Merged: Catalina Ferry to Oz is On

[Wingnuts]

A Catalina (N160AT) departed Seia, Portugal, on 16th November for its new home in Oz.

It's route so far, Salamanca in Spain, Cannes, Naples and it is now in Rhodes, Greece.

As funding for ferry fuel is still a critical concern, it is uncertain as to how and when our Catalina will reach Australia.

The Crew:

Jim Hazelton
Richard Purdy
Chris Goezinne
Bernie van Surksum
Geoff Hazelton
Hal Griffiths

The route (dictated by availability of avgas) and the arrival date are at this stage uncertain. We do not know that we can get as far as Dubai (dictated by dollars).

Negotiations with a major sponsor have stalled.

Any donations to Catalina Flying Memorial (http://www.catalinaflying.org.au) would be appreciated and are tax deductible.

First stop Salamanca, Spain. So far, so good!
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/VH-CATcrewatSalamancaSpain_zps1428d3b3.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/VH-CATcrewatSalamancaSpain_zps1428d3b3.jpg.html)


The beginning...she's towed from the fence where she'd sat for about 8 years.
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/02977ff6-517a-4c6b-8f28-24bbb54a5d50_zpsd8233810.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/02977ff6-517a-4c6b-8f28-24bbb54a5d50_zpsd8233810.jpg.html)


On test flight take off, left engine failed at about 30 kts. It was decided to change both engines.
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/fe105317-629c-458f-b51d-b60e30c3e7a7_zps8f2b6c33.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/fe105317-629c-458f-b51d-b60e30c3e7a7_zps8f2b6c33.jpg.html)
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/d165b9bb-d00f-4f4f-af1e-be9c9b6fbaf6_zpscf6347fb.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/d165b9bb-d00f-4f4f-af1e-be9c9b6fbaf6_zpscf6347fb.jpg.html)

[Capt Wally]

I wish these guys well, what with our now obstructive CASA & the fact that OZ pays little attention to it's history re war time planes it will be an amazing feat for these dedicated guys to get this fine bird back to OZ.
It makes me cringe when the Govt can find money for some obscure art project (Blue poles comes to mind all those years ago) whilst our boys stuggle to find the money just to buy fuel to ferry it out here:ugh:. Congrats guys, we think you are doing a terrific job:ok:



CW

[SeldomFixit]

Wally - Devil's advocate - re Gov't funds, how is one self interest group different to another ?

[Nikai]

Good luck guys!! Hope the trip goes well and that more people decide to support the cause!!

Will pass the website onto some colleagues.

N.

[Tmbstory]

With Jim involved, it will most likely get to Australia safe and sound.

Tmb

[Wingnuts]

The Cat arrived in Luxor, Egypt on Wednesday and is currently sitting in Bahrain.

The big bird is chugging along nicely at 7500', 110 kts and burning 90 GPH.

The freshly overhauled 1830s are running like well oiled Singer sewing machines, burning 'a smell of an oil rag' 1/2 gallon of oil per hour each. Speaking of which, each oil tank holds 55 gallons, 2 &1/2 44s total, and there is no change out of $3000 to fill them up.

Cash is the issue.

At Luxor, the volunteer crew passed around the hat and dug deep into their sub prime savaged super funds to keep the thirsty Pratts turning, paying
US$4.58 per litre.

So unless Father Christmas comes early, Bahrain is the end of the road.

Thanks for your donations.

[Wingnuts]

Has sufficient fuel for Muscat, Oman. Departs Bahrain tomorrow.

Thanks.

[Super Cecil]

Captain Wally, you remember what they paid for blue poles, something like several million? It's worth maybe 20 million now? That would pay for a few litres of avgas, even at todays prices. Haven't been following this one, is it the same mob from Wollongong getting another or a different mob? Anybody any idea how many trips young Jim has made?

[Wunwing]

This one has nothing to do with HARS. The HARS Cat is under major overhaul including installation of rear blisters and nose turret.
Wunwing

[Capt Wally]

'SC' my ref to Blue Poles' was just an Eg. of a waste of public money. Oh sure at the time some thought it was fantastic, bit like the 'yellow peril' we had to endure in Melb & it ended up as scrap i think or in some backwater park. Hate to imagine how much that cost & for what?:ugh:
Our Govt wastes squillions every year on useless rubbish, just p1sses me off to see this project struggle.
The 'worth' of Blue Poles now is just what some fool is willing to pay for it, (like anything that silly) it's real worth to me would be about 10 bucks!
Anyway good to read that the big Cat is 'slowly' getting here:ok:

[Tmbstory]

Super Cecil:

Jim has made "heaps" of ferry flights and hope he makes heaps more. I would not even try to count.

Tmb

[zlin77]

Mumbai India, Tue. 7.30 am. local time, a Catalina just departed Rwy 27 BOM, I guess that this is "the one"....

[Wingnuts]

Thanks Zlin.

Next stop, Colombo.

[airtags]

make sure you keep that video rolling

it's a great story

AT

[Wingnuts]

Tmb:

Too true. Jim lost count and stopped counting 50 years ago.

Wunwing:

Again, too true. VH-CAT (N160AT is a temporary rego to facilitate ferry) is owned by the Catalina Flying Memorial, Lake Macquarie, New South Wales. As you say, nothing to do with VH-PBZ, the HARS cat at Albion Park, New South Wales.

But the long and individual histories of the old girls are intertwined and tell a colourful story. (PBZ includes a sinking, salvage after 2 years and, more recently, a gear collapse on landing.)

A bare bones outline:

- Both built as PBY 6As for US Navy, World War 2.
- 1957, both to Chile, regos CC-CNP (46665) & CC-CCS (46679) for passenger/freight service to Chilean Pacific islands.
- 1970, CAT converted to a firebomber in Canada followed by PBZ in 1980.
- 1988, CAT ferried to Spain followed by PBZ in 1991.
- 2001, both replaced by Canadair CL415s and parked on the fence at Seia, Portugal.
- 2002, PBZ purchased by Nev Kennard (Storage business) and Dick Smith (Aviation adventurer)
- 2003, PBZ ferried to Australia.
- 2007, CAT purchased by Catalina Flying Memorial. (Funded by Nev Kennard)
- Subsequently, PBZ with HARS, converted to World War 2, RAAF Blackcat.
- The plan is to also convert CAT to a Blackcat.

Today, a 10 hr. leg should have CAT at Medan, North Sumatra.

After having successfully negotiated the Northern Hemisphere winter with zero ice protection (configured for summer fire fighting, that is a 3500 litre water tank, no autopilot, no cockpit heating, “Gets a bit cool after 7 hours.”) she is now eye-balling the wet of the tropics. The cockpit “leaks a bit” so the concern is water damage to radios.

Funding for fuel is not yet home and hosed but with a little help from an early North West Monsoon, Darwin is not out of the question.

Jim Hazelton
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/ea491b61-4389-4891-b72b-4fa25fd1e5be_zpse9e9744f.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/ea491b61-4389-4891-b72b-4fa25fd1e5be_zpse9e9744f.jpg.html)

[Wingnuts]

CAT landed at Banda Aceh, North Sumatra yesterday for Indonesian entry processing, customs etc.

Also picked up some fuel.

Will proceed to Medan today, about 400km SE, to top up fuel.

Sourcing, transporting to aircraft and hand pumping from 44s (23 equate to 1000 gals) is time consuming... as is sourcing the necessary notes in US dollars.

Machine is running like a Swiss watch on steroids.

[bushy]

The crew and organisers of this venture are doing the impossible. They deserve our respect.

[Pharcarnell]

Good NW inflow at the moment so is she coming to DN???
I wanna look see.:ok:

[Wingnuts]

Due to the variables involved, details of the route to Darwin are sketchy. However, the tentative plan is to overnight Palembang, southern Sumatra, tonight, Bali tomorrow then arrive Darwin late Monday. (There is an outside chance of a detour via Dili, Timor which would have them in Darwin on Tuesday.) But at this stage, it is Darwin Monday night…which brings us to the Darwin Catalina connection.

Based at Doctors’ Gully and East Arm, Darwin Harbour, Catalinas are integral to the wartime history of Darwin. The following, written by Attie Wearne, is an extract from this site: 20 Squadron RAAF, in Australia during WW2 (http://www.ozatwar.com/raaf/20sqn.htm)

“In September '44, 20 squadron was relocated to a new base, East Arm at Darwin, from where it operated until the end of the war. At the same time 11 Squadron was relocated to Rathmines. Meanwhile 43 Squadron had been formed at Karumba, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and relocated in April '44 to Darwin. At Darwin the unit was first housed on the Airfield but then moved to facilities at Doctor's Gully. A third squadron, number 42 also equipped with Catalinas, was formed about this time and located at Melville Bay on Arnhem Land just East of Darwin. The three squadrons formed number 76 Wing with Headquarters located at Doctor's Gully.

After the introduction of mines in April '43 the bombing effort of the Catalinas would gradually decrease until the three squadrons were virtually totally committed to the minelaying campaign with singular success. However, the General Reconnaissance role was not lost and the occasional supply drop, sea reconnaissance, and sea rescue was undertaken.

From Darwin the Catalinas of the Wing ranged over the whole of the then Netherlands East Indies (NEI) from Sourabaya and Banka Straits in the West, to Irian Jaya in the East and North to Borneo, the Halmaheras and the Celebes. All mineable harbours and roadsteads were sowed with mines and Japanese shipping was dislocated to the extreme. To reach some of these targets it was often necessary to refuel at forward staging bases such as West Bay and Yampe Sound. In addition American seaplane servicing ships in forward areas were used for this purpose. Towards the end of the war our aircraft staged north through the Philippines, at Leyte Gulf and Lingayen, to mine ports on the China coast including Hong Kong the Pescadores and Wenchow, 28 degees north latitude - the most northerly penetration of any RAAF aircraft in the war in the Pacific, and so made history.

One particular highlight of the campaign was the mining of Manila Harbour when 27 Catalinas left Darwin to rendezvous in Leyte Gulf for the task. On this occasion the Wing was augmented by 6 aircraft of 11 Squadron flown up from Rathmines. The object of the operation was to bottle up the Japanese Fleet in Manila pending General MacArthur's invasion of Mindoro. This operation was completely successful and the object achieved.”

Rathmines, on Lake Macquarie is to be the ultimate destination and home base for VH-CAT.

[Wingnuts]

The cat pushed on from Palembang (fuel stop only) yesterday and is now in Semarang, Java. On to Bali today. A rest day here on Monday will give the two Dutch crew members, Chris and Bernie, (on loan from the Amsterdam based Cat, PH-PBY, Home of the Catalina PH-PBY - Home (http://www.catalina-pby.nl) ) an opportunity to savour the delights of the former Dutch colony.

The Dutch East Indies, or Netherlands East Indies, was the Dutch colony that became modern Indonesia following World War II.

From 1941 till 1957 the Dutch Royal Marine used in total 78 Catalinas, which operated mostly in the Dutch East Indies.

The rest day will also provide the Australian contingent an opportunity to sharpen their PR skills for their Darwin media reception, an event they look forward to with eager anticipation.

A 10 hour leg will have them arrive Darwin Tuesday evening.

[Wingnuts]

CAT, in Bali, is fuelled up for its flight to Darwin tomorrow, ETA 1700.

It is expected to take 1hr to clear customs on Bay 1 of the passenger terminal, then taxi to the General Aviation Area to park in the vicinity of Hardy’s, possibly beside its brother in arms, the DC3.

After two gruelling weeks on the road, the Cat is now within a whisker of Oz.

For more of the tale, see today’s Newsletter at:

Dec 2008 (http://catalinaflying.org.au/Newsletters/dec2008newsletter.htm)

[Wingnuts]

CAT has landed in Darwin.

Wow !!!! While us young blokes sit around on our bums and talk about aviating, these old codgers are doing it!

Tomorrow, all day in Darwin, departs for Cairns Thursday morning, ETA 1700.

DARWIN
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/4a7b0099-e537-4256-a506-fb096e3b5c7e_zpsa3d42492.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/4a7b0099-e537-4256-a506-fb096e3b5c7e_zpsa3d42492.jpg.html)

[Pedota]

Good to see another of these magnificant aircraft gracing our shores . . . they have a significant connection with this country. Another one is located at the RAAF Museum in Bull Creek WA.

WWII flying boat arrives in Darwin


A flying relic of WWII and a reminder of the sacrifice Australian airmen made to defend the nation from the Japanese has flown into Darwin.

About 170 Catalinas went behind enemy lines during the war to lay mines, undertake bombing runs and do reconnaissance against the Japanese.

Most of them were based in northern Australia and more than 300 airmen were killed flying them.

The Catalina that's flown into Darwin today wasn't used to defend Australia, but was found in Portugal and lovingly restored by a group of enthusiasts and the Sydney based Catalina Flying Memorial.

It uses 400 litres of fuel every hour in-flight and has cost more than $350,000 to restore and bring from Europe to Australia.

The Catalina flies to Cairns next and will travel down the east coast until it reaches a museum in Rathmines in New South Wales.

It's now the second operational Catalina in Australia, but the only one that can operate from the land and the water.

The wrecks of six Catalinas used to defend Australia are in Darwin Harbour.

[tinpis]

Jim on darwhine telly news tonight looked suitably ancient :ok:

[CoodaShooda]

News this morning is that the tax man is demanding $20,000 to allow them to continue.............:mad:

[tnuc]

It is called Import GST

[tinpis]

$20k tax?
A lot of Mateus Rose :hmm:

[Stationair8]

Looked good on the ABC news at midday.

Round engines are real engines.

Brings back fond memories of watching VH-EXG operating in and out of our local aerodrome dong survey work in the 1970's.

So Tinnpis slipping out for a few circuits before after drinks?

[richardpurdy7]

The correct crew listing is:
Jim Hazelton
Geoff Hazelton
Chris Goezinne
Richard Purdy
Hal Griffiths
Bernie van Surksum

[Dog One]

Does any one know the ETD of the Cat ex Darwin tomorrow morning? I am overnighting and would like to see it depart.

[notop]

I belive after talking to Jim he wants to leave at 0630.

[Diesel Fitter]

It will pick up the piddling $15k tab for this miserable example of Australia Customs jobsworths at their bureaucratic best - never mind the sterling role which Qantas and RAAF Catalinas played in World War Two.

The charity group which has brought a World War II flying boat to Darwin has to pay Australian authorities $15,000 in taxes.

The Catalina arrived in Darwin late yesterday afternoon as part of its journey from Portugual to a New South Wales museum where it will be a permanent reminder of the aircraft's role in defending Australia.

About 170 Catalinas flew behind enemy lines during the war to lay mines, undertake bombing runs, and do reconnaissance against the Japanese.

Most of them were based in Northern Australia and more than 300 airmen were killed flying them.

The charity group, volunteers, and museum have spent $350,000 restoring the aircraft and bringing it from Europe to Australia.

The charity's spokesman Phillip Dulhunty says raising the funds was an epic struggle that the group only just managed.

He says he is "shocked" to find out Australian customs want $15,000.

"It's another expense we hadn't allowed for and which we haven't got," he said.

"We hope that we might apply and try and get that back, but that's a bit doubtful I'm told."

The crew plans to fly to Cairns next and visit several WWII bases before reaching the museum.

Catalina crew hit with $15k tax bill - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/03/2436626.htm)

[galdian]

.........or maybe GD could pay out of the reported $12.0 million he pocketed as he walked out of his golden doors for the last time! :ok:

What a sterling gesture that would be - from a very firmly dollar-orientated individual.

Of course he might even be able to claim that on tax as donating to a "charity." :eek:

Talk about win-win! :D:D:D:D:D:D

[TurbTool]

Is this Catalina an ex-RAAF aircraft? If so it shouldn't incur any tax. If not then tax would be payable.

Why should QANTAS pick up any tax bill, that was oversighted by any group, (even well intentioned volunteers who haven't done their homework) at the expense of QF passengers, and staff?

In reality you should be asking the Australian Defence Force or the Government to pick up the bill , not private enterprise.

No sympathy here, I am afraid.

[Diesel Fitter]

So you appear unaware of the significant close links between QF and the Catalinas?

The routes that the QF Catalinas flew?

And the senior Qantas execs that flew them?

OK - I guess Generation x,y,z - whatever babes in 2008 have a different perspective to those that actually know and respect the significance of the Catalina era and it's relevance to QF.

[TBM-Legend]

Queensland Vintage Aeroplane Group Australian Flying Museum Inc.
PO Box 794 Archerfield Qld 4108.

ABN : 768 659 346 84

Good morning Folks,




This Saturday (06/12), a PBY-6A Catalina is scheduled to arrive at Caboolture Airport.
The Catalina (VH-CAT) is making its way to Sydney on the final legs of its ferry flight from Portugal and at this point in time, its ETA and ETD for Caboolture are as follows.


ETA: 10:30AM

ETD: 11:30AM

The Catalina will be visiting Caboolture for the purpose of conducting some photography with the Mustang Fighter Trust's P-51 Mustang (VH-MFT)! the Mustang will be conducting 4-6 flights on that day.

Information about the Catalina can be found here Catalina Flying Memorial (http://www.catalinaflying.org.au/index.htm)

[Chuck Ellsworth]

No sympathy here, I am afraid.

Of course with that self centered attitude you wouldn't want to go for a flight in it would you Turb Tool?

[tail wheel]

If the restoration group is registered for GST, one assumes they can reclaim the $15,000 in their December BAS? It is probably only a loan they require, not a donation.

[Wingnuts]

CAT should be well and truly on its way to Cairns, arriving about 5 pm with a few circuits around the city.

Give us a wave as you pass ‘the Knob’ on approach.

Despite her marathon flight, the old girl looked in pretty good shape at Darwin. Always a good sign, the 1830s were dripping their usual ‘few’ drops of oil.

Yesterday the cabin received a through cleaning under the vigilant supervision of Quarantine to eradicate any bird or horse flu bugs that may have been lurking.
Inside it was like a sauna, the huge 15’ chord wing offered little protection from the 35 degree heat and 87% humidity. But now we can all sleep peacefully knowing the US Navy biscuit crumbs and 65 years of accumulated grime and dust have been vacuumed from the bilges.

Friday will be an early departure to arrive Bowen at about 9am for a 2 hr PR stop, followed by a Maroochydore overnight.

Saturday, it is Caboolture, Coffs Harbour for more PR, then to Kempsey at mid afternoon for the night.

How the actual schedule plays out will be determined by the storms that are forecast for SE Queensland.

As the Bankstown finish line comes into view and the well deserved accolades for getting CAT to Australia are paid out, sometimes the ones left behind at the beginning of the project can be overlooked. Following on from the disappointment of the aborted ferry attempt last year due to an engine failure on takeoff, it was the locals of Seia, Portugal, who again stepped up and did much of the hands-on-work that contributed to this year’s success. They being, to name but two, Miguel Pinto Figueiredo and José Saraiva. Thanks. The Seians could not do enough to help.

Speaking of the community of Seia, CAT sat for 8 years in a paddock at an essentially deserted, bush strip (only active during summer fire season) with just a 3 strand barbwire fence for security. No graffiti, no broken windows, nothing stolen, untouched. Again, thanks.

[Mick Elcoate]

Hey Wingnuts, where do you recon the best spot to get a photo of this bird would be this arve? (dont say Mt. Whitfield)

[teresa green]

Is she landing on the Gold Coast at all? Would appreciate any info.

[cogwheel]

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq325/hangar6/DSC02781.jpg

Welcome to Cairns - Thu 4 Dec08 1600hrs EST

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq325/hangar6/DSC02784.jpg

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Did QF bring out all of its various gauge towbars in the hope that one would fit??? :}

[Wingnuts]

CAT has departed Bowen which should put it into Maroochy at about 1630.

There is no plan to land at Gold Coast. However, might go past, coastal 500’, at about noon.

Three weeks after its departure from Portugal, Sunday will see it arrive at Bankstown, the last day’s schedule being:

Port Macquarie.....9.00am.........Landing
Rathmines...........12.00noon.....Flyover
Rose Bay.............1.00pm.........Flyover
Bankstown...........1.30pm.........Landing

[Diesel Fitter]

Wingnuts - are you sure today's destination is Maroochy?

The webpage says Caloundra
News (http://catalinaflying.org.au/News.htm)

Thanks in adavance for any confirmation either way

[Wingnuts]

Definitely Maroochy.

Caloundra Council was concerned it was too heavy for their pavement and refused landing request.

[triadic]

Maybe a good decision - I recall that one main wheel on EXG broke thru the apron pavement in Mildura some years ago... not a pretty sight!
:eek:

[tipsy2]

Not being privy to the performance/length requirements of this sort of Cat(!!!)

Perhaps Caloundra at 700 metres might not be suitable.

tipsy (also a cat)
PS:triadic has perhaps lost a bit of weight since his EXG days:)

[Diesel Fitter]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3084661922_353a89d143.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3083822993_a787d89b16.jpg?v=0

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

I hear that CAT is going into Caboolture tomorrow in the hope of meeting up with another "classic" aircraft!

:ok:

Dr :8

[Wingnuts]

Great pics, Diesel.

She loses her N rego at Bankstown so they might prove to be rare.

[1830]

:ok:WOW... top jobs guys. I first went to portugal with Geoff last year to assess the old girl and in particular look over the engines. I am so proud the guys have got her to Oz. Its a massive achievement, I just hope the red tape does not kill the dream as EASA ops here in the UK have done with the DC3!!
Good luck

[PLovett]

Saw her depart Maroochydore today with an early right turn to depart south down the coast. Lovely stuff.:ok:

[Dick Smith]

I have just landed back at TLS after flying along beside the Cat. It looked fantastic - congratulations to Jim Hazelton and the team.

I just hope enough money can be raised to support 2 cats in Australia.

[Chuck Ellsworth]

I just hope enough money can be raised to support 2 cats in Australia.

One of the ways to raise money is to do passenger flights like the Dutch do with theirs.....

....Where is the Cat now?

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

....Where is the Cat now?

YSBK! Some dodgy Wx on finals but she made it in just before a 15 minute downpour hit! :eek:

Beautiful to watch - well done team! :ok:

[wessex19]

I was doing my sunday Canada Bay walk at about 1400 and heard some P&W radials doing their thing (thinking it was a beaver) looked up and it was a great sight to see the catalina fly basically above me heading low level west bound up the parramatta river to bankstown airport i assume. A real treat, you made my day guys!!!:D

[SeaMoss]

yeh, the touch and go on Lake Macquarie at Rathmines was great!!

[bentleg]

She overtook me doing a low level flypast at Maitland YMND just as I touched down (today about 1330). Fantastic :ok:

[Tmbstory]

To Jim and the team well done!

Another success.


Tmb

[RenegadeMan]

Hi Everyone,

My first post here on on PPRuNe. I was very fortunate to climb into the Cat this afternoon at Bankstown and have a good look around. I own and operate a Lake Renegade and I've always been impressed with how solid and well built Lakes are. They're like paper mache compared with this beast! Everything has that classic WWII heavy duty solidity about it. There is nothing "lite", it's all heavy.

Sat in the left seat and imagined myself getting it up on the step as I do in my Renegade. It's a mightly thought; the sheer magnitude and power that would be needed! I can't wait to go fo a ride in this amazing thing. The rudder pedals alone are like something you'd expect to find steering an ocean liner, the control wheel is classic WW11 bomber (a round wheel that looks like it should be on a Mack truck) and throttle/pitch controls that look like they're designed to control enormous heavy-duty things that are a long way away (which of course those 1830s are!). I felt a bit uncomfortable after 5 minutes in there. Congratulations to the team for being in there as long as they have and bringing this Cat to its spiritual home!

I was very fortunate to meet Chris Goezinne, the PIC for the ferry flight. He's this larger than life Dutchman who just oozes excitement about the whole experience, Catalinas and flying in general. He's a very experienced airline pilot who, in between, 747s and various Airbus' flies Cats, mostly the Dutch cat (Home of the Catalina PH-PBY - Home (http://www.catalina-pby.nl/site/) check it out, fantastic photos), There he was hours after they'd arrived at Bankstown after this epic journey and he was welcoming everyone on board who wanted to "have a look" with a big smile and a warm handshake. He's one of those people that's a joy to be around. We compared notes on hull flying and most of what goes on in the Cat is not disimilar to a smaller floating hull aircraft like the Lake.

I asked him about how well the cockpit stood up to rain and he said that at one stage over Indonesia they had been going through intensely heavy showers for hours and the cockpit was awash with rainwater. There was so much their feet were well and truly in it and they had to open the drain plugs to get rid of it. I took that to read that, in terms of water from above, it leaks like a sieve. In terms of water ops (i.e. on the water) it lifts of a 65 knots (my Renegade gets of at 60, so that's pretty good that this big monster can get off at about the same). I didn't see the Rathmines touch and go (or splash and dash as we like to say) but he said it was exciting. Rathimes doens't offer that much space even for smaller seaplanes so when he told me he had to come in pretty low over the trees to the west and get down quickly to then start accelerating on the water again I could imagine what it would have been like. He said it took a while to get off again as it was pretty heavy and at one stage he thought he might have to come down off the step and taxi back for a standing start take-off back close to western shore of the bay there at Rathmines. But with a little turn around the point all was well. It would be great to hear a description from anyone who saw it.

With the world financial crisis Chris isn't sure what his next ATP gig will be. He's off to do another Cat ferry soon but after that not sure. If anyone's reading this and they know of an opening for someone like Chris please contact me be put into contact with him.

Thanks Wags (from Yorkey's Knob; good place I lived there a long time ago) for keeping us all informed on the progress of the ferry flight.

regards

Philip Dartnell
Public Relations Officer
Seaplane Pilots Association Australia
[email protected]

[Chuck Ellsworth]

Just a quick note to let you all know I have been following your journey from start to finish and would like to congratulate you on a job well done.

Few in aviation can relate to the difficulties of ferrying an old airplane such as a Cat over such a long distance and dealing with all the bureaucratic B.S. along the way.

Great job and I see the engines are runnning real nice just by looking at the pictures.

Chuck E.

[scrufflefish]

On Saturday I was flying Tiger Moth ASB south past the Gold Coast high rise on a scenic flight when I glanced out to sea and saw the Cat slowly overtaking me. For once I was more excited than the passenger! :D:D:D
Magnificent sight, well done. :ok:

[kookabat]

saw the Cat slowly overtaking me.
...that's gotta be the first time a Catalina has overtaken anyone... ;)

[bentleg]

...that's gotta be the first time a Catalina has overtaken anyone... http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/wink2.gif

see my post in the other thread........it has happened twice now........


She overtook me doing a low level flypast at Maitland YMND just as I touched down (today about 1330). Fantastic http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/thumbs.gif

[cogwheel]

Yes, well done! :D:D

At the top of the pile of useless information is an old one re the Cat...


It was said that: " it was the first aircraft who's wingspan in feet exceeded it's cruising airspeed in knots "

:):):)

[Chimbu chuckles]

The old girl landing at YCAB on Saturday...:D

YouTube - PBY YCAB (http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=FsCeZVF7t6w)

[djhallux]

Hellow.
Its the 1st time that i post a message in this post, so if im doing something wrong, please forget....

Well, now i can sleep at night......The cat reached his new home....
I am Jose Saraiva from seia, and I worked with the cat to prepare it for ferry, and, Im posting this reply, because, it was a great pleasure to work with such a type of aircraft, and I want to thanks all the people who maked this possible.
Finally I can sleep and think "one more saved from certain junkyard, good job!"
Sadly, I saw the cat departing seia after a long history ( I grew up seeing this aircraft taking off and landing), but I must think that he departed for a good reason, he will be saved!
It was a wonderfull month, and despite all the problems that we had to resolve in very very short time, we did it! The aircraft departed without any major problems...
So I want to say thanks to the "boys":
Cris,
Hal,
Geff,
Bernie,
Richard,
And off course, Jim.

Best regards,
Jose Saraiva

[henrygriffiths]

My thanks to all of you who have been following our progress. It has been great to see the interset on PPrune. Believe me we have been absolutely amazed at the greetings we have received on our journey down the east coast.
What acharge the splash and go at Rathmines was. Perhaps the first cat to do so in about 60 years?
Full credit to Chris Goezine of the Dutch Cat mob!! Fantastic to be RH seat for him on such a memorable occasion.
Just a shame the usual bull**** kicked in and we were not permitted to go low level up Sydney harbour. I knew for sure that we were then back in OZ.
Wingnuts, I still don't know who you are, but sure wish that we could have gotten pre-flight briefings from you, as you were ahead of the game, and sure knew more about what we were doing than we did!!!
Thanks and regards to all who followerd and encouraged us.
Henry

[henrygriffiths]

As the owners, Catalina Flying Memorial P/L, is a registered charity no GST should be payable, or if paid , refundable. A lot of paperwork and angst over (literally)nothing! I knew we were back in Oz. Nowhere in the previous 8000 n.m. were we subjected to so much bureaucratic nonsense. A whole day in 35+ heat achieving precisely nothing.:ugh:

[henrygriffiths]

I must add my accolades to those of wingnuts for the people of Seia. I was there for last year's attempted ferry, and can't praise the efforts of the locals enough. Miguel in particular was a gem.His wife also contributed greatly by interpreting for Geoff when dealing with tradespeople and the bureaucracy. Other locals were always popping out to see how things were going. I have a photo of a local lady with a paint roller on the end of a 20' pole painting out the Chilean registration. This year we have to add Jose to the list of people who made it possible, a fully trained LAME who gave his time freely, and his mum did our laundry!!! The local restaurant, the hardware store, Jose's brother with the transport business and workshop, couldn't have left there before the snow set in without them. About 6 lighties flew in on the 15th to watch the test flight and eventual departure to Salamanca, and aircraft buffs drove from Lisboa and Oporto to send us off. Fantastic people! Marvellous mountain area with great walking in the Serra d' Estrella National Park if you are into that sort of thing. Spend a few bucks in Seia if you visit Portugal.:ok:

[henrygriffiths]

Regretably it has kicked in big time since we arrived in OZ. Not allowed to use the seaplane lane up Sydney Harbour as we were "too heavy", so Rose Bay missed out on a low orbit. How the long gone Cat pilots who fought for freedom must be turning over in there (sometimes unknown and sometimes watery) graves. Should have just done it, and gone under the bridge as well and handed in my ticket at Bankstown.:mad:

[henrygriffiths]

Sssshhhhh!!!!:=

[henrygriffiths]

G'day Jose,
We made it mate!! But without you and Miguel we would still be freezing our rear ends off in Seia!! Many thanks again for all your help. Thanks too for translating the menu for the less adventurous eaters in the crew. Personally I just loved the local dishes.
The old lady did not give us any problems at all. A small oil leak from where the left oil cooler thermostatic bypass was bolted to the engine only, but the left actually used less oil than the right. Oil consumption was "book figures" all the way and fuel consumption about 90 gph (360 litres).
She trued out at just under 130 knots at 7500'. We all got very wet when flying in rain, but the hull is tight. No water after our splash and go at Rathmines.
We owe you a great debt! Richard, Chris, Bernie and I raised our glasses of champagne to you and Seia on our arrival.
Thanks mate!
Hal:ok:

[Wingnuts]

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/a0abe3f0-96e9-40c3-8b51-65d1c31cd3e.jpg?t=1230686174

Not shown on map are the Maroochydore to Bankstown sectors. They are:
Maroochydore (Dec 5), Caboolture, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey (Dec 6), Port Macquarie, Rathmines, Bankstown

Ferry flight video:

https://youtu.be/2QctlmUJQ5Y

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/VHCATferrymap.jpg

[Under Dog]

I can remember a cat landing at rathmines in the early eighties and using the exit ramp there,does anybody else have recollections of this cause I can't quite remember what the occasion was for?

Regards The Dog

[Wingnuts]

She has taken up residence at Bankstown Airport, Sydney and has been granted 6 months complimentary parking by the airport owners. However, access to a hangar at this stage is out of the question.

The next phase is to remove the water tank and install passenger seats and then it is hoped to be issued with a Limited Category COA that will permit the carriage of fare paying passengers. Salt water operations are envisaged. A team of about 20 volunteers has indicated their availability and once the necessary funds are raised and basic facilities in place, work is expected to start.

It will be one of two flying Cats in Australia. Both aircraft made an important contribution to the air fire bombing history of Europe, yet here they are, now in Oz. The wonder is, “Why would Europe let them go?”

BANKSTOWN
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/cb13322d-9992-4d10-8f25-305f421e6502_zpscca69fb3.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/cb13322d-9992-4d10-8f25-305f421e6502_zpscca69fb3.jpg.html)

[Wingnuts]

Plane in Spain to be Qantas
birthday gain!

Michael Madigan, Brisbane Courier Mail, 11-9-09

A plane representing the romance of the early years of Australian air travel will wing its way "home" to Queensland to help Qantas celebrate its 89th birthday.

The PBY Catalina "flying boats" ferried Australian air passengers towards their European adventures in the 1940s.

Now one of the aircraft is expected to be a key exhibit at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach by November.

The museum found a Catalina - a twin engine, high-winged amphibious monoplane built in the 1930s and '40s - working in Spain as a water bomber.

Qantas has sent over a team of aircraft engineers to bring it up to speed for another international trip to join other classic Qantas planes at the museum.
Museum manager Tony Martin says the Catalina won't be flying more than four or five hours each day and could take up to three weeks to get to Australia. But he wants it here well before Qantas celebrates its 89th birthday on November 16.

The Catalina was not only a commercially successful aircraft for Qantas but was a front-line weapon in World War II, with long range missions from bases (including several in far north Queensland) to lay sea mines.

Mr Martin said the Catalina would be a valuable addition to the museum which attracts thousands of visitors every month.

[Wingnuts]

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/RobertoYanez_1307.jpg?t=1255253156

[Feather #3]

VH-EAX is halfway home. Spending the night in Ahmedabad as I type.

G'day ;)

[Wingnuts]

G'day Feather
There is considerable interest in your ferry by the Catalina fraternity. If you get a chance, any details re your route and progress would be appreciated. Thanks.


http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/Immagine164.jpg?t=1255305074

[Wingnuts]

ex RAAF Catalina A24-372, Qantas VH-EAX washed ashore & written off at Lord Howe Is - June '45

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/QantasVHEAX.jpg?t=1255383951

[Wingnuts]

For full tracking details and story, go to here:

Catalina updates (http://www.qfm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=7)


Where is the Catalina?
View Catalina Flight in a larger map or
live with Spot (more detail plotting GPS points during flight)


#7 Ahmenabad to Kolkata
Tuesday, 13 October 2009 11:30
Refuellers promised to be ready to start at 6.30am so we got to the aircraft at 6.20. Some time later they turned up to tell us they first had to collect the drums. They came back 1hr 30 min later with 18 drums. Now you would think, with 20 "workers" this would be done in no time. They were going to test each drum, then start the fueling, then the pump battery went flat, then the cable to the pump fell apart. Eventually our blokes chased them away and got the job done. Departed around 1030 local instead of the planned 9am. Right engine started playing up at about 500 feet on t/o..backfiring and surging intermittently. Made it to 9000 ft with reduced power on that engine, where it settled down. Appears be running lean with auto-rich selected. Then left engine started cutting out and backfiring, occasionally at first, becoming worse. Turned one magneto off and it ran quite happily on the remaining one. Weather quite good across India, with just the odd diversion around cloud buildups. Sun went down about 90 minutes b4 arrival into KOL. Right engine stopped after we cleared the runway (a known problem usually prevented by keeping the elect. fuel pump running). However the fuel pump circuit breaker popped, and Norm traced and fixed the problem. Got it going (impossible to turn toward the live engine with only 1 going), taxied to the bay, more Indian officialdom and into transport. Drove through grubby streets to the fanciest hotel I've been in.

[Wingnuts]

Go to this link for real time satellite position:

SPOT Shared Page (http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0PPDmxW3U4Q3YeRZigF1scFDqNUDEV16L)


HISTORY:

Bureau #: 46644
Construction #: 2008
Civil Registry:
N6458C
C-GFFH
EC-359
EC-EVK
Model: PBY-6A
Name: None
Status: Airworthy
Last info: 1992

Farmers Air Service, Klamath Falls, OR, 1963.
- Registered as N6458C.
Liston Aircraft, Klamath Falls, OR, 1963-1966.
- Tanker #F46.
Hemet Valley Flying Service, Hemet, CA, 1969-1978.
- Flew as tanker #E83.
Flying Fireman Ltd, Sidney, BC, May 1979-1988.
- Registered as C-GFFH.
- Flew as tanker #8 (later #778).
Atwood Air Ltd, Victoria, BC, 1988-1989.
ICONA, Cuatro Vientos, Spain, 1989.
- Registered as EC-359.
Servicios Aereos Espanoles SA - SAESA, Cuatro Vientos, July 5, 1990-1991.
- Registered as EC-EVK.
- Operated by ICONA.

[pigboat]

The company had a Norseman lose an engine and used this Canso to ferry in a new one. The snow was too deep for the nosewheel, so the pilot landed it on the mains and aft step.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/Siddley-Hawker/scan0003.jpg

[albatross]

What are the planned stops from here on in?
I am in Miri WBGR Malaysia.
Come visit - we have cold beer.

[Wingnuts]

#8 Kolkata to Rayong
Thursday, 15 October 2009 16:59

Spent all day working on the Cat in 40 degree + sun. Ray, Norm and Ross W, pulled the right carby and a left engine magneto off the engines......

Story continued here:

Catalina updates (http://www.qfm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=7)

Thanks for sharing your experience and journey.
.....and good luck.

[Wingnuts]

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/EAXCrewLuxorEgypt.jpg?t=1258348951
Chris Goezinne, the Flying Dutchman and skinny one at back of pic, also crewed VH-CAT's ferry.

Speaking of which, CAT has not flown since its arrival at Bankstown.

Work is slowly progressing as funds become available to complete a 100 hrly.

It should be back in air next year.

[Wingnuts]

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/N6458CVH-EAX.jpg?t=1256084402

Seems she is still grounded, possibly due dead-cut/backfiring L engine, L mag.

Any thoughts?
A mate of mine who reckons he knows about these things, suggests that if the mag. was replaced with an old used one, he’d be replacing it again with an overhauled one. Also, would be looking for an intermittent short in the ground wire which seems to come in at certain power/rpm range due associated increase in engine vibration. Dirty?
Try disconnecting ground wire and running with live mag. (but if does not fix, mag cannot be switched off)

[Wingnuts]

And so to backup a little, where it all began back in Spain.
For more go here:
waterbomber - (http://waterbomber.blogg.se/)

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/CAXBackupalittle.jpg?t=1258349660


MEANWHILE, VH-PAF DC4 ferry, Brisbane, Australia to Albion Park in New South Wales, is getting close.

For more go here:
http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-general-aviation-questions/339457-dc4-archerfield-2.html#post5288034

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/IMG_1589.jpg?t=1258350441

[Wingnuts]

It seems the left engine problem is still unresolved (L. carby AMC change may have fixed it?) but there is no urgency due to the unavailability of avgas.

Two major refineries that supply avgas to the region are out of action and as a consequence the Indonesian government has quarantined all avgas in Indonesia for its military until supplies are back to normal.

It is believed the crew has returned home.

PS There is a good chance the DC4 drivers will begin endorsing themeselves for their ferry at end of this month.

Exxon Mobile to shut down its Singapore refinery for maintenance
By Senthil Kumar | 01/09/2009 |
As per the media reports, its smaller Singapore refinery would be shut down by Exxon Mobile, for its first major maintenance turnaround since 2007.
The time decided for the shutdown is May to June 2010; and it will be in stages such that both crude distillation units in the 296,000 per day Jurong Island refinery can be taken down. Apart from this, secondary units will also be taken.

Shell May Shut Singapore Hydrocracker For Maintenance
SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSB.LN) may take a hydrocracker with a daily capacity of 34,000 barrels at its Singapore refining complex offline in mid-September for a two-month maintenance, traders said Thursday. A Shell spokesman declined to comment. However, an earlier company publication said the company planned to carry out upgrades and modification work at its hydrocracking unit in Singapore this year, without specifying an exact timing. A hydrocracker generally processes fuel oil into lighter products, such as middle distillates and gasoline feedstocks. -By Max Lin, Dow Jones Newswires; 65-6415-4063; [email protected]

[Wingnuts]

Might be able to source an engine from HARS or the right engine from VH-CAT.

For details go here:

Catalina updates (http://www.qfm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=7)

[Round Engine]

Why are both engines removed in the photograph? I thought only right one failed. I see the obligatory drums of water hanging on the nose with engines removed!:}

[twochai]

<"impossible to turn toward the live engine with only 1 going">

You've probably tried it already, but if not raise the wing of the dead engine by up to 5 degrees. This should reduce the required rudder angle, somewhat, and minimise resulting trim drag. Worth 50 ft/min on a PBY-5A, as I hazily recall.

[Old Hairy]

The Cat that was rebuilt/repaired at Lee-on-Solent.left today bound for the USA I believe

[Wingnuts]

EAX has not yet arrived in Oz and is assumed to be still in Rayong.

Right engine problems that caused its grounding on 18th November appear to have been rectified and she was test flown on 30th Nov….but still not without issues.

Go here for details:
http://www.qfm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33:adventure-delayed&catid=5:catalina&Itemid=7 (http://www.qfm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33:adventure-delayed&catid=5:catalina&Itemid=7)

Eventual planned route form Rayong is believed to be Singapore – Bali – Broome – Mt Isa – Longreach – Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Cat ferry from Rand in South Africa to USA is imminent.

For more go here:
http://avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59134 (http://avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59134)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd171/PA34Driver/DSC01801.jpg

[Wingnuts]

An Australian aviation gem has struck turbulent climes, writes Ross Thompson

IT has become the victim of a bizarre round of setbacks befitting an aircraft with a colourful war-time career.

A historic Catalina amphibian, bound for a new life as a star attraction at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach, has now been stranded in Thailand for almost eight months.

Located by a dedicated team of aircraft historians and flying buffs in Spain, the Catalina represents a significant era in the story of Australia's national airline, Qantas.

But it is probably better known to a wider audience through Humphrey Bogart's movie Casablanca.

Although the three Catalina flying boats operated by Qantas as far back as 1939 have long since disappeared, the operators of the Founders Museum had been search¬ing world-wide for a similar craft suitable for restoration in Qantas livery.

In 2008, Peter Elliott, a former Qantas engineer and enthusiastic volunteer for the museum, tracked down the Catalina DH61 still working as a water bomber out of a base south of the Spanish capital of Madrid and listed for sale.

It took four months of intense bartering, often through convoluted translation, be¬fore agreement was reached for the museum to buy the Catalina and a spare engine, for $500,000 and a deposit was paid in July last year.

Rodney Seccombe, the managing director of the non-profit organisation Qantas Foundation Memorial, says the funds needed to complete the purchase, plus another $500,000 to bring it back to Australia, were in the bank at the time.

Working Qantas pilots Ross Kelly and John Daley, who had to undergo specific training and testing to be certified to fly a Catalina, were teamed with qualified volunteer pilots and engineers from Sweden and Holland to make the long flight from Spain to Longreach.

The aircraft, which holds a never-to-be-broken record for the longest non-stop flight - 33 hours - was making its last flight in a series of short legs, hopping across southern Europe, Africa, Asia and eventually to Australia.
It had been decided to respect the age and career history of the bright yellow aircraft by limiting flights to four or five hours a day and, while the flight went smoothly in its early stages, one engine eventually began to suffer complications.

A decision was taken to head for a military airfield in Thailand, about 220km from the capital Bangkok.

This is when the problems really began. Drums containing about 900 litres of aviation fuel - in short supply in many countries - mysteriously disappeared from the hangar. This was enough fuel for about two hours' flying to the next scheduled stop in Singapore and there was only enough in the aircraft to carry out test flights when the engine was repaired.

Seccombe eventually sourced replace¬ment fuel, but then engineers discovered the other engine had developed faults. This meant two engines had to be replaced on an aircraft that was essentially a museum piece.
A similar engine was sourced from a company operating joy flights near Melbourne. A second has been found and should arrive in Thailand next month.

Efforts are now being made to find a friendly aircraft operator, such as the RAAF, to take the replacements. Air or sea freight charges will be costly.

The final stage of the journey will then depend on the availability of Avgas for the piston-engine aircraft, with Indonesia a doubtful source. There maybe some at Denpasar in Bali. The possibility of shipping fuel from Australia to a suitable Asian port is also being considered, but this will only further delay the trip.

In the meantime, those in charge of the Qantas Founders Museum have to sit tight and await their precious cargo.

General manager Tony Martin has a scale model of his new acquisition on display in the purpose-built hangar beside the airport, and is frustrated by the delay. The spot that will eventually be the Catalina's final resting place has been prepared.

Martin is aware of the incredible interest the aircraft will receive. It joins an already impressive display, including a restored DC3, an early Boeing 707 - previously owned by a Saudi oil millionaire - and the Qantas Boeing 747 City of Bunbury.

After more than two decades, the museum that started almost by accident is now a multimillion-dollar, not-for-profit operation dedicated to preserving Australia's incredible aircraft history.

Martin is now in his third year at Longreach and has plans to source another 14 iconic aircraft for the museum.

Seccombe, a retired grazier who learned to fly while still at school, admits the Catalina project has already exceeded budget but is confident the community will continue to support the ambitious plans.

At the top of his wish list is the acquisition of a Lockheed Super Constel- lation, the aircraft introduced by Qantas in 1954 for twice-weekly flights from Sydney to San Francisco and Vancouver, through Fiji, Canton Island and Hawaii.

He also plans to raise funds to put a huge cover over the two Boeing aircraft that now sit on an open tarmac, subject to the incredible heat and the violent storms which plague the western plains.

Although the Qantas name appears on the museum, the carrier's only commitment is a $1 million sponsorship over five years for naming rights, funding of specified projects and the placement of two directors on the board of the foundation.

The company donated the 747 that stands out like a beacon on the plains around Longreach but all other aircraft exhibits have been purchased or donated by generous benefactors.

Longreach Shire Council, which has provided generous support in infrastructure, leases the land where the museum stands to the foundation and there are profits made through catering, souvenirs and guided tours.

But Seccombe's wish list stretches well beyond that income and he is counting on the public, business community and various levels of government to weigh in.

[Wingnuts]

There was movement at the station for the word had passed around …that, one way or another, EAX might resume her journey in a few months time.

Both engines are to be removed, a replacement for the left coming from QFM’s DC3, VH-AES, and the right engine is expected to emerge, in April, from the HARS engine workshop following repair and full rebuild.

If the engine issues are still unresolved, plan B has been investigated and costed. That is, disassembly of the airframe and shipping her home.

Meanwhile, work on VH-CAT at Bankstown is progressing. Her water tank has been removed and she could be back in the air by year’s end, depending on funds.

And HARS’ Blackcat, VH-PBZ, successfully completed water operations last weekend on Lake Boga. (WW 2 Catalina base, about 300 kms north of Melbourne.) It is believed the water trials are in preparation for a flight to, and sea landing at Lord Howe, a Pacific island 800 kms east of Sydney, and home of Dick Smith, entrepreneur, aviator and major sponsor of PBZ.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

You lucky people to have a fabulous Cat arrive safely. My wife and I flew on the one in NZ 4 years back - truly incredible experience.

[Wingnuts]

11 March, 2011 3:36PM AEDT
Catalina returns to make a splash

By Lara van Raay and Charlotte King

Lake Boga's community cheered as they witnessed a restored Catalina complete a touch-and-go on Monday, an event that enthusiast Dick Peel has been waiting 63 years to see.

Video here:
Catalina returns to make a splash - ABC Mildura - Swan Hill Victoria - Australian Broadcasting Corporation (http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2011/03/11/3161185.htm)



Lake Boga was an integral part of allied defence during World War II, operating as a Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot from 1942 to 1948.

Located over 300 kilometres inland, it seems like an unlikely place to find a depot intrinsic to the Australian war effort; countless flying boats would land here, riddled with bullets from the Phillippines and the South Pacific.

But Dick Peel, from Lake Boga's Flying Boat Museum, says it made for the ideal spot. "Perfectly round, you got no stumps, no trees no mountains to worry about - and it was far enough inland that to be attacked by the enemy, they'd have to come off an aircraft carrier, and they'd have to be well down in the Southern Ocean or nearly half way to New Zealand not to be detected - and they were out of range."

Recalling his first trip on a Catalina at the tender age of 12, Dick, now 78, has had a lifelong love of this unique flying boat - and it shows.

Dick has waited 63 years to see a Catalina complete a touch-and-go here, and judging by his reaction - and that of the community who showed up to witness the event, organised by the Historical Aircraft Resoration Society (HARS) - it seems it was worth the wait.

[Wingnuts]

The engines are back in. However, two years sitting in the tropics have taken their toll on the airframe and fabric, requiring a number of repairs. When that is all done, she should ready for a test flight.

[Wingnuts]

All going well, EAX will resume her journey tomorrow, Saturday.

Route is believed to be Singapore, Bali, Darwin, arriving Longreach on Wednesday. (4 sectors of 8 to 10 hours. Bali - Darwin mostly over water)

She might be held up in Darwin for a couple of days to clear Customs and Quarantine. You may recall VH-CAT in 2007 had to be completely unloaded and thoroughly vacuumed on entry to Australia, the concern being she may have picked up some of those northern hemisphere nasties such as mad cow disease or bird flu.
Also, Customs required the payment of $15,000 Import Duty (Import GST). Hopefully, this time it has all been squared away.

Good luck!

[Wingnuts]

Departed Rayong this morning.

Follow her here:

SPOT Shared Page (http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0PPDmxW3U4Q3YeRZigF1scFDqNUDEV16L)

[ktbedy]

This aircraft just landed safely at Ngurah Rai International Airport Denpasar Bali this afternoon.

[ktbedy]

Just departed at 00.45z on 11 Sept 2011 (Hazy morning at Bali)http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z8/ktbedy/Catalina%20PBY-6A%20VH-EAX/IMG_1120ewm.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z8/ktbedy/Catalina%20PBY-6A%20VH-EAX/IMG_1153ewm.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z8/ktbedy/Catalina%20PBY-6A%20VH-EAX/IMG_1154ewm.jpg

[EXBIRDY]

VH-EAX arrived in Darwin just after 6pm local time. A great sight to behold as it landed into the setting sun. Photos soon.
John

[FBOnPilot]

Without stealing anyone's thunder...

Catalina VH-EAX landed YPDN - Darwin, Australia today, touching down on runway 29 at 0840z.

She was an awesome sight arriving in the setting sun!
The aircraft parked in bay 12 at the base of the RAAF ATC Tower.

Welcome to Australia aircraft and crew!

[EXBIRDY]

Link to photos. I will add the flying shots soon.
John
QANTAS PBY pictures by JJELLIS_PHOTO - Photobucket (http://s197.photobucket.com/albums/aa78/JJELLIS_PHOTO/QANTAS%20PBY/#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ16)

[fergineer]

Good job well done to the crew and support people.

[Wingnuts]

GETTING CLOSE
Thailand, Early September 2011

Big day at the airport yesterday. Started both engines for the first time since installation. A few oil leaks from left prop and right…

Some welcome commentary and details of flight from Thailand are now on QFM’s web site:

Catalina updates (http://www.qfm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=7)

ARRIVAL at LONGREACH
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/resizedEAXLongreachArrivalr828164_7593379.jpg
photo, Nicholas Vincent

Almost two years and the best part one million dollars after departing Spain, EAX finds itself in the backblocks of outback Australia, a destiny she would have mixed feelings about, and little wonder she was a reluctant participant in the relocation.
It’s been an amazing journey fraught with frustration for all those involved. There were moments, I’m sure, when she was lucky a lighted match wasn’t thrown into her as the costs of a potential Black Cat spiraled into a financial black hole.

So what now?
First up, it is believed the borrowed engine will be returned to DC3, VH-AES, then she’ll be sitting on the deck until a replacement can be procured. Long term is open, but it is hoped to eventually add blisters, nose turret, and be relaunched as a Qantas Double Sunrise Cat.

Double Sunrise Cat
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/resized2QantasDoubleSunriseCatfozwna.jpg

Qantas Double Sunrise Ops:
In 1943 Qantas, the British Air Ministry and BOAC (Imperial Airways) agreed to a daring plan to re-establish the Australia-England air link that had been cut by advancing Japanese forces.

The plan called for regular flights between Perth, and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).

The single Indian Ocean hop of 5,652km would be the longest non-stop regular passenger flight ever attempted in the world. Celestial navigation had to be used to maintain radio silence over waters patrolled by enemy aircraft. Travelling at about 200km/h, would take an average of 28 hours to complete the journey, but up to 32 hours when winds were unfavourable. On many occasions with the autopilot u/s, fatigue was a problem, as in the air the controls are heavy and large inputs are required. That is to say, “she flies like a boat.” The story goes that all crew members and passengers were expected to take their turn at the controls. The weight of fuel limited the Catalina's load to only three pax and 69kg of diplomatic mail. The Cat was so heavy with fuel on take-off that the failure of an engine in the first 10 hours of flight would have made a ditching inevitable. This never happened.

[Wingnuts]

ABC Western Queensland

15 September, 2011 10:48AM AEST

A Rare Catalina Flying Boat

By Chrissy Arthur and Julia Harris

A rare Catalina flying boat has touched down at its new home in Longreach.
The Catalina was purchased in Spain by the Qantas Founders Museum, but had to undergo a mammoth restoration to get it flying.
The museum wants to tell the story of the Catalinas involvement in the "Double Sunrise Service"; a top secret mission during World War Two.
Qantas pilots flew Catalinas to keep supply lines open between Australia and England; breaking the Japanese blockade over the Indian Ocean when Singapore fell.
After the war, Qantas also used Catalinas to open up the Pacific Islands.
Spokesman John Seccombe explained the plane's been at a military base in Thailand for the last 18 months, where it broke down in transit from Spain.
"It's very rare and of course there are times when we thought it would never arrive, we thought it would rot in Thailand.
"Fuel went missing out of it so you have to ask how secure it was.
"When the riots were going on in Thailand, we wondered whether it would turn into a civil war and whether in fact the aircraft would be safe.
"I am thrilled to see it here."
The Longreach museum hasn't decided yet whether to keep this vintage and rare Catalina in the air, or leave it on permanent display.
Warwick Tainton, the Museum's Chairman, said it's cost an awful lot of money.
"It will have cost us something like one-million dollars to get it back and I would like to see it keep flying but we haven't made those decisions.
"It's been such a long, ardous road you might say and we are really, really proud to get it here.
"The big story really is the engineers and the pilots who have actually bought the aeroplane out, it had been sitting idle for eight years I think."
Mr Seccombe said either way, it'll be some time before it goes on display because they plan to refurbish it in its war-time camouflage colours.
"The question is whether we take it to Wollongong where the Historical Restoration Society operate from and enlist their assistance with it to refurbish it, or whether we do it here.
"But we hope to have it back here by Easter."
A 91-year retired pilot was on hand to greet the plane when it flew in.
Rex Senior is the only surviving pilot of the "Double Sunrise service " and said it was an important part of Australia's war-time experience.
"It was a very secret business, when the Japanese came down through the Asian area; they interrupted the normal communication between England and Australia.
"It was a very necessary and very dangerous mission."
Mr Tainton said only a handful of Catalina's are still flying.
"I think there are probably four, or five or six still flying in the world."

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Rex Senior, what a legend!
His Catalina story as told by himself is here:

http://mastermariners.org.au/file/Double_Sunrise_service_docx_Compatibility_Mode.pdf (http://mastermariners.org.au/file/Double_Sunrise_service_docx_Compatibility_Mode.pdf)

Photo taken in 1983
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/RexSeniorIMG_1855.jpg

[The East Rhodesian]

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z467/ingo-g/Page1.jpg


I'm sure I've seen bull no42 somewhere before...:E

[Wingnuts]

Another Catalina is on its way to Australia, but this time by boat for static display.
For more go here:
Another Catalina Coming

Update on VH-EAX. Both engines have been removed, the left, returned to its owner, DC3 VH-AES, and the right has been borrowed by HARS for its DC3s.
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/photoJohnRichardPinterest_zpsd9027bb4.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/photoJohnRichardPinterest_zpsd9027bb4.jpg.html)


September, 2013. Installation of non-operational engines for display. Courtesy of HARS
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr223/Wingnutsbucket/EAXEngineInstallationatLongreach_zps444448bc.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/user/Wingnutsbucket/media/EAXEngineInstallationatLongreach_zps444448bc.jpg.html)


New Paint! Dec 2014
http://i62.tinypic.com/2igm7h3.jpg


Meanwhile, VH-CAT at Bankstown is progressing. Its left engine, which had been removed to facilitate the front spar corrosion repair, is back on. Engine run June 2015 ok https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7BnUMaVnK-JQ0tmYXJEXzQzTzg/edit?usp=drive_web>
http://i59.tinypic.com/1217ex4.jpg

The original destination of CAT was Rathmines, but no mention of that in this ad...?
http://i67.tinypic.com/15n2iag.jpg
The Australian, 23-10-15