RARE BIRDS EMERGE AT OLD RHINEBECK AERODROME

Rhinebeck, NY, April 29, 2008: 

Drivers on Stone Church Road in Rhinebeck last Saturday were treated to sightings of some extremely rare birds. Volunteers and staff have begun the annual migration of antique and reproduction airplanes from their winter resting places to the flight line of  Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.  “This rite of spring occurs each year as the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum prepares to open on May 12,” said Jim Record, President of the Old Rhinebeck Museum.

On June 14 (Father’s Day Weekend), one of the most impressive collections of flying antique airplanes in the world takes to the air as Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Air Shows commence. “We have a lot of pre-season work to do,” said Old Rhinebeck Air Show President, Hugh Schoelzel, “but our unique corps of volunteers and staff is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for visitors in the tradition established by Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome’s visionary founder, the late Cole Palen.”

Last year a second D-25 New Standard biplane was added doubling the capacity of the Aerodrome to provide air tours over the beautiful Hudson Valley. Air tours are $65 per person and arrangements can be made during non-show days and pre-season, by calling (845) 752-3200. Due to high demand on show days, air tours are first come, first served. The open passenger compartment of each D-25 biplane seats four.

Please go to www.oldrhinebeck.org for additional information and air show previews.

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Curtiss “D” Pusher is being carefully moved through the intersection of Stone Church and Norton Roads in Rhinebeck on its way to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome flight line by Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome volunteers Cliff Daly, Casey McClarnon, James Salzano and Steve LoPresti .

This replica of the 1911 popular biplane is powered by an original 90 horse power Curtiss OX-5 engine. Both the plane and its engine were manufactured in Hammondsport in the Finger Lakes region of New York. It was a popular pioneer airplane used by the U.S. Army as well as the Navy making landings aboard ships and it was equipped with floats to land in water. Exhibition pilots like Lincoln Beachey put it through aerobatic loops, spectacular stunts, and competed with famous auto racers like Barney Oldfield.