each of the nearby islands and soon earned the reputation of being "The World's Shortest Airline". The 17 mile round trip from Port Clinton would include 12 take-offs and landings and take less than 45 minutes. (Some legs of the trip were so short, that the wheels would be spinning from take-off when you landed at your next stop!)

Tri-Motors continued to play an important role in the following decades, delivering people, mail and freight to the islands. The last Island Airlines Tri-Motor was sold in 1985 when sightseeing flights could no longer pay for the rising insurance costs.
4-AT Ford Tri-Motor used for service between Port Clinton, Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass, North Bass and Rattlesnake islands in Lake Erie Ohio
5-AT Ford Tri-Motor parked outside hangar at Port Clinton Ohio airport
Island Airlines Ford Tri-Motor parked outside main hangar at Port Clinton, Ohio airpor. Shortest Airline in the World




In 2008, Tin Goose Chapter 1247 was honored to be awarded an
"Ohio Historical Marker" from the Ohio Historical Society to help 
commemorate the significant role Ford Tri-Motor's played in
the Lake Erie Island region.

The sign is currenty on display outside the main office & hangar at
the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport in Port Clinton.
 
F.A.Q.

 

What does EAA stand for?

EAA stands for the Experimental Aircraft Association.

How old is EAA ?

The Experimental Aircraft Association was founded in 1953 in Wisconsin. The organization has grown over the years and now has over 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters worldwide.

What does EAA do ?

EAA is vital in shaping the future of recreational aviation. The main EAA organization is broken down into different branches allowing members to focus on their specific interests. These special interest groups consist of...Ultralights, Aerobatics, Antique & Classic Aircraft, Warbirds, Builders and more. 

EAA also plays an important role in promoting recreational aviation & shaping aviation legislation plus hosts the world's premier aviation event...EAA AirVenture! (For more information, visit their website at www.eaa.org)

Local EAA chapters (such as "Tin Goose" Chapter 1247) use a more "grass roots" approach to promoting aviation by hosting programs and events within their community.

Do you have to be a Pilot to join EAA?

Absolutely not! EAA is open to both pilots and non-pilots alike and offers a variety of activities & events for all aviation enthusiasts.

How can I join "Tin Goose" Chapter 1247 ?

The best way to join our chapter is to come to one of our monthly meetings (held the 3rd Wednesday of each month)  -or- send an email to mail@tingoose.org

Annual Chapter dues are $20 per person.