Old Rhinebeck’s Spirit Of The Aerodrome Gala and Iron Maiden Fokker Fabric Raffle

Press Release

Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a non-profit gem in the Hudson Valley of New York state. Fundraising is crucial to our continued operation and our largest fundraiser of the year is coming on May 18th! We count on the financial support of fans, friends, and enthusiasts to keep our planes flying: we do 38 airshows each season, like no other aviation venue in the country.

You can help us in several ways!

SPONSOR THE EVENT– Are you a business owner? In addition to sharing your business or organization with our guests this gives you the opportunity to attend the event via the ticket packages associated with your donation! Can’t attend? We will share your tickets as you wish with deserving guests. For more info click here!

ATTEND THE EVENT– Many comment what a unique and fun time they have at our galas! The Jazz Pioneers, a 20 piece swing band will provide wonderful dancing music. We will have some unique and fun auction items both silent and traditional. Your ticket purchase goes directly to supporting the operations at the Aerodrome AND you get to have a fun night out. Dress up in period attire if you wish! You can get your tickets here!

WIN A PIECE OF AERODROME AND MUSIC HISTORY– Singer Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden stopped by the Aerodrome in February 2022 and signed fabric from our Fokker Dr.1 Triplane replica. Bruce is also a certified pilot, flying the band’s own Ed Force Once plane and — coincidentally — once owned his own Fokker replica and flew it as part of the Great War Display Team in the UK! The signed fabric is in a 30 x 30 frame and will come with a letter of authentication from the Aerodrome. We are running a raffle for this amazing piece of history and will announce the winner at the Gala. To be in to win buy your raffle ticket here!

Your help is crucial to our success. Following a wet and windy 2023 we lost over 1/3 of our operating budget due to show and ride cancellations. The Gala’s raised funds are more important than ever! Thank you in advance for your support!

You can buy tickets for the 2024 Old Rhinebeck Spirit of the Aerodrome Gala here. For information on how to sponsor the Gala click here. To enter the raffle for the Fokker Triplane fabric signed by Bruce Dickinson click here.

Zac Yates

 | Website

Zac, born and raised in New Zealand, grew up immersed in aviation, with his father working as a helicopter crewman and living at Wanganui Airport. His passion for aviation started in childhood, building scale model kits and following the global warbird scene. He later trained as a journalist but found mainstream media unfulfilling, leading him to pursue a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.

Now residing in Blenheim, near the historic Omaka Aerodrome, Zac studies at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and aspires to become a private and warbird pilot. Known as "Handbag" in aviation circles, he shares his love for aviation through photography and writing, connecting with enthusiasts worldwide.

• Spitfire Tribute, Scholarship to Honor Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Pilot
• Full Weekend of Events At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Update
• A Chat With Incoming Old Rhinebeck President Clay Hammond