The Cradle of Aviation and the American Airpower Museum have announced the co-hosting of the region’s first aviation film festival that invites Long Island professional and amateur videographers to create films that capture the region’s aviation activities, exhibits and tributes with their work being screened on the IMAX theater system at the Cradle.

Andrew Parton, the Cradle of Aviation’s executive director, stated, “Between this spring and Labor Day weekend these two wonderful institutions are collaborating to offer compelling venues for videographers from throughout the region to use their artistic skills to create video shorts that chronicle air exhibits, displays, aviation activities and special events. We will provide them with the opportunity to then screen their work on our IMAX system at a post production reception.”

Jeff Clyman, president of the American Airpower Museum, explained, “We have begun to see extraordinary video work from individuals who come to Airpower to capture our aircraft in flight, especially during `high sortie’ weekends such as Memorial Day when we act as the ground location for the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show. It became obvious to both aviation museums that we should provide Long Islanders with a means to expand their video artistry by allowing them access to the Cradle and Airpower and then to give them a venue to present their work on the most dramatic viewing setting on Long Island.”

Parton also noted, “Both Cradle and Airpower have been looking for opportunities to create collaborative events that play to our mutual strengths, and this home grown aviation film festival was an obvious direction for both of us.”

Both museums are founding members of the New York State Aviation Destination Alliance that invites aviation museums from across the state to share marketing ideas and cross promotion programs. Other museums include Rhinebeck Aerodrome in the Hudson Valley and Historic Aircraft Group 1941 in the southern tier of New York.

Both the Cradle of Aviation and the American Airpower Museum at Republic will provide free access to a selected number of videographers who apply for access based on first come – first serve. The passes will be for their exclusive use and are non-transferrable. In addition, there are a limited number of available permits for videography adjacent to the active flight line of the American Airpower Museum. Airpower reserves the right to limit those permits as ground safety and security regulations govern their distribution.

While this film festival is being organized by the Cradle and Airpower, every and any aviation venue on Long Island can be the subject of the film short. No presentation should be longer than 10 minutes and the final film will need to be submitted on DVD for review prior to presentation. Non cash awards will be presented for most imaginative, most compelling, best post production editing and scoring and best of festival.

Videographers are requested to submit their request to participate to glewi@rubenstein.com and include their phone and US mail contact information. If they have created prior aviation themed videos a wmv file or a Youtube link should be provided.

The Cradle of Aviation will determine the date for screening based on the scheduling and availability of the Imax Theater in the Fall.

A massive PBY Navy patrol bomber is in the beginning throes of restoration to flight standards thanks to a significant start-up grant from Polimeni International. With its wings removed and its structural interior revealed, this is a unique opportunity to peer inside this historic aircraft and learn first-hand how the American Airpower Museum will be offering flight experiences in salute of America’s Naval Aviation. Please join the campaign by donating now to the restoration project. No amount is too small.

This award winning Labor Day weekend program is sponsored by Stop & Shop Supermarkets and remains a powerful tribute to those who have defended our nation. With visiting World War II aircraft from Warbirds over Long Island and a legendary Spitfire from the Duffy Collection visiting the region for the first time, this will truly be a Fighter flight line for the history books as the American Airpower Museum pays tribute to the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

For more information, please contact us.

The year 2010 marks the centennial eve anniversary of America’s Naval Aviation. The American Airpower Museum will celebrate this milestone by flying its Navy Corsair fighter and Navy Avenger torpedo bomber in formation before Grumman retirees whose legacy includes squadrons of Navy aircraft that have defended our nation over the generations.

For more information, please contact us.

It was the Waco biplane training aircraft that ruled the skies over U.S. Army Air Force training fields across America, teaching a generation of pilots how to fly and fight. Ask us how to qualify for a flight experience in these wonderful WACOs by contacting the American Airpower Museum through this web site. If you have youngsters who want to get a feel for flight but don’t want to leave the ground learn more about the Waco taxi runs that allow children to experience the thrill of aviation history right here on the ground starting April 4th, weather permitting. Flight membership is $50 for one or two related people flying together. (There are cockpit space and weight limitations.)

Inquire about WACO flights that are also part of the Aviation Cadet $250 membership to the American Airpower Museum, available by reaching us through this web site.