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Why Haven’t You Flown to Ellenville Yet?

The appeal of Ellenville, New York, begins with its airport and extends to its vibrant downtown and hang-gliding community.

hangglider in flight
Paul Voight, a modern hang gliding pioneer, soars above scenic Route 52 in Ellenville, NY. [Credit: Paul Voight]
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Key Takeaways:

  • A private pilot certificate grants access to explore unique destinations like Ellenville, NY, an example of how general aviation serves as a gateway to local history and activities.
  • Ellenville is a prominent East Coast site for hang gliding, a sport experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to improved safety standards and professional instruction.
  • The town of Ellenville has a rich and dynamic history, evolving from a 19th-century canal and railroad hub to a resort destination, enduring a period of decline, and currently enjoying a comeback with revitalized businesses and cultural attractions.
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Holding a private pilot certificate has brought a great deal of pride, joy, freedom, and of course, responsibility to my life over the years. But what that document provides more than anything else, arguably, is access.

The real miracle of general aviation, beyond thrust and lift getting us off the ground, is the ease with which it allows us to explore and enjoy places we might never have found while traveling on land. Airports are the gateways to these destinations and by visiting them, we can learn about a town’s relationship with the surrounding region.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

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