Williams News Logo
Grand Canyon News Logo

Trusted local news leader for Williams AZ and the Grand Canyon

'Thunder Over the Coconino' to celebrate 80 years of the Ford Tri-Motor N414H

<br>Photo/Molly Harris<br>
Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-C, Serial No. 74, NAT ship No. 17, 155th Ford Tri-Motor built, pictured at Valle Airport in Northern Arizona.

<br>Photo/Molly Harris<br> Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-C, Serial No. 74, NAT ship No. 17, 155th Ford Tri-Motor built, pictured at Valle Airport in Northern Arizona.

VALLE, AZ ­- Working with local EAA Chapter 856, Grand Canyon Valle Airport (40G) will hold its fifth annual "Thunder Over the Coconino" Fly-In and Car Show Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. This superb northern Arizona aviation event will celebrate the historical 80th birthday of 1929 Ford Tri-Motor N414H, which is housed at Valle Airport.

N414H is one of a handful of Ford Tri-Motors still flying today, and was acquired in 1977 by John Seibold, owner of Grand Canyon Valle Airport, former co-owner of Grand Canyon Airlines and founder of the modern Scenic Airlines.

This plane has seen a lot of history along its 80 years in service. Some of which was being featured in the movie "To Be Or Not To Be" starring Mel Brooks. Also, in November of 2003, at the request of the city of Phoenix, N414H participated in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the first flight in a Ford Tri-Motor from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport where Grand Canyon Airlines (originally known as Scenic Airways) flew on Nov. 18, 1928.

Not only will the excitement of the 80th year of this historical plane be happening, but the Fly-In features antique airplanes, warbirds, homebuilt planes, a car show with tons of great vehicles, antique tractor display, and much more family fun. Also available at the event will be free plane rides for youth, ages eight-17, sponsored by the EAA Young Eagles Program. This is a fantastic introductory program for youth interested in getting into the world of aviation.

Valle Airport (40G) is just 25 miles south of Grand Canyon National Park located at the junction of SR 64 and US 180 (32 miles north of Interstate 40 and Old Route 66). Valle Airport is on the main road to Grand Canyon's South Rim - the scenic heart of the canyon, and includes not only the deepest part of the canyon, but the majestic grandeur of one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

Included in the event admission fee is free entry to the famous Planes of Fame Air Museum, located at Valle Airport. The museum houses a fascinating collection of some antiques, warbirds and homebuilts, including "Bataan," the Lockheed C-121A Constellation that once served as General Douglas MacArthur's personal transport plane.

Also at the event, for a separate fee, rides will be offered to the public on N414H Ford Tri-Motor, a P-51 Mustang and helicopters. Early arrivals will be able to take advantage of a pancake breakfast, proceeds that will benefit Valle-Wood Fire Department. So bring your chairs, come early eat breakfast and enjoy a fun filled day of aviation!

For more information contact Norm Gobeil at Valle Airport (928) 635-5280 or www.valleairport.com.


Donate Report a Typo Contact