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Airport Tours: A Behind-the-Scenes Experience

Explore the inner workings of a regional airport and discover the exciting career opportunities it offers!

Our airport tours provide participants with a first-hand look at key operations, including airport administration, security, airfield management, emergency response, and general/vintage aviation.

These tours are free of charge and open to various groups, such as civic organizations, schools, scouting organizations, and church clubs. They offer an engaging and educational experience for all participants. Organizations other than a school, will need to request on-airport transportation ahead of time.

In compliance with the ADA and Title VI, we are committed to ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you require auxiliary aids, language services, or other reasonable accommodations to participate, please let us know at the time of scheduling.

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Contact

  • Jdurand@DutchessNY.gov
  • 845-463-6000
  • Fax 845-463-6005
  • Hudson Valley Regional Airport
    263 New Hackensack Road
    Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
  • Administrative Office Hours
    Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Tower Phone Number
(Drone Questions and Information):
845-462-3434

Airport Director and Operations Dept:
38 Citation Dr, Wappingers Falls NY 12590

Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Meet the group at a designated airport facility entrance.
  • Introduction of tour guide(s) and brief overview of the tour objectives.
  • Decide whether the group should stay together or divide up.
  • Highlight key entities:
    • Airport administration and operations.
    • Dutchess Community College Aviation Facility.
    • FAA Tower, US Aviation, and Tunison Foundation.

Airport Operations (25 minutes)

  • Airport operations / Emergency response.
    • Overview of regional airport management and operations.
    • Introduction to airport security procedures.
    • Explanation of airfield maintenance and responsibilities.
  • Emergency Response
    • Showcase of fire and rescue vehicles and protocols
    • Overview of emergency response teams and equipment

Dutchess Community College Aviation Facility (30 minutes)

  • Explore the aviation training programs:
    • Pilot Program: Insight into training, simulators, and certifications.
    • Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program: Maintenance techniques and career pathways.
    • Aviation Management Program: Overview of business and management roles in aviation.

FAA Tower Visit (25 minutes)

  • Learn about air traffic control:
    • Communication between pilots and controllers.
    • Real-time demonstrations of airport monitoring (if permitted).

Tunison Foundation Presentation (30 minutes)

  • Learn about the foundation’s mission and aviation contributions.
  • Opportunities to view specialized aircraft or projects.

Travel time between locations (5 minutes)

  • Travel between the different facilities.

Tour Guidelines

  • Group Size: Maximum 25 participants; one adult per 10 children.
  • Timing: Tours run Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM (April 1 - October 31).
  • Safety: Participants must remain with the guide at all times.
  • Dress Code: Weather-appropriate attire for indoor/outdoor activities.
  • Photography Rules: Permitted in designated areas only.

Terms & Conditions

 

  1. Weather or Operational Impacts:
    • Tours may be postponed, shortened, or canceled due to weather or operational conditions.
  2. Tour Availability:
    • Requests will be considered based on staff availability and other scheduled events.
    • The airport cannot guarantee all requests will be granted.
  3. Changes or Cancellations by Groups:
    • Tour leaders must notify the airport of any changes or cancellations at least 24 hours before the scheduled time.
    • Groups arriving late may have their tours canceled at the airport’s discretion.

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