The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. EAA's mission is to grow participation in all facets of aviation. Since its inception in 1953, EAA has grown to more than 200,000 members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide!
Our local group, Tin Goose Chapter 1247, was founded in 1995 by James Parker, a local private pilot who wanted to share his love of aviation with other like-minded individuals.
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Unfortunately, Jim passed away a short time later from an unexpected illness, but the spirit and
enthusiasm under which he started the group lives on.
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Today, we continue his vision by fostering the spirit of aviation to our members and the local community
by hosting a variety of programs and special events each year.
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Tin Goose Chapter 1247 is based at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport (KPCW) in Port Clinton, Ohio.
Our chapter meetings, as well as our Ford Tri-Motor restoration project, are located at the Liberty
Aviation Museum complex on the SE corner of the airfield.
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Chapter membership is open to all aviation enthusiasts and pilots. Whether your interest is learning to fly, building an airplane, volunteering at events or hanging out at the airport to do some "hangar flying", our Chapter has something for you!
If you (or someone you know) may be interested in joining our Chapter, please click the PDF symbol below to download a membership application. We'd love to hear from you!
Our chapters Tin Goose name honors the Lake Erie regions long association with Ford Tri-Motor aircraft.
The Tri-Motor, nicknamed the “Tin Goose”, is a three engine, all-metal passenger airplane that proved its worth with its simplicity, ruggedness and reliability.
Island Airlines (the Shortest Airline in the World) flew Ford Tri-Motors locally from 1936 to 1985 delivering people, mail and freight to the nearby Lake Erie islands. With their large payload and short take-off and landing capabilities, these aircraft were ideally suited for use on the short island airstrips.
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In 2008, Chapter 1247 was awarded an Ohio Historical Marker
to commemorate the Tri-Motor’s importance to this region. It is
currently on display outside the main office at the Erie Ottawa International Airport.
