EAA 1247 is known as the “TIN GOOSE” chapter because of our community’s long standing relationship with the FORD TRI-MOTOR, nicknamed the TIN GOOSE. Our goal is to promote general aviation and to provide a fun way for aviation enthusiast, pilots and non-pilots, to participate in activities involving aircraft and flight. We are an independent group based in the beautiful Liberty Aviation Museum in
Port Clinton, OH. We are also fortunate that the museum is based at the ERIE-OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PCW), one of the most vibrant small airports in the Midwest. The "TIN GOOSE" EAA Chapter 1247 was formed almost 20 years ago to support the national EAA group’s goals to promote general aviation and educational about all types of aircraft and flight in general. To accomplish this we help restore and build airplanes, encourage people to fly and learn to fly, and can direct people to resources that can assist them in succeeding in all these activities. Initially, we started small by helping with some airplane building projects, and providing scholarships to youth interested in earning aviation oriented educations. Through a unique set of circumstances, the chapter became involved in a project to build a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor from scratch that one day will fly! This airplane was built by the Ford Motor Company from 1926-1933. It became iconic to the area between the mid 1940’s and late 1970’s as the primary air link between Port Clinton, OH and the Lake Erie Islands. Island Airlines was known as the Shortest Scheduled Airline in the world! It was, and still is, a fun way to fly!! The Tri-Motor building project continues under the direction of the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation. The aircraft is about half completed, and many TIN GOOSE CHAPTER members are involved in its building. Erie and Ottawa counties in Ohio share the airport based in Port Clinton. It is also called Carl Keller Field. In the past 5 years, the airport's activity level has exploded. A new management team has fostered a new growth attitude, built many new hangers, recruited a regional private flight service to relocate to the airport (Griffings Flying Service), and increased the number of events the community in general can enjoy. In 2013, the airport earned the international designation to formally become the ERIE OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT! Today, over 100 private aircraft are based on the airport! Our chapter is honored to have a home at the Liberty Aviation Museum, located at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport. The museum was built and opened in July of 2012. The museum includes many WWII artifacts, and a historical tribute to the Ford Tri-Motor, flyable aircraft including a WWII Mitchell Bomber B-25 "Georgie's Gal", the recently acquired 1928 Ford Tri-Motor "City of Port Clinton"/"City of Wichita", and many other aircraft on display including Lake Erie Warbirds' award winning TBM Avenger & Harvard Canadian trainer! The museum is also restoring a WWII PT boat, the PT-728. When completed the PT boat will be operational! Also on the museum grounds is the 1950’s historic diner, the Tin Goose Diner! The diner is a fun and enjoyable place to enjoy a meal or snack, with a tremendous view of the airport runways where guests can view airplanes taking off and landing! One to two times a year, the chapter hosts a "Young Eagles" event to give youth the opportunity to experience a private airplane ride at no cost. Besides our very successful pancake breakfast fundraiser in August, we also have field trips to other museums and events in order to expand our knowledge of aviation. In addition, many chapter members work as ground crew for visiting Ford Tri-Motors on the EAA’s tour. The "Fly the Ford" tour provides rides for a fee to guests interested in “Flying on a Ford”. With all that’s going on- come on out and visit us!!! 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 International Airport (PCW) in Port Clinton, Ohio. If you're interested in getting more information on our chapter please send a note to us! 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 & MORE ! If you'd like to help work on our Ford Tri-Motor or you just want to stop by to see the project or speak with us on how you can help, here's your chance! Regular Tri-Motor Work Sessions
Monday & Thursday 7:00PM - 11:00 PM
Questions: Call (419)732-0234 and ask for Doug.
