World War 1 Aeroplanes, Inc., and Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum

10 April 2006, 10:42 AM

Henry, I would be most pleased to take them boys a huntin. Why there is bear, moose, wolverines, wolves, and maybe a wanderin sasqwach from time to time. There aint no tellin what might happen to a bunch of tenderfeet. If them varmits dont get them the skeeters damn sure will.

cfgray · 24 April 2006, 11:19 PM

Hello, All,

I gladly received a brief communication from Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum President Terry McClinch last week, and appreciated that he is continuing contact with our Board (the Board of World War 1 Aeroplanes, Inc.). The Board of Trustees is considering a response to a letter which our Board sent, offering to assist them in certain ways.

I remain hopeful that we shall continue our meaningful discussions.

With respect to the Gnome (B11559) I am confident that the matter is being pursued and that the culprits will be identified. It appears that the investigation is now pursuing actives leads.

I urge everyone who holds Rhinebeck Aerodrome dear in their heart to remain confident that matters will improve markedly.

Best,
cfgray

AAC Cadet Leader · 2 June 2006, 01:57 PM

Mr. Gray,
Of your recent communications you've had with the board members are you able to relay any of their general tone for this upcoming airshow season? Do you sense they are optimistic, or pessimistic individually or as a whole?

cfgray · 2 June 2006, 02:27 PM

With about 2 weeks to go until the first Rhinebeck Airshow scheduled for 17 June, a search is still on to locate an aviator and a qualified mechanic.

Although Chad Wille had been announced by the Rhinebeck Boards of Trustees (Airshows and Museum), he will not be employed, at least as of this date. Dan Taylor has left, as most people who follow these matters must know.

No announcement has been made about what aerial craft will be appearing at the upcoming first airshow. I am considering being present, but have not yet decided.

Everyone must sense the great and rising concern, due partly to the slow opening on 13 May and general lack of activity at the Aerodrome. The Memorial Day weekend was reportedly very slow, as well.

More on this later, I'm certain.

Best,
cfgray

Hellcat · 16 June 2006, 04:20 AM

On page 71 of the April 2006 Skyways (No. 78) there is an ad for Rhineeck Aerodrome Museum inviting the public to join as a "charter member". I called the telephone number in the ad for more information and found it was a non-working number. I emailed ORA itself and learned that no one there knew what a "charter member" is and, in fact, know nothing of the advertisement. I was simply directed to the on-line membersip application form. I then emailed C. Gray about this but failed to elicit a response. Does any one on this forum know what this ad is about?

AAC Cadet Leader · 16 June 2006, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellcat

On page 71 of the April 2006 Skyways (No. 78) there is an ad for Rhineeck Aerodrome Museum inviting the public to join as a "charter member". I called the telephone number in the ad for more information and found it was a non-working number. I emailed ORA itself and learned that no one there knew what a "charter member" is and, in fact, know nothing of the advertisement. I was simply directed to the on-line membersip application form...

That doesn't surprise me. I sent in my check for membership five weeks ago and it hasn't been processed yet, nor have I received an acknowledgement or membership welcome of any kind from the current staff at ORA.

cfgray · 16 June 2006, 05:10 PM

Hi, Hellcat,
Sorry for the oversight - busy as I can be and I missed your e-mail - I responded to it earlier today.

Best wishes,
cfgray

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellcat

I then emailed C. Gray about this but failed to elicit a response. Does any one on this forum know what this ad is about?

Hellcat · 16 June 2006, 08:40 PM

Mr. Gray,

Email received. Thanks for enlightening me. As for the delay, I understand. My time tends to be 175% committed.

Best,
Hellcat

CodyPaul · 19 June 2006, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfgray

Hello, All,

I gladly received a brief communication from Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum President Terry McClinch last week, and appreciated that he is continuing contact with our Board (the Board of World War 1 Aeroplanes, Inc.). The Board of Trustees is considering a response to a letter which our Board sent, offering to assist them in certain ways.

I remain hopeful that we shall continue our meaningful discussions.

With respect to the Gnome (B11559) I am confident that the matter is being pursued and that the culprits will be identified. It appears that the investigation is now pursuing actives leads.

I urge everyone who holds Rhinebeck Aerodrome dear in their heart to remain confident that matters will improve markedly.

Best,
cfgray

Mr. Gray, I have been watching things for a long time now. I was very glad when you opened dialog with the board and stated to keep watching because things were changing. I know see that things are, indeed changing.
Most of the pkanes are being "retired" and will no longer fly. Insurance is too much too make it worthwhile. The only planes flying don't belong to the aerodrome and people, what few show up, are leaving in the middle of the performance. Surely this cannot be what you mean? It certainly isn't an improvement.

I would love to hear your take on things. I live quite a ways from Old Rhinebeck but have always wanted to go. Now, sadly it looks like I may never get the chance and it wouldn't be worth the trip if I did.

cfgray · 19 June 2006, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CodyPaul

I would love to hear your take on things.

Since you asked, here it is, CodyPaul, -

Earlier this year many people, some very well informed and familiar with these matters and some with an unceasing death-watch mentality, were speculating that there would not be an airshow season at all this year. There were dire predictions that the airshows were over. That has proven to be untrue, even though the airshows are certainly not nearly up to Cole Palen's standard.

If the Jenny and the Bleriot, etc. are not flying, they are unlikely to be damaged. I, and probably many others, wish the Camel had been "retired" before being damaged. If the material and financial assets of Rhinebeck Aerodrome are preserved without damage or destruction or loss, then that is to the good. Once things have been put right then it will be just that much easier to bring Rhinebeck Aerodrome back to something closer to its former glory.

I believe there will be a brighter day and that Rhinebeck Aerodrome will once again be the place it once was.

Remember, the Missing Gnome was, in fact, forced to reappear... so, anything is possible.

Stay positive, keep active.

Best,
cfgray