jimw@apollo.UUCP (07/05/84)
The subject of WWI aircraft brought to mind the Old Rhinebeck
Aerodrome, located on the east bank of the Hudson River just a
short flight north of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. During the summertime,
Rhinebeck has an air show every Saturday and Sunday afternoon
during which they fly many of their restored aircraft. While most
of these aircraft are from the '20's and 30's, I saw a Bleriot
built in 1910 (or thereabouts) fly last year. Fantastic! Be sure to
bring a camera and a 135-200 mm lens.
The theme of the air show is rather hokey and hasn't changed
much in the 4 or 5 years that I've been visiting. Aviation buffs
will find it easy to tolerate, if only to get a glimpse of these
meticulously restored flying machines prancing so slowly about the sky.
If you're thinking about flying in, I suggest you land at Skypark
airport (in Red Hook, I think); they have a 3000 foot ribbon of
pavement in rather mediocre condition. The folks at Skypark offer
shuttle service to Rhinebeck. You may land at Rhinebeck, but certain
restrictions apply; check with the folks there before you plan. The
runway condition, length, and density altitude (2000 feet, bumpy, hilly
sod, and usually high, respectively) discourages most pilots from landing
there. Ask me about the afternoon we took a Grumman American Tiger
in there at about max gross weight...
Safe flying.
Jim Ward
Apollo Computer Inc.
15 Elizabeth Drive
Chelmsford, MA 01824
617/256-6600 x6433
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