Prolific flier? Not me.
Countless others have flown millions more miles.
But I have been fortunate to hitch a ride on enough aircraft that are unique that I have trouble remembering them all.
Some highlights: a Stearman biplane in Clewiston, the Goodyear blimp in New Smyrna Beach, and in Vietnam there was the DeHavilland Otter, DeHavilland Beaver, the U21, the C-7 Caribou, the C-123 Provider, the C-130 Hercules, as well as Chinook, Huey, and Loach helicopters.
In 2010, there was the WP-3D Orion hurricane hunter that flew a lawnmower pattern over the Gulf of Mexico dropping sensors to detect the presence of oil from the great BP spill.
Commercial aircraft don't count. Besides who can keep up with the 727s, 747s, etc.?
All except one. Monday, I got a chance to ride in a "Tin Goose," 1929 Ford Tri-Motor aircraft, considered by some the first commercial airliner. It went slow (85 mph) and low (1,000 feet), but it was a thrill. The plane will be at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport through March 28. Check out our story, gallery and video at the link below.
http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/27/3963576/tin-goose-offers-a-blast-from.html
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