RHINEBECK, N.Y. — Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome will feature “Women Fly Weekend” July 27 and 28 to expand awareness among girls and young women about the fun of flying for recreation and the potential for careers in aviation.
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a not-for-profit organization specializing in early aviation. The museum and grounds boast some of the rarest authentic and replica planes from the early 1900s through the late 1930s. Every weekend between June and October vintage aircraft from the collection take to the skies to perform airshows.
The weekend’s events will include talks highlighting women in aviation by women who are experts in the field of aviation.
Other events for aspiring women aviators include a model building and flying event, and an essay contest. Young ladies are invited to build rubber-powered models on site from 10 am to 12 pm both days with the assistance of Mary Ellen Sinclair, who is an experienced and award-winning free-flight modeler. The model kits will be donated by the Mid-Hudson R/C club. A mass launch of these models will take place immediately after the airshow at 4 pm, and a prize will be awarded to the participant whose model stay aloft the longest.
Winners from an essay contest will be announced as well. The essay topic was: “Who were three notable women in aviation and how did they advance the field of aviation for women?” First prize for juniors will be a flight in a Cessna 152 with Kate Kierney at Ellenville Airport. The First Prize for teens will be an introductory flight in a Robertsen Helicopter at Stewart Airport in Newburgh with Heather Howley. Second prize for both teens and juniors will be a flight in the Aerodrome’s New Standard D-25.
The museum and grounds open at 10am with air shows on both days at 2 pm. Biplane rides are available for $75 per person on a first-come-first-served basis. Admission: Adults – $20, Seniors 65+ and teens ages 13-17 – $15, Juniors ages 6-12 – $5, Under 6 – Free. Special rate for military personnel – $15. Airshows and rides are weather permitting.
For more information: OldRhinebeck.org