Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Plane Ride
Another really great thing that occurs
at Rhinebeck, is the ability to go for a plane ride in a 1929 New Standard
D-25 open-cockpit biplane. For 25 years I have been trying to get up
in this or a similar plane, but for one reason or other I have not been
able to do it. WELL, I FINALLY DID IT!
1929 New Standard D-25 Biplane
This beautiful aircraft holds 4 passengers
and a pilot seated to the rear. I was one of the lucky 4 passengers that
got a lovely ride over the Hudson Valley. This vintage aircraft flies from
around 10 am to show time and after the show to dusk, weather permitting.
The take off was so gentle that I could not feel when the wheels left the ground
or for that matter when the wheels came in touch with the ground upon landing. The noise level
was less than what most bands play at weddings. The passengers get
leather headgear and goggles, just like the old days. The best part is
that your head is out in the fresh air; the plane is flying slowly, and
flying at low altitude gives you a great view of the country side.
I loved the experience!!
Yours Truly all dressed up and ready to
go flying!
My friend, Ted Carr took this photo of me prior to my flight.
"The Flying Farmer" (Stanley Segalla).
No story of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome shows would be complete if "The Flying Farmer" (Stanley Segalla) were not mentioned. Stan has been around doing his skit with his venerable Piper Cub PA-11 forever. Whether it is the first time you see Stan in his farmer's overalls flying the Cub from the back seat with one foot outside the aircraft or the hundredth, you will never cease to be amazed at what that man and his aircraft can do. I believe they are one--the man and the Piper. Below is a photograph of the man and the machine. His famous "dead stick" landing is fantastic to see. Stan puts the Cub down just where he took off--but without power. I have a photo but you have to see the performance live to appreciate it.
I believe that this photo is Stan at the top of his loop--- or it could be that I have the photo upside down. It looks better this way so let's say he is at the top.1947 Piper PA-11 Cub Special with a Continental 75 hp engine. Photo captured in September "97".All photos by Fred Sgrosso except as noted.
To visit the next page: Click
here
To go back to the Warbirds Home Page:
Click here
|