Historic plane taking to the skies in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Eastern Kentucky residents have a chance to take to the skies in a piece of history this weekend – a plane almost 100 years old that has been kept in flying shape by airplane enthusiasts.

The Experimental Aircraft Association and the Liberty Aviation Museum work together to showcase the Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT across the country. It was built in the 1920’s.

“Once in a lifetime opportunity,” Lexington-resident Drew Ingram said. “My kids got it for me for Father’s Day.”

It was a gift Ingram happily accepted. He’s an historic re-enactor and often performs in events depicting World War I, and so of course, he had to dress the part.

“Hot summer day – put on the linen suit. It’s not exactly to the period, but it’s close enough,” Ingram said.

“This is great. I’ve been an airline pilot for 41 years, and longer, and to be able to go back in time to the beginnings of aviation is just a treat,” Terry O’Brien said.

ABC 36’s Bobbi McSwine stepped into the time capsule herself for the 20-minute ride.

Guests are also allowed to co-pilot. Steve Walker held that position during her flight.

“I have been coming here this past year to take a few lessons,” Walker said. “Everything was familiar. All the gauges were familiar and I flew it for a little while. You all probably noticed when I had it because we were not going perfectly level anymore, but kept us up off the ground, so it was fun.”

If you want to buy tickets to fly in the historic aircraft, click here.

Public Flight Information

Dates: Thursday-Sunday, June 17-20, 2021

Times: Thursday: 2-5 p.m., Friday-Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Place: Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Airport

Field Location: 709 Airport Road, Mount Sterling, KY 40353