Bayport Aerodrome - 11/26/06
I've seen this place for years now, but never made time to stop by. I contacted one of the members of the Bayport Aerodrome Society and he said that members usually went up on Sunday mornings. So, I took a break from Holiday-Hell (family, decorating, etc) and drove over there this morning. For those unfamilar, it is a small grass-strip airport which has quite a few old-birds housed on field. I was hoping to catch one of the bi-wing Stearman's and got my wish! Just as I got there these guys were starting up...
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...N57811Taxi.jpg
I asked if they minded me taking some shots and they said "shoot away"!, so I did. Now, this is no major airport, heck it makes FRG look like LGA, but if you are patient, you can catch some of these classics.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...811Takeoff.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...11Takeoff2.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...604/N3430D.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...355Takeoff.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...604/N9056L.jpg
Did I mention, they have small benches you can sit on right NEXT to the taxiway? I spent about an hour there. Got to talking with one of the older gents, Harry Gaithers, and he said spring and summer the place is quite a bit busier on weekends. He said the Aerodrome has been classified as a museum, which should keep it around for years. He showed me one of his buddies hangars which has a former cropduster now restored as a former Navy TN3 (? - cant remember now too late). The guy is also working on a SMALL bi-wing which looked no bigger than my SUV, which he is outfitting like a former fighter.
If you are ever out on the East End, make it a point to drop by. The Aerodrome Society is at the north end of the field, and they welcome guests. If you ever want directions ask....but I think Derf can hop his fence and be on the flight line.
