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 located in Hammondsport, NY speaks to the audience about the legacy of the man. The 1911 Curtiss Pusher replica appears in the background.
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.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Chief Pilot Bill Gordon thrills the crowd as he takes off in the Aerodrome’s original 1918 Cutiss JN-4 H Hisso Jenny…one of three still flying in the Americas.
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.
Hugh Schoelzel, President, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Air Shows, with Trafford Doherty, Executive Director of the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum of Hammondsport, NY, and Colonel Jim Johnson (US Army Ret.), Executive Director of The Hudson Valley River Institute at Marist (HRVI), stand among the wings and wires of the Curtiss D Pusher. HRVI and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area were producers and sponsors of Glenn Curtiss Day.
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
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