When I think of past events at the airpark, I usually think of fly-in-breakfasts, airshows, and open houses. But there were others gatherings that Tony would hold to promote his pride and joy with the hope of generating sales. He always came up with new ways to increase revenue, and I have piles of notes with his ideas. Here are a few from the BAP archives. I almost passed over this single page Tony saved from an issue of the Van Dusen Flyer. But, unfortunately, there isn’t a date. So it’s probably from the early 60s. Page 3, Van Husen Flyer, unknown date I was unaware that BAP sold a Cessna ..read more

Have you ever thought about the time needed to prepare for an Air Show or Fly-In Breakfast? I never gave it too much thought until I discovered an envelope containing preparation notes and a “Sign In” sheet from a 1982 Fly-In Breakfast at BAP that my mother Ruth saved. It’s always interesting when I find these “Hidden Jems,” and it helps to fill in the vast history of Buffalo Air-Park! I also have a couple of art posters my brother Doug designed for past air shows, but unfortunately, they aren’t for this particular event. I am still determining what years they were for, but I would guess the l ..read more

I wish everyone delighted holidays and safe travel during this annual festive season, and please, take time for yourself afterward to enjoy the simpler things in life. If we move too fast, we vanish and miss the holidays’ true meaning. Let us go back to when we were younger, say around elementary grades. Did you ever write a letter to Santa? I know I did, and I even insisted that my mother mail it to Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. I am trying to remember how I knew the address, or maybe my mom made it up, but either way, she would take me to the Post Office to mail my letter. The thought ..read more

With the holiday season hastily approaching and little time remaining to complete our gift shopping, some of us decide to partake in the shopping mall experience for convenience. So naturally, I try to avoid the malls due to the sheer conglomerate of people hustling and bustling to complete their lists. Sure, it’s nice to have unlimited options, both in consumables and edibles, but I’ll save this for a “last resort.” Although, I do fancy a warm cinnamon roll or hot pretzel while shopping! Have you ever stopped to think about what businesses will do to get our attention with hopes that we will ..read more

The loveable amphibian. This modified aircraft design opens our travel by flight, with many more options to safely land our beloved companion. For example, we can choose a traditional paved runway or feel adventurous and choose an exciting water landing! Let’s be honest. The latter is why we are so fond of the amphibian! Reading my friend Ron’s latest monthly issue of WNY AeroMail reminded me of this project that I started and set to the side. I’ve been organizing my father’s photos and started working on identifying an unfamiliar plane, to me, in the amphibian group. At the time, I must have ..read more

First, I apologize for my absence from writing anything new and for not posting on this website lately. I planned to create a new post for many days, but I needed more time. As the years progress, time speeds up, or I’m getting slower. Either way, I hope you understand. I’m working on changing my daily schedule and will do my best to post new content more consistently. Have you heard of the film “Hell’s Angels”? I know what you’re about to say. How is a motorcycle club involved with aviation, or am I pursuing a new chapter in my life? Well, neither, at least of myself joining a club and explor ..read more

Do you enjoy a crossword puzzle as much as I do? I know what you’re thinking. That’s an odd question from someone I barely know other than his writings on this website. You’re right, but now you know that I like solving crossword puzzles, and maybe you’ll enjoy what I have to share. I find it easier to write facts down on a classic yellow legal pad while researching for a new article because it helps me retain and organize the paper’s overall structure. Plus, it helps hone my writing skills, which seem to be degrading as I age. Do you find it helpful to do the same, or do you prefer to keep no ..read more

As spring rapidly approaches with the first sighting of my feathered friend, the Eastern Robin, I find myself gleaming with anticipation of the warmer weather and shed myself of the long, cold, and dreary months of winters past. And what a better way to welcome the arrival of a beautiful summer season than planning to attend upcoming air shows! To reunite with old friends, see familiar faces, and experience the sights and sounds of those glorious aircraft! I remember coming across a few pieces of air show memorabilia in my father’s aviation collection and thought they would be nice to share. I ..read more

Mike Steffen was Tony’s flight instructor when he learned to fly at Burgard Vocational High School in the early 1930s while attending night classes. The two developed a pretty unique relationship and remained good friends throughout my father’s aviation career. “In 1928, Mike was one of the first tenants at Buffalo Airport, where he sold and serviced airplanes and conducted a flying school.” courtesy Buffalo Courier-Express, February 12, 1967 Tony graduated on February 26, 1935, after enrolling in Burgard’s three-year evening vocational aviation course. He continued his employment at Curtiss A ..read more

Tony Riccio wearing a leather flight jacket with his Republic photo identification pin. Tony had heard that Republic was hiring for test pilots to fly their newly developed P-47 in the summer of 1942, and he knew that he couldn’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass by. Two years have gone by since he first opened his Gardenville airport, and he felt this could be financially beneficial to expand his business. Could the airport survive without him, Tony thought to himself. It must, he later concluded, and began to make arrangements so the airport would remain operational while he was a ..read more