Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
We’re Living History and Family Fun
Experience the magic and myth of flight! “History of Flight” every Saturday, “World War I” every Sunday, in 2023, June 17-Oct 15, at 2 PM.
America’s first flying museum of antique aircraft is just a short drive from New York City, Albany, and Western New England!
The Hudson Valley–an open cockpit– the rush of the slipstream–the majesty of the view. 1929 Biplane Rides and Lighthouse Tours.
The 1915 F.E.8 “pusher” was designed before the advent of a British synchronized, forward-firing machine gun. The pilot, seated in front of the engine, had a clear field of fire with a single Lewis machine gun aligned directly in front of him. By the time it appeared in combat in 1916, it was already outclassed by the faster and more agile Albatros fighters just arriving.
Our founder, Cole Palen, grew up next to a great 1930’s Hudson Valley airport dreaming that he would own and fly the machines he saw overhead and spent the rest of his life bringing the vision alive. He believed, “It isn’t an airplane if it doesn’t fly,” and the non-profit Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum continues his work of collecting, restoring and exhibiting more than 60 aircraft of the Pioneer, WWI and Golden Ages of aviation. Cole also believed in having fun and presenting his treasures in an accessible way and we continue this tradition. We’ve been flying, educating and entertaining for six decades.
