Nearly 50 Years in the Making!

It took nearly fifty years to come to fruition but after much blood, sweat and tears the most authentic reproduction of Charles Lindbergh’s famed Spirit of St. Louis has been built right here in the Hudson Valley.

Last week The Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum announced that they along with help from many supporters have completed this out matched reproduction. Aerodrome officials state via their website that the dream for the reproduction started long along with Cole Palen in the 1970's. Palen worked many years on the project but for various reason the project was put on hold, then sadly Palen passed away in 1993, never seeing his dream realized.

That dream however saw new life this past weekend when aerodrome pilot and aircraft restorer/builder, Ken Cassens took to the sky for the replicas first flight.

Cassen gave his reaction to the website after the flight,  “It was uneventful, which is a good thing, and I was happy with the way it performed. I was pleased with the flight characteristics…nothing unexpected, other than it being nose-heavy. It trimmed out really well. A little bit hard to slow it down, because it’s so clean, and a little heavy on the ailerons, but that’s to be expected. No real surprises. It’s gratifying that it flew and I hope it keeps flying successfully. We have a lot more flight testing to do.”

You have to be a real professional for this bird. According to the website the plane is not an easy aircraft to navigate with obstructed views and no breaks! Aerodrome officials say the authentic reproduction "serves as an excellent example to remind us of American perseverance and ingenuity, and the evolution in aircraft design,".

If you would like to see this marvel of history take to the sky be sure to visit the Aerodrome next spring for the Spirit of St. Louis gala event. The day will kick off with the Spirits first public flight and will be follow by a special 1920s themed fundraising dinner. The even will be held on May 21st, the 89th anniversary of Lindbergh’s landing in France. Guests speakers even include will include Reeve Lindbergh the daughter of Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

For more information on the replica, it's history and the upcoming gala be sure to visit www.oldrhinebeck.org.