Catalina over Hornsby, Sydney

[VH-Gribble]

Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster.

Just been outside in the pouring rain and witnessed what looked like a blue/black catalina heading north to the Westfields at Hornsby and then turned east down to Narrabeen. Anyone know anything? It was too far away to see a VH or any id code. Certainly is a great day for a flying boat considering its about as wet up there as is it on the water.

Thanks!

[alphacentauri]

It's VH-PBZ operated by HARS down in Wollongong. I believe they are gearing up for a trip to Lord Howe Island very soon.

I have images and video if their water landing practice at Jervis Bay last Monday.

Very Cool !

[falconx]

Incorrect, it's an albatross enroute to the kimberlies

Biggest sea plane drops in for a visit - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Herald (http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/biggest-sea-plane-drops-in-for-a-visit/2529201.aspx)

[alphacentauri]

In that case, VH-Gribble needs to brush up on his aircraft recognition skills :E

My response should therefore have been "If you are absoultey sure it was a Catalina, then ........"

:ok:Alpha

[Howard Hughes]

Would love to see the vidoes Alphacentauri!:ok:

I believe the trip you are talking about will be on the 1st May 2012, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first aeromedical evacuation from YLHI, although I can't find any mention of it on the internet anywhere.

Runway has only been there since the mid 70's I believe, so prior to that flying boats did the aeromedical ops.

[VH-Gribble]

Ok, an Albatross then. :) I stand corrected.

Thanks for the link falcon.

[Capt Fathom]

If that news article is correct, the Albatross was only unloaded from the ship on the 21st of April. Would it be flying already? Doubtful!

Maybe it was the Catalina.

[clotted]

The Albatross was over Pittwater on Saturday afternoon. Heading south.

[VH-XXX]

Picture from the Newcastle Herald.

What a machine!

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/large/1834183.jpg

[Cessna Master Beta]

Funny that in Broome the estate is called the Catalina's and it seems the aircraft sunk in the bay are Dorniers. All large float planes must be Catalina's ;-)

Good luck filling that with tourists in Broome. There is about 4 Caravans on floats in Broome this year. Would think there easier and more efficient to run

[alphacentauri]

Not the most awesome video in the world but at the distance I was trying to capture them I think it came out ok.

This was last Monday (16th)

Consolidated Catalina - landing practice - YouTube (http://youtu.be/6dXyAl9Vgjg)

Standby for pics

[Howard Hughes]

Thanks Alpha!:ok:

[alphacentauri]

Here are the cropped images.....as I said they were a far distance away

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o559/alphacentauri79/DSC00007_CROP.jpg

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o559/alphacentauri79/DSC00040_CROP.jpg

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o559/alphacentauri79/DSC00030_CROP.jpg

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o559/alphacentauri79/DSC00024_CROP.jpg

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o559/alphacentauri79/DSC00002.jpg

[TBM-Legend]

Something about a black cat......nice indeed.

[Trojan1981]

That is awesome to see! :ok:

[BWickham]

Thanks for solving this mystery, PPRuNers!

I saw this beautiful machine taxiing on Sydney Harbour yesterday morning, heading past Mrs Macquarie's Chair, near the Opera House, eastbound. I was too far away to get a good look at it, but I wondered if it was a Grumman of some sort (it looked big).

A Channel Nine news chopper was following it along, but I didn't see any coverage on TV, so maybe it wasn't as interesting as they first thought (they probably got reports from the public that an aircraft must have crashed into the harbour because it was floating there!).

I watched it head towards Rose Bay then turn north and take off, disappearing behind Middle Head northbound.

Great to see! :D

Ben