The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, located in Rhinebeck, New York, is not like any museum you have been to before. Prepare to be captivated by this unique and amazing attraction. It is less like a museum, but rather like stepping back to the golden age of aviation (1900- 1935).
Not only do you get to look at these magnificent aircraft on the aerodrome (a generally flat grassy field that can be used for a runway) but you get to see many of these vintage airplanes swoop and drive through the air. The Aerodrome has wonderful displays of Aircraft, Ground Vehicles, and Airplane Engine Collections.
What Visitors can See:
• Aircraft collection
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome boasts one of the most amazing collections of aircraft from the early 1900's. Some of the series of aircraft include five Curtiss airframes like the JN-4H "Jenny" (1917); From Germany, Albatross and a few Fokker including the famous/infamous Triplane. From the Allies factories there are DeHavillands, Nieuports, Sopwiths and a SPAD VII.
• Ground vehicles collection
Cars ranging from 1904 to 1930s highlighted with a 1922 American La France Fire Truck and 1916 Packard Moving Van. In their military series the aerodrome includes 1917 Columbia Ambulance, 1915 Maxwell (Armored Car) and even a running WWI era Renault (French) light tank. Motorcycle collection includes Indian Motorcycles from 1917, 1931 and 1935; 1956, Ural Motorcycle; with Sidecar, and a 1909 Merkel Light Motorbike.
• Airplane engine collection
The aircraft engines at the aerodrome are in a myriad of conditions from rusted to mint restored condition. Unless you are a real early 1900's engine enthusiast, this collection maybe the last on your list for viewing. Some of the engines include the famous Liberty 12A that powered so many allied aircraft and the duel-use Renault V-12 that not only powered the new aircraft but also the new French light tanks through WWI.
What Visitors can Do:
• Air shows
On weekends between the middle of June through middle of October visitors get the opportunity to view what these graceful aircraft can do. It's a treat to see first hand what they were designed and built to do, which is take to the air and fly. The best part is that the shows vary from Saturday to Sunday, so two visits are a minimum in order to see it all.
At the Saturday show the audience receives an aerial demonstration of the history of early flight. This includes the oldest flying airplane in the United States (1909 Bleriot), vintage aircraft from the Great War, right through the 1920s and 1930s (also called the Lindbergh era).
At the Sunday show crowds will marvel at a dogfight from WWI, as Western Europe may have seen over 90 years ago. Also watch the barnstormers show off their skills like flying carnivals in the interwar period, much like they would have decades ago. The show of airmanship concludes with the Flying Farmer (Billy Segalla) perform one of the greatest aerial acrobatic acts to be witnessed. You will be amazed.
• Biplane rides
For those of you who have barnstorming in your blood, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome offers barnstorming flights over the beautiful Hudson Valley, weather permitting of course. This is a favorite among visitors and is truly something to experience.
As you visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, remember to bring your sun block and love of aircraft and prepare to be awestruck. The collections are wonderful, but the air show will keep you in your seat until the end. There is no other air show that put you so close to the action and history of shut incredible aircraft.
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is located at 9 Norton Rd Red Hook, NY 12571. You can learn more about this incredible attraction on the Aeodrome's website.