Long Island: aka Cradle of Aviation
Due to the abundance of air fields, airports, and aircraft production facilities, Long Island bears the nickname the Cradle of Aviation. Even in the early days, before and during World War I, Long Island was home to several aircraft factories and three airfields. Today, both major NY airports, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy, are geographically located on the Island. Oh, there's also Brookhaven Airport, Calverton Executive Airpark, East Hampton Airport, Flushing Airport, Long Island MacArthur Airport, Mattituck Airport, Montauk Airport, Republic Airport, and Southampton Airport to name a few more.
Charles Lindbergh: the American aviator, author, inventor, military officer, and social activist? For his historic solo non-stop flight in 1927 to Paris, France, he took off from the Roosevelt Field in Garden city. Amelia Earhart was also among many esteemed aviators to utilize the airfield back in its day. Although that airfield no longer exists, it is now grounds of the second-largest mall in the state of New York and ninth largest in the country.
Historical aviation events date back even before Lindbergh's famous flight:
It's only fitting that the popular Memorial Day weekend celebration on the Island involves aviation. Annually, the Bethpage Air Show draws the crowds out to Jones Beach State Park to signal the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day weekend. This year, over 200,000 people packed the beach to watch the five hour show. While the Navy Blue Angels headlined the show last year, this year the United States Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team stole the show. Other performers included the Golden Knights (U.S. Army Parachute team), the Geico Sky-typers, and several individual pilots.
Due to the abundance of air fields, airports, and aircraft production facilities, Long Island bears the nickname the Cradle of Aviation. Even in the early days, before and during World War I, Long Island was home to several aircraft factories and three airfields. Today, both major NY airports, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy, are geographically located on the Island. Oh, there's also Brookhaven Airport, Calverton Executive Airpark, East Hampton Airport, Flushing Airport, Long Island MacArthur Airport, Mattituck Airport, Montauk Airport, Republic Airport, and Southampton Airport to name a few more.
Charles Lindbergh: the American aviator, author, inventor, military officer, and social activist? For his historic solo non-stop flight in 1927 to Paris, France, he took off from the Roosevelt Field in Garden city. Amelia Earhart was also among many esteemed aviators to utilize the airfield back in its day. Although that airfield no longer exists, it is now grounds of the second-largest mall in the state of New York and ninth largest in the country.
Historical aviation events date back even before Lindbergh's famous flight:
- 1909- Glen Curtis flew the Scientific American Prize winning June Bug airplane 25 miles
- 1910- International Aerial Tournament at Belmont Park
- 1911- Cal Rodgers took off for the first transcontinental flight from the South Shore
- 1916- First recorded night flight
- 1917- First automated flying bomb demonstration
It's only fitting that the popular Memorial Day weekend celebration on the Island involves aviation. Annually, the Bethpage Air Show draws the crowds out to Jones Beach State Park to signal the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day weekend. This year, over 200,000 people packed the beach to watch the five hour show. While the Navy Blue Angels headlined the show last year, this year the United States Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team stole the show. Other performers included the Golden Knights (U.S. Army Parachute team), the Geico Sky-typers, and several individual pilots.
Since I was fortunate enough to attend the airshow last year, and to experience the overwhelming amount of people, I had a decent idea of what to expect regarding the performances and the atmosphere surrounding the show. However, last year as I mentioned the Blue Angels was the headline performance, so I was very curious to see how the Thunderbirds would be in comparison. To my surprise, their routine seemed pretty familiar and similar to what I saw last year. Granted, there are only so many things a group of 6 planes can do safely, with the key maneuvers including the diamond formation, several bursts, and the Calypso, where one plane flies "on top" of another but upside down.
Further, as opposed to last year, this year I experienced the show from the water point of view. It was much more relaxing not having to deal with the mass amount of people, the screaming parents and kids, and minimal personal space. Although the Bay was just as packed with boaters, it was a unique perspective of the planes, as they performed maneuver and tricks both over the beach as well as the bay. I definitely would chose the water point of view over the beach now having experienced both!
Further, as opposed to last year, this year I experienced the show from the water point of view. It was much more relaxing not having to deal with the mass amount of people, the screaming parents and kids, and minimal personal space. Although the Bay was just as packed with boaters, it was a unique perspective of the planes, as they performed maneuver and tricks both over the beach as well as the bay. I definitely would chose the water point of view over the beach now having experienced both!