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As winter settles in, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has shifted into its off-season rhythm, with aircraft secured and public flying paused while work continues behind the scenes. A reduced staff and dedicated volunteers are focused on maintenance, restoration projects, and planning for the 2026 season, which is set to include air shows, flight nights, special events, and expanded educational programs. The update also highlights new trustees joining the board, recent facility improvements, and upcoming initiatives planned for later in the year.
Winter operations are underway at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Red Hook, NY, as flying activities pause and aircraft and vehicles are secured in hangars for the season. While public activity slows during the colder months, work continues behind the scenes. Staffing is reduced during the winter period. Mark Mondello (Director of Aircraft Maintenance) and Tara Grieb (Director) remain on site full-time, while Operations Manager Shannon and Office Manager Sheila continue on a part-time basis. A small group of regular volunteers is also active throughout the winter. Their work includes helping in the library, assisting in the workshop, and supporting planning and preparation tasks that are easier to address outside the main operating season.
Snow-covered grounds. Photo via Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Planning for the 2026 season is already in progress. The schedule under development includes air shows, flight nights, vintage baseball, RC model meets, a steampunk event, and kids-fly programs. Adult Learning Series offerings are also being expanded. Restoration work continues on several aircraft projects, and a roofing update has recently been completed as part of ongoing maintenance.
The last surviving Albree Pigeon Fraser at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, circa 1966 (ORA Archives)
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has welcomed three new trustees to its board: Chris Travers, Jimmy DiResta, and Matthew Nathan. Travers brings experience as a former journalist, news executive, and digital media entrepreneur, while DiResta is widely known for his work as a designer and builder with a strong background in hands-on craftsmanship. Nathan serves as a Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch in Hyde Park, New York, and is also a board member of Astor Services.
The Fokker Dr.I (Dreidecker, meaning “triplane” in German) was a World War I fighter aircraft designed and built by Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. Screenshot from a video by Tom Polapink
A small number of fabric pieces from the Aerodrome’s Avro 504K are expected to be released later this winter. The selection will include sections of fuselage fabric, a rudder panel, roundel material, and several framed pieces in various sizes. Further details are expected in February. Additionally, planning is also underway for a swap meet in spring 2026. The event is expected to include a mix of parts and miscellaneous items, along with space for outside vendors to sell and trade. The meet is intended to give collectors and builders a chance to find useful or unusual materials. For more information and to support the Old Rhinebeck Museum, click here:oldrhinebeck.org.View of the Albree Pigeon-Fraser at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (Tom Polapink)
Amreetam Basu is a Content Manager at Vintage Aviation News with more than four years of experience in editorial roles. He began his career covering automobiles before moving into aviation, with a focus on aircraft history and design. His experience spans both news and feature content, with an emphasis on clear, well-researched reporting. When he is not reading about aircraft or editing stories, you will likely find him behind the camera or planning his next trip. For queries or story ideas, you can contact Amreetam at [email protected].
