An army of students from the EHOVE Automotive Collision and Refinishing class volunteered to help put a shine on a classic Tin Goose, identical to the first airliners flying the United States.

If you’re interested in learning to fly or just want to see what goes on at your local airport, EAA Tin Goose Chapter 1247 will be sponsoring the Learn to Fly Day Airport Open House on Saturday, May 20 at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport, 3255 E. State Rd., Port Clinton.

This family-friendly event at the Port Clinton Airport, which runs from noon-3 p.m., will highlight opportunities available for both youth and adults interested aviation, and showcase many other services and attractions on the airport grounds.

Visitors can tour the facility, get an up-close look at some general aviation aircraft and meet representatives from the aviation clubs and businesses that are based on the field.

There will be information on youth aviation camps, scholarship opportunities, flight training, private airplane charters, the aviation museum and upcoming events. Food, drinks and snacks will also be available.

For questions, or more information, call the airport (419-734-6297) or email TinGoose1247@gmail.com.

Students from EHOVE Automotive Collision and Refinishing class in Milan, Ohio helped Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation workers get the iconic Tin Goose aircraft ready for its first paint job this week at the Liberty Aviation Museum.

To ready the Liberty Aviation Museum’s special Learn to Fly Day Airport Open House on Saturday, the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation hosted students from the EHOVE Automotive Collision and Refinishing class.

Students worked with  Foundation volunteers to prepare the Ford Tri-Motor project for the next major milestone in its restoration, the paint job. Once completed, the “Tin Goose” will be painted in the iconic Island Airlines red, white and blue paint scheme.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a great group of fun, hard-working students assist us,” said Jody Brausch, President of the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation. “All of the EHOVE students demonstrated an eagerness to help our foundation volunteers bring this historic airplane back to Port Clinton. They did a tremendous job for us today, and we’re grateful for their participation.

“Our volunteers, supporters and community partners are excited about the progress that has been made in the restoration of this iconic aircraft. We look forward to the day when the tin-goose is once again flying the skies over the western basin of Lake Erie,” said Brausch.