This year, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome celebrates its 65th anniversary. Founded in 1958 by Cole Palen, the destination displays an ever-growing number of vintage aircrafts, ranging from 1903 to the 1940s. Their 2023 season, which kicked off in May, offers visitors snippets of aerial history as America’s first flying museum of antique aircraft, a glimpse at the magic of flying with weekly airshows, and even the opportunity to experience the skies yourself with a biplane ride.
The main attraction this summer is the return of the Bleriot, the oldest flying plane in the US and the second oldest in the world. This 1911 French Gnome Rotary plane has around 70 horsepower, with a wingspan of 25 feet, seven inches, reaching a top speed of about 47 miles per hour. This historic aircraft has changed hands many times over the years, with the last owner being James P. McGrath of Mount Kisco. The plane ended up at the aerodrome to be restored and displayed for visitors. This Bleriot is almost fully original, except for new upholstery and six wood pieces that have been spliced into the fuselage.
Another can’t-miss experience at the aerodrome are the weekly biplane rides in a 1929 New Standard D-25. These aircrafts, designed by Charles Day, are best for barnstorming—aerial acrobatic shows by stunt pilots that became popular in rural areas during the Roaring Twenties. Perfectly crafted to operate in even the roughest of fields, this 1929 plane has a top speed of 110 miles per hour—although your pilot guide won’t go that fast! With accommodations for up to four passengers, you can take in the aerial views of the river, the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, and the Catskills beyond with friends and family on an aerodrome Lighthouse Tour, or a quick 15-minute trip. These open cockpit biplane rides take place weekdays from 10am to 5pm by reservation and on weekends until October 15, 10:30am to dusk, first come-first-serve.
There are a few upcoming projects in the works at the aerodrome as well: a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute, additional weekly events created to increase the visibility of the aerodrome, conferences and learning weekends for enthusiasts, sleepovers at the museum for kids, additional biplane ride offerings, and virtual course options in order to reach more global audiences.
Also on the horizon is the Rhinebeck Aerodrome capital improvement project. They have received a $100,000 grant from the Disosway Foundation with the hopes of upgrading the aerodrome’s museum, hangars, grounds, and support spaces.
Finally, the aerodrome will host events throughout the summer, the last being on August 23, ranging from the Jim Hare Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser on July 12, the antique engine weekend on July 15 and 16, and the HH Franklin Car Club on display July 29 and 30, to the educator weekend on August 5 and 6.
