National Air Tour's Honorary Chairman
The National Air Tour 2003, the
historic flight re-creation of the National Air Tours that took
place from 1925 through 1931, has just announced that Edsel B. Ford
II will act as honorary chair for the 2003 Tour.
"The National Air Tour 2003 is privileged to have Edsel B. Ford
II as honorary chair," said Greg Herrick, president of the Aviation
Foundation of America, the nonprofit organization that is
coordinating the Tour.
"His support mirrors his grandfather’s role in the
original Tours and reminds us of the vision that Edsel B. Ford held
not only for the automobile, but also for aviation."
In the Air Again
Just as his grandfather, Edsel B. Ford, did for the original
Tours, Edsel B. Ford II will flag-off the start of the Tour when it
departs the Dearborn (MI), area on September 8, and present the
trophies to participants at the completion.
Weather permitting, more than 25
rare, vintage aircraft, including at least three Ford Tri-motors,
will fly approximately 4,000 miles during a 17-day period. The Tour
is expected to return to Dearborn on September 24.
"My great-grandfather’s and grandfather’s
spirits live on through the vision they created for Ford Motor
Company," Mr. Ford said. "Now, with the National Air Tour 2003, we
are reminded of their significant contributions to aviation as
As we reflect on 100 years of powered flight and the 100th
anniversary of Ford Motor Company, it is only appropriate that we
recall the innovators and innovations through the decades that
helped build our nation’s systems of transportation."
"Edsel B. Ford and his father, Henry, held a pioneering vision
for aviation," Herrick said.
"Our nation’s aviation transportation system owes them a
huge debt of gratitude. They developed, demonstrated and promoted
the safety, reliability and necessity of a modern aviation
infrastructure across the United States that would support
Officially known in 1927 as the National Air Tour, the Tour was
commonly referred to as the Ford Air Tour. Edsel B. Ford, a staunch
supporter, provided the elegant trophy and Ford Motor Company
provided financial support. Ford dealers along the various Air Tour
routes often sponsored the Tour stops.