|
Post by thebrads on Mar 29, 2012 12:28:51 GMT 12
Ladies and Gents, just wondering what the story is with the Catalina? I know for a fact it is parked up at New Plymouth undergoing some fairly serious maintenance, but news appears fairly slim. There was a mention of "out of action due to corrosion" a while back, is there any further news on this? Lack of news makes me wonder if this is on purpose? I'll post my pics, but firstly don't want to "ruffle any feathers" if that is the case.
|
|
|
Post by ZacYates on Mar 29, 2012 15:54:12 GMT 12
I also recall someone saying that a press release would be out soon....this was about a month ago.
|
|
|
Post by nzjet on Mar 29, 2012 17:05:33 GMT 12
Long story short the airframe, wing mostly, is pretty corroded. unless a pretty serious cash injection is found it wont be flying again.
|
|
|
Post by skyhawkdon on Mar 29, 2012 19:04:36 GMT 12
That's sad to hear. Lets hope they can raise the money to repair her. If she isn't repairable I wonder where she will end up? MOTAT and Wigram are obvious choices.
|
|
|
Post by dakman on Mar 29, 2012 19:13:49 GMT 12
Wow if this is correct ,? really sad news hope a benefactor is out there to keep PBY flying
|
|
|
Post by thebrads on Mar 29, 2012 19:22:52 GMT 12
|
|
|
Post by fwx on Mar 29, 2012 19:35:39 GMT 12
I'm sure this wouldn't be a difficult project to raise donations for - easy to say I know, not knowing how many $$'s are required, but she is a big beautiful bird, and represents a very important piece of this country's history. A lot of people put in a lot of effort to get here here, and flying, and now that we've got used to having her around, I'm sure many more people will want to keep her up there.
|
|
nz104
Pilot Officer
Posts: 54
|
Post by nz104 on Mar 29, 2012 20:08:03 GMT 12
I hope that it is repairable as it would be a huge loss to new zealand aviation if she is grounded & hopefully someone can help in getting it back into the air.
|
|
|
Post by Bruce on Mar 29, 2012 20:14:27 GMT 12
Very sad to see, unfortunately always a huge risk with aging amphibians, no matter how well looked after. Hopefully there will be a generous benefactor somewhere who can help get it flying again. When I when the 25 Mil Lotto this weekend I'll be able to help out!
|
|
|
Post by gunny on Mar 29, 2012 20:20:38 GMT 12
Am i correct in guessing this is the Mainfreight replacement for the last passenger cert'ed 1 (from south africa?) that was lost in transit?sob sob, in the documentary. How sad! If so has anyone any idea if the doco of the other one is on youtube ect as i'd love to watch it again, and as a sidenote when i saw that one lost it occured to me that by the time it hit bottom god only knows how far she flew underwater with her once lofty wings and the currents!!
|
|
|
Post by thebrads on Mar 30, 2012 8:20:48 GMT 12
Gunny, yes it is that one.
Somewhere i have a pic taken of the first one you mention on it's way down, very sad pic. If i stumble over it i'll scan and post it.
|
|
|
Post by ZacYates on Mar 30, 2012 12:47:53 GMT 12
I've only seen her from the fence lately, she looks worse than I thought.
I'm glad I flew in her at Omaka 2007.
|
|
|
Post by dakman on Mar 30, 2012 13:27:19 GMT 12
If PBY needs sponsorship to get back to flying again wonder if Gareth Morgan could be invited to be of help? Great publicity to fly to a rat infested island to preserve the native bird life . Would make a good documentary film
|
|
|
Post by Chris F on Mar 30, 2012 14:43:21 GMT 12
This is a very sad sight to see. I might join her on Saturday as we are both not going to RNZAF 75th Anniversay Airshow. On a better note.....she will fly again and if its money then this forum is a good start to put the hat around.
|
|
|
Post by corsair67 on Mar 30, 2012 21:55:49 GMT 12
|
|
|
Post by agile on Mar 31, 2012 18:46:21 GMT 12
Am i correct in guessing this is the Mainfreight replacement for the last passenger cert'ed 1 (from south africa?) that was lost in transit? AFAIK the one which was lost in transit was on its way from the States: www.grantmaclaren.com/pby/index.htmlThe current one was previously operated in Zimbabwe: www.catalina.org.nz/documents/49.htmlHopefully they get the funding to get her back in the air!
|
|
|
Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Mar 31, 2012 21:10:53 GMT 12
I gave them a hundred bucks today towards the Catalina repairs.
I'll probably contact Marlene Gray in a few weeks to offer a further, larger donation.
|
|
|
Post by fyl on Mar 31, 2012 21:18:42 GMT 12
They had a display and merchandise at Ohakea today, so i bought several items...hopefully they've had a good response Would be a tragedy to lose her from the display circuit..
|
|
|
Post by ZacYates on Apr 1, 2012 10:23:21 GMT 12
I was very pleased to see the Catalina stand at Ohakea, complete with Dee Bond in flight suit. Sadly I didn't have time to stop for a chat - having missed two hours of the show I was really, REALLY keen to see some flying - but i hope to get in touch with them next week.
I was thinking of giving to the Doolittle Raiders reunion in the States, but this is far more meaningful for me.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 1, 2012 17:23:39 GMT 12
Were you late for the airshow as well as the forum meet Zac?
|
|