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View Full Version : Bayport Aerodrome - 11/26/06



lijk604
2006-11-26, 11:30 PM
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/b233/lijk604/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/b233/lijk604/N57811Takeoff.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/N57811Takeoff2.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/N3430D.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/N77355Takeoff.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/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.

T-Bird76
2006-11-26, 11:32 PM
Great stuff John! Just fantastic! Fred knows this place very well.

Derf
2006-11-27, 12:36 AM
I saw all three aircraft take off today from my front door while talking to
my neigbors.... You got to see the rest of what is there on an open house
day. I documented most of it and your jaw WILL drop....dealing with
virus and very bad spyware right now...ugh!

mirrodie
2006-11-27, 10:44 AM
Aw man John, I was out there....was at Calverton and Smith Point yesterday. I wish I knew we'd have joined up!

cancidas
2006-11-27, 01:38 PM
i think i've got a landing logged there, maybe even one at spadaro. definately a fun flight!