Henry and Edsel Ford had a brief but important involvement in a rapidly expanding new market…air travel. In 1924, the Ford’s invested in the Stout Metal Airplane Company founded by William Bushnell Stout in Detroit in 1922. As public interest in aviation increased after WWI, so did Henry Ford’s awareness of commercial aviation’s potential for carrying large numbers of passengers. He proceeded to purchase the stock and assets of the Stout Metal Airplane Co., which became a division of the Ford Motor Co. in July 1925.
Our guest speakers were Maurice Hovious & Cody Welch. Their presentation was on how the Ford Tri-Motor laid the groundwork for airlines today.
Maurice started his business Hov-Aire, Inc in 1990 which quickly became the go-to place for exotic aircraft repair. No matter what the problem Maurice would always figure out how to fix it. One of the things Maurice is most known for is his ability to build Ford Tri-Motor aircraft, essentially from scratch. These projects take years to complete, and require a real artist’s touch to make them turn out right. So, if you have a few million dollars to spare and want your very own Ford Tri-Motor, Maurice is your man!
Cody Welch has 37 years of providing aircraft sales & acquisitions to the general aviation and corporate owners market in Michigan, Cody Welch has acquired a reputation for integrity, knowledge, professionalism and an unwavering personal commitment to customer service. Cody is also Founder & President of Wings of Mercy East Michigan and a proud volunteer pilot on EAA’s 1929 Ford Tri-Motor.
We would like to thank Kevin Walsh with the Yankee Air Museum for hosting us for this presentation.
