Warbird Information Exchange

PORTAGE TOWNSHIP -- The Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation appears to have found a donor to support their plans at the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport.

At the airport board meeting Wednesday, Jody Brausch, president of the group, which has been working since 2004 to restore and rebuild one of the historic aircraft at the EORA's main hangar, said the George V. Woodling Jr. Foundation has agreed to support the group.

"We have an agreement for funding up to $2 million to build a hangar, 1920s-style," Brausch said. "Our goal is to build, fly and preserve the 1929 Ford Tri-Motor."

Likely included would be a vintage diner and classroom space for educational programs. The project could bring thousands of new tourists to the area each year.

"We found there is great merit in supporting their cause," said Ed Patrick, Woodling board chairman.

In addition to offering $2 for every $1 the THF and Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1247 raise toward the project, Patrick said the foundation also will provide the local aircraft and history buffs with a qualified aircraft mechanic, for 40 hours each week, for four years.

"This could really fast-track the aircraft to completion," Patrick said.

About 35 people attended the meeting, including Ottawa County Commissioner Jim Sass.

"It's a shot in the arm for the region," he said. "The interesting thing is the money is in hand."

Sass said he had heard something might happen with the plane affectionately known as the "Tin Goose," but that he didn't know the details until the meeting.

Ford built 199 of the aircraft, which were used for decades to ferry passengers and freight back and forth from the Lake Erie islands to the mainland. There are six that remain flying.

"We intend on being the seventh," Brausch said of the plane currently being assembled at the airport.

At the meeting, Patrick displayed architectural drawings of the hangar.

Patrick said he spent a lot of time in the area when he was a child and that his first plane ride was on a Tri-Motor.

When asked how much money would be needed altogether, Patrick said he didn't know for certain.

"I'd think about $1.5 to $2 million for the hangar and site development," he said.

Brausch admitted it was an expensive project, but added EAA Chapter 1247 and the THF have been working hard to secure other sponsors. In fact, he said they were in talks right now with two aerospace companies to try to get wheels and engines for the plane.

In addition to the Tri-Motor and a hangar, Brausch said a World War II B-24 bomber will relocate to the airport soon.

"The tentative arrival date is May," he said.

Patrick said the bomber, currently in Tulsa, is not a hangar queen.

"She's a fully operational B-24," he said. "But the cornerstone for a lot of these projects begins with the Ford Tri-Motor."

Patrick said he hopes that will lead to more hangars and more historical aircraft. And it could lead to more money. Patrick said $2 million is not necessarily a ceiling.

"I think we'll have to see as things progress," he said. "We'll have to see what kind of community support we receive."

Brausch said this is just the beginning.

"We want Carl Keller Field to be on the list of things to do," he said, going on to say he would like to see more hangars and more warbirds in the future.

Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport Director Jack Stables said the news is great.

"I can't see any negatives," he said. "If it comes to fruition it will be great for the airport, Ottawa County and Erie County."

And if the vintage collection mushrooms, he said, the airport will be ready.

"We have additional land if it's needed," he said.