Nearly 700 people came out to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome for the air show Oct. 9 to commemorate the innovative spirit of Glenn H. Curtiss and his historic flight in the Albany Flyer from Albany to Manhattan in 1910. The show was produced and sponsored by the Hudson River Valley Institute (HVRI) and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Air Shows President Hugh Schoelzel said, “The Aerodrome used its replica of the 1911 Curtiss “D” Pusher (pictured above)…very similar to Glenn Curtiss’ Albany Flyer, in a taxi demonstration of the airplane and its unique flight controls. There were also flying exhibitions of an original 1918 Curtiss JN-4 H Hisso Jenny built for the Great War and a Curtiss Wright Junior CW-1 built for recreational flying in 1931.”
Trafford Doherty, Executive Director of The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum of Hammondsport, New York, presented a talk about the achievements of Curtiss, the “Founder of the American Aircraft Industry” and “Father of Naval Aviation” within a close-up, hands on display of Old Rhinebeck’s Curtiss airplanes.
Biplane rides over the Hudson Valley were sold out for the day by noon. “Because of heavy demand during the foliage season, the $65 biplane rides are available during the week by reservation,” Schoelzel said. For weekday reservations call 845-752-3200.
The final air shows of Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome’s 2010 season, featuring pioneer, barnstorming and WWI airplanes, will be Oct. 16-17.
For more information: 845-752-3200, OldRhinebeck.org
