Expands Biplane Rides Over Hudson Valley For The Fall Foliage Season

The Hudson River Valley Institute (HRVI) at Marist College and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum come to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to pay tribute to Glenn Curtiss this Saturday. "This will be a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Curtiss' historic flight in his Albany Flyer down the Hudson River Valley from Albany to Manhattan and recognition of those who strive to preserve the memory of his innovative spirit," said HRVI Executive Director, Colonel (Ret.) James M. Johnson.

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Air Shows President, Hugh Schoelzel said "The special 2 PM air show will display a replica of the 1911 Curtiss "D" Pusher... very similar to Glenn Curtiss' Albany Flyer. There will be a taxi demonstration of the Pusher's unique flight controls, flying exhibitions of an original Curtiss JN-4 H Hisso Jenny built for the Great War in 1918 and a Curtiss Wright Junior CW-1 built for recreational flying in 1931."

Trafford Doherty, Executive Director of The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum of Hammondsport, New York, will speak in proximity to a static display of the Curtiss airplanes. "It is a privilege to come to the Hudson Valley to celebrate the achievements of Glenn Hammond Curtiss. I look forward to sharing with you the "Founder of the American Aircraft Industry" and "Father of Naval Aviation," said Mr. Doherty.

"This is an appropriate way to celebrate the achievements of Glenn H. Curtiss and his historic flight down the Hudson River Valley 100 years ago. That event marks the birth of practical inter-city commerce by airplane," Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area commented.

Curtiss D Pusher

The museum and grounds open at 10 AM with four hangars full of antique airplanes and artifacts to browse through. There will be music in conjunction with The Aerodrome's traditional Fall Festival. Biplane rides over the Hudson River Valley are offered for $65 per person on a first-come-first-served basis on show days through October 17. "Because of heavy demand for biplane rides during the fall, biplane rides will be expanded during the week by advance reservation," Schoelzel said.  

Old Rhinebeck Air Shows, The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, and the Hudson River Valley Institute have missions related to education and, with the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, all four are 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Educators and adult students will get a special admission of $15 with proper ID on October 9.

FMI: www.oldrhinebeck.org