Rhinebeck airshow reviews

spandau · 19 July 2006, 07:21 AM

For those people who may be considering a trip to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, it would be very helpful to know what they could expect to see.

If you have attended any of the shows this year, please let us know what you thought. When did you attend? What airplanes flew? Which planes were displayed on the flightline? Has anything changed from previous shows? Did the weather have any affect on the show? etc......

Whether you loved it or hated it, please feel free to give your honest opinion.
However, please keep your comments pertaining to the airshow, ground show or museum displays. There are currently several other threads dedicated to the "behind the scenes problems". Thanks.

Regards,
Spandau

AAC Cadet Leader · 19 July 2006, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spandau

...Whether you loved it or hated it, please feel free to give your honest opinion. However, please keep your comments pertaining to the airshow, ground show or museum displays, there are currently several other threads dedicated to the "behind the scenes problems". Thanks.

Regards,
Spandau

Spandau,
You've a great idea to start this thread, however, I think you should enlarge and bold the text about not posting about the problems. Some people don't always read the first posts of a thread unless it really grabs their attention.

proscriptus · 19 July 2006, 01:10 PM

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2...d-automobiles/

greenknight · 19 July 2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proscriptus

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2...d-automobiles/

Interesting, but the photos of the planes appear to be ones taken some time ago that are used on the Aerodrome's website.

The Bleriot shown flying in the picture looks to be the one fitted with the rotary. Not aware that one has flown in some years.

Also, the cowl on the Caudron looks to be one that was fitted previously, not the type fitted when I photgraphed that plane on the first weekend of June this year.

I hope the these two flying shots are at least representative, and that these two fine birds (Caudron, and one or the other of the Bleriots) have returned to show flying status.

SteveS · 19 July 2006, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenknight

I hope the these two flying shots are at least representative, and that these two fine birds (Caudron, and one or the other of the Bleriots) have returned to show flying status.

Sadly not.

I think the whole description is a couple of years old. These pictures are definitely from years past. The Caudron hasn't flown all year (much less that high!) and the rotary powered Bleriot shown in the picture has been up in the museum building for years. To the best of my knowledge, the Anzani powered Bleriot hasn't left the ground either much less been started. The engine came back from the rebuilder with a bad magneto. I don't know if they found a replacement yet.

Salute,
Steve

PS Just for the record, The Roosevelt Field Museum was on Long Island in NY.

ONEALM · 19 July 2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

I hope the these two flying shots are at least representative, and that these two fine birds (Caudron, and one or the other of the Bleriots) have returned to show flying status.

Sean -

Sorry to disappoint, but I doubt that short blog has anything to do with this years season. The Bleriot has not flown with a rotary in a dogs age, the Caudron has a LeRhone (not a Gnome as the blog stated). In either case, they are rotary engines. Last time I checked the only rotaries flying out of Rhinebeck were headed, not down the runway, but for more distant landings. As magical as they were to hear and watch fly, they are even more magical (or perhaps "miraculous" is a better term) when they reappear.

I have not seen the Bleriot fly this year - cfg, or anyone who might know- Is it on the "retired" list with the Jenny, D.VII, AVRO, Camel, Nieuport, New Standard, Fledgling, Davis D.1W, Curtiss Pusher, Curtiss Junior...... ?

On a positive note, old reliable Bill K is still flying his Moth.

Trying to stay positive

Mike

cfgray · 19 July 2006, 07:21 PM

Hi, Mike,
As I understand it, the Anzani-powered Bleriot was to have been flown this season, which is why the Anzani was overhauled. However, an uncooperative magneto has left it grounded, where it may well stay for the balance of this season. The Gnome-powered Bleriot is certainly on the grounded list.

Well, at least what isn't flown will probably not easily be damaged.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ONEALM

I have not seen the Bleriot fly this year - cfg, or anyone who might know- Is it on the "retired" list with the Jenny, D.VII, AVRO, Camel, Nieuport, New Standard, Fledgling, Davis D.1W, Curtiss Pusher, Curtiss Junior...... ?

Best,
cfgray

ONEALM · 20 July 2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Well, at least what isn't flown will probably not easily be damaged.

Can't disagree with that, it may be better for the future of ORA to ground all airplanes.

But in my simple opinion, if it does not fly, it is not an airplane.

tazbat · 20 July 2006, 05:06 PM

I went to the first Sunday show of the season. Saturday had been a rain out, but Sunday was a beautiful day, although hot. If you checked the post at that period you would see mine and SteveS reports.

On Sunday there was only about two hundred visitors. In the main section, 25% left before the end of the show. Many of the bench seats are old and rotted, or twisted and splintery. Many blocks had no boards at all. The show was slow and had little diversity. The Jenny, the DR.1, the Albatros, and the DVII were only taxied. The Spad flew along with the Tiger Moth and Record's Great Lakes. Naturally, Stan did his routine and Bill King hopped the Hanriot, the only flying Pioneer era plane. So, the planes in the air amounted to zilch. The New Standard rides plane was left sitting in the hangar. No rides were available. The ground crew was mostly school aged persons. There might have been two adults on the field as plane handlers, during the show. All the planes I witnessed being put away afterwards were moved by kids. No one other than Bill King, Bill Poythress, and Jim Hare were available to interface with the visitors, Dan Taylor wasn't around. The stores had little to offer in souvenirs. I wanted to purchase a video of the Cole Palen's Flying Circus, but no copies were available and none expected to be stocked.

But, the food was good as usual.

Salute!

timjnf · 28 July 2006, 01:46 PM

Quote:

But, the food was good as usual.

LOL - I seem to remember the food being the low point, aside from the 1918 style bathrooms they used to have.

I'm glad this thread was started. I'll be in the vicinity of ORA in early October and I'm considering going for a visit. I haven't been in a few years now. But if things haven't improved by the end of summer I think I'll pass.