90-year-old plane takes flight in Bentonville

A Ford Tri-Motor from the Experimental Aircraft Association offers rides Thursday, June 13, 2019, outside Thaden Field House at Bentonville Municipal Airport. Ford Tri-Motors, built from 1926-1933, were the first all-metal commercial airliners. This aircraft, wth tail number NC8407, first flew August 21, 1929, as a commercial airliner. Over the years the plane changed ownership and was refitted to serve as a crop duster, a firefighting water bomber, and in barnstorming tours, among other roles. The Experimental Aircraft Association now takes the plane on an annual tour, offering rides at stops around the country. The plane will be at Thaden Field House offering rides from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Short sightseeing flights to are $77 for adults, $52 for children 17 and younger, and $165 for the right front seat. Guests can call the plane’s staff directly at 920-379-8348 for more info on flights.