Interview with Floyd Bennett Field Park Ranger
Todd Rosenhaus 1/2005

Thinkquest Team:
Great to meet you. What can you tell us about Floyd Bennett Field?

Todd:
Originally a man by the name of Paul Rizzo started flying from here in 1928
in what was then known as Barren Island. In 1930 it was the first airport
in New York City, and continued to be until the opening of LaGuardia Airport.
From the year 1941 all the way until 1972 it was used by the United States
Postal Service, until it became park of the Park services of Gateway National
Park.

Thinkquest Team: Why that is very interesting! Thanks for the information.

Todd: 
Of course, it's my pleasure. I would like to tell you about some of the great
pilots that flew out of here, Like Howard Hughes, whose life is now the subject
of a motion picture called "The Aviator", or Roscoe Turner, who used to fly with
a tiger named "Gilmor", or Jaqueline Lochran, the first woman to break the speed
of sound, and many many more. I suggest you look them all up on the internet for
more information about their lives.

Thinkquest Team: Yes, we definatly will. Are there any planes that take off from
here anymore?

Todd:
The New York City Police Department run helicopters out of here. You can see their
newest one landing right now (POINTING). Other than that, there is a C-54 nicknamed
"The Spirit of Freedom", and a KC-97 nicknamed the "Angel of Deliverence" that fly
in and out of here from time to time but we do not really let anyone know since we
would need to increase our security in that situation.

Thinkquest Team: Where have all the buttons gone from the controls?

Todd: Well, When the United States Navy pulled out of using Floyd Bennett Field as
a base, they took all their equipment with them. It is usual for people that have
worked at a certain post to get a souvenier as small as it may be. We are in the process
of looking for authentic replicas.