Catalina for Collings.

It a pity but it is far too easy to blame it just on the rules and regulations. The people who maintained this aircraft are nearly all former Royal Navy Technicians and most/all of them are on the mature side of 70. It proved to be very difficult to find qualified volunteers, who could maintain the Catalina, outside this former navy group. And where the Dutch Royal Air Force Historic flight foundation has full support from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the Royal Netherlands Navy wasn't interested in the Catalina at all. Without their support it was hardly possible to maintain the Catalina in flying condition.

Its sad to see such a beautiful aircraft go, but I think the Catalina group did wise to sell it to the Collins foundation. At least they are sure the aircraft will be looked after very well and will be kept in flying condition. And according to the opinion of the person from the Catalina foundation I spoke with: "Due to its remarkable service history during the war, this particular Catalina really belongs in the US".
In another thread SH427, who works for the Collins foundation, told us that the PH-PBY will be restored in wartime configuration.

Cheers,
Huub
 
You're right ferry, shame 'your' Cat has to leave home.
I can imagine the disappointment the families of her original crew must be feeling, very few (if any) RAAF 'Catalina Club' members remain here, but the families carry on their tradition.
:loyal:
 
I always find it sad when a WW II era aircraft leaves the U.S. for a new owner on foreign soil, so I understand the sentiment. Rest assured that this PBY will not end up being poorly maintained or given some fictitious or wildly inaccurate paint scheme. The Collings Foundation has a long history of making incredibly accurate restorations of aircraft. It will take time, but she will emerge as a very accurate, WW II PBY-5A and a flying museum.
 
111 knots indicated on that one photo that is blazing fast for a Cat!
Somewhere in back, Scotty is screaming "She canna' take any more captain"
 
Very sorry to see this aircraft leave for the USA. I remember the two-ship displays she did with Plane Sailing's PBY-5A at Duxford. It was quite a sight to see. At least she's gone to a responsible owner, and will be well cared for.
 
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