“World War I”

Sunday’s shows are themed “World War I dog fight”. The show is predominantly a variety of aircraft from the World War I era (1914 – 1918), but also includes teaser aircraft performances from the Pioneer Era ( 1896 – 1913) and the Golden Age (1919 -1940). The day’s climax is the dog fight of WW I aircraft between the Aerodrome hero, Sir Percy and the villain, the Black Baron.

Spad VII

Manufactured by the French, the type was used by the Americans since the United States did not have a very active military aviation component at the outbreak of WWI.

The museum’s aircraft is reproduction, having been completed in 2000. The aircraft is painted to represent the airframe flown by Lt. George Turnure of Lenox, MA. Lt. Turnure flew in the 103rd Aero Squadron and was credited with three confirmed aerial victories.

Sopwith Pup

The Pup was a British design and was considered a very formidable design when first introduced in 1916. However, the aircraft industry was very active during the war, and it was outclassed very quickly by newer designs.

The Aerodrome’s airframe is a reproduction, having first flown in 1967. The airframe was sold to another museum in 1982. However, the museum reacquired the airframe in 2018. After a brief restoration, it returned to airshows in 2019. Although the airframe is a reproduction, the motor is an original LeRhone 9C, and is a true rotary powered aircraft.

Fokker DR. 1

Another new addition to the performing aircraft for 2023 season is Brian Coughlin’s DR.1 . The reproduction aircraft was completed late in the season, and made several appearances.

Fokker D.VIII

Brian Coughlin’s other aircraft in the Aerodrome’s shows is the D.VIII. This is likely the most memorable sounding aircraft that performs at the Aerodrome. The aircraft also has a rotary engine. The aircraft was produced too late in World War I to make an impact. It was considered nimble and well armed, so had it been introduced earlier, the narrative may have been different.

The aircraft is a 1994 reproduction and is marked to represent flying with Jagdsta 6 in July – August, 1918.

Bristol F.2B Brisfit

The Brisfit is a British design dating to 1917. The design was rugged and highly successful in combat. Production continued into the mid-1920s and the type remained in service until 1932.

The Aerodrome’s Brisfit is a reproduction built in 1983 and acquired by a generous donation. The airframe was restored to flying condition in 2022 and is marked as a post-WWI era aircraft fly with RAF No. 2 squadron.

Fokker DR.1

The DR.1, also known as the “Tri-plane” is likely the most recognized aircraft of the WWI era. The red DR.1 is synonymous with Manfred von Richthofen, the famous “Red Baron”. The type was developed in 1917 and had a fair amount of success in combat. The type was plagued with poor workmanship resulting in wing failures.

The Aerodrome’s DR.1 is a reproduction built in 1987 with some possible original components. The Black Baron takes to the skies in the Tri-plane to challenge Sir Percy to an aerial dual for the hand of the maiden, Trudy Truelove.

The dogfight!

In the end, the conflict ends and peace is restored at the Aerodrome. Thankfully, Sir Percy and Trudy were able to be married and remain peaceful acquaintances with the Black Baron.

Around the field…

That’s a wrap!

The 2023 season was very challenging to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Most notably was the cancellation of nearly half of the season’s shows due to foul weather. These early aircraft are fragile and safety concerns arise with steady winds. Hopefully Mother Nature will be kinder on show weekends in 2024. Interest in the Aerodrome continues to be strong and planning for the 2024 season is already in progress. I am eager to see which aircraft are used and the updates to the grounds. This is a fantastic group of people and I am happy to call many of them friends now. Plan a trip to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, you will not regret it.