One of the most amazing and interesting places I have ever visited in the five boroughs of New York City is Floyd Bennett Field. This enormous space, with huge undeveloped tracts of land, is startling for this city. Nearly all of the airfield is drivable, providing an easy way to explore for a first-time visitor. See the gallery of photos here.
Knowing of my visiting friend’s interest in aviation and model planes, I recently investigated the details about Floyd Bennett Field, a place which I had been looking to explore for some time. In a replay of Morphic Resonance, the New York Times just happened to be running a feature article that very day (see it here).
Unfortunately, my friend was not able to join me, so I made the visit without him. After my first visit, I know that I will be making other visits in the future.
Completed in 1930, primarily on landfill, Floyd Bennett Field was New York City’s first municipal airport, later used as a military training and testing facility until the airfield was decommissioned in the early 1970s. Now it is a virtual playground. Weeds sprout from crevices on unused runways. From the New York Times article:
The Park Service has preserved the historic look and feel of the airfield while seeding an area larger than Central Park with things to do and see, from camping and gardening to bicycle races, kayaking, fishing, golf and indoor sports. There’s even an archery range and a cricket pitch.
Add to that radio control jet aircraft flying and land sailing, which I will feature in later posts.
The airfield also boasts a number of antique hangars. Hangar B houses a number of retired military planes – some can be boarded. (The photos in today’s collage were all taken in or immediately outside Hangar B.)
The hangar is also home to the Historic Aircraft Restoration Project, a volunteer organization of aircraft enthusiasts, engineers, and pilots, who rebuild vintage aircraft and assemble full-size replicas. Fortunately, I was able to tour Hangar B and the workshop; it is only opened Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Some really nice photos today. I'm sure your friend will be wanting to go back with you on your second tour. Hope all is well.
Brian, I guess you had an amazing visit at the Airfield. Thank you for sharing that to everybody.
The photos are so good and I am curious who is the man in this collage? 🙂
Floyd Bennet is a great place to visit. There's good birding there in the spring and fall as well.
Michele – Thanks. And, yes, my friend will be looking forward to it.
Anon – I think I know that guy 🙂
Beth – I didn't get to explore the flora and fauna in the area yet. Too busy with planes and sails.
gr8 blog and very useful for me. thanks for this one
stationed at fb from 1953 to 1957, so sad to c it so run down. visiting it i found it (hngr b) of urine. and the chow hall area in disaray. sad as it is i am still proud of the time i spent their r w
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