Cole Palen's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

[Gwen]

Here is another photo of Johnny with the cast of characters; Shannon, Dave, Nicole, and myself at ORA in 2002 during his end of the show season visit:

[Gwen]

Some links to Johnny Miller

Here is a link regarding Johnny Miller. AOPA Online: Aviation pioneer Johnny Miller dies at 102

This is another short one: Aviation Icon John Miller Dies

This is a long but interesting talk by him Dutchess Co. Pilot's Association - Capt. John Miller

[Jon18]

Check this out... who knew?

274: RUDDER FABRIC COLE PALENS HISPANO-JENNY - eBay (item 290231929684 end time May-30-08 16:01:59 PDT)

[womenfly2]

Geee? Why was that sold/given away? Seems everything that Cole worked hard for is disappearing from puplic view and the museum.

So sad.

WF2

[SteveS]

Originally Posted by womenfly2

Geee? Why was that sold/given away? Seems everything that Cole worked hard for is disappearing from puplic view and the museum.

So sad.

WF2

More than likely, that fabric has been in private hand for years maybe given away by Cole himself. From what I've heard Cole used to give away items such as this as a thank you to those who lent a helping hand. There has been in the past fundraising auctions where fabric has passed into private hands and until a couple years ago you could even purchase wing ribs made by Cole for his first "Spirit" wing with the money funding the new Spirit. And you never could tell what might be for sale in the gift shop. Many years ago, I spied a prop with cut down blades labeled as being from one of the "Blue Max" movie Triplanes. Presumably to keep George Peppard firmly on the ground.

Salute,
Steve

[womenfly2]

Yes Steve, I have heard Cole gave away many items to friend and helpers, thanks for clarifying this point for me. I was just scared that the powers-to-be were giving ORA away again.

Has anyone been to ORA lately? How are the airshows been and the overall feel of ORA?

I will be there for the Model meet in September.

Cheers,
WF2

[Yank44]

Originally Posted by womenfly2

Yes Steve, I have heard Cole gave away many items to friend and helpers, thanks for clarifying this point for me. I was just scared that the powers-to-be were giving ORA away again.

Has anyone been to ORA lately? How are the airshows been and the overall feel of ORA?

I will be there for the Model meet in September.

Cheers,
WF2

Please read my recent post.

[John Masters]

I'll be home from Bosnia next Wednesday PM, a mere stones throw from ORA. I hope to be there for the following weekend on both days...Jet lag not withstanding! It will be interesting to see what flies and what does not.

Best,
John

[John Masters]

A lovely day, barely a breath of wind. I was worried about the small crowd, but by show time there was a good amount of people in the stands. There was the usual fashion show, and for some reason a showing by the Mercedes-Benz Club of the USA. One or two older cars, but the rest were modern Mercs...Not very impressive. The announcer was reading off of a script, and not very good either. In fact, he mixed up the history of the interrupter gear...He said that the French had invented it and Fokker perfected it...Maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, he didn't have the enthusiasm of the other guy, whose name escapes me...Jim...Not much in the gift shop...

The flying was great. The Early Birds had some nice hops, with the Caudron being the star. The Standard D25 was busy earlier on with an active clientèle.

The Jenny was a dream to see fly about, circling the field a couple of times. The DVII and the Nieuport had a little go-round of their own. I really like seeing the Nieuport flying. It is a sweet plane, regardless of the radial engine. The SPAD is in the shop having a small paint job on a wing-tip...Next weekend, the pilot said. They are only taxi-ing the AVRO for the time being due to the newness of the rotary...It should be up in the air by the end of the season. The Tripe and Albatros sat out.

My overall feeling is that those trying to run ORA are truly trying to make this work. They are getting new planes (supposedly the Dolphin?) and are setting up a booth at the Dutchess County Fair next week to advertise. I believe that, ham fisted as the BoD may be, they are not purposely trying to sabotage anything. They just aren't good at this job. I have hopes for the place, and as of yesterday, good things to say for the most part.

Here are some pictures...

Thanks,
John

[baldeagle]

Was browsing Flickr and found these from Jeff Millman:

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Some recent, and some good ones from the good old days...




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