Over the years, the Commemorative Air Force has owned and operated five different PBY Catalinas, but unfortunately the type has so far not enjoyed much longevity with the organization with PBY-6A Bu.64000 being written off in a crash in 1975; PBY-5A Bu.46590 succumbing to corrosion in 1984 (and now parted out); PBY-6A Bu.63998 being written off in an accident in 1986; and in a bizarre twist of fate, PBY-6A Bu.64097 was flipped on its back in a heavy storm in May, 1998. Her replacement, PBY-6A Bu.64092, flew for a few years while still in its firebomber configuration, but again, significant fuselage corrosion grounded her as well.
However, the CAF has never given up on the Catalina, which played such a crucial role in WWII, both in long-range reconnaissance and U-boat suppression, not to mention Air Sea Rescue and other vital activities. The CAF’s Lake Superior Squadron, based in Duluth, Minnesota, is currently hard at work restoring a PBY back to flying condition. They are doing something radical, and probably never before attempted outside of the military. They are rebuilding the damaged, but relatively corrosion-free fuselage of Bu.64097 and replacing the crumpled wing with that from their other former fire bomber, Bu.64092. It is a massive undertaking, but the team has made remarkable progress since the project began in 2009. They have already grafted the two aircraft together and are well on the way to forming one airworthy airframe. Since the fuselage came from Bu.64097, that will be the identity of the completed aircraft.
We are grateful to the CAF Lake Superior Squadron for providing us the following series of photographs and captions to show some of the progress so far….
The above three images show the left wing trailing edge where the aileron attaches. This section is now in the process of being recovered. The right side is currently being soda blasted. Then comes an inspection checking for damage that needs to be repaired or replaced. Then the area will be painted Zinc chromate for corrosion prevention. Then comes the fabric covering.
The above picture shows one of the center section trailing edges. After the outer sections are finished the large inner sections will undergo the same treatment the outer sections had. Altogether there are four of these large parts, but it will be easier to work on them than the outside parts due to their large flat surfaces as compared to the multiple curves and aileron attachment points to work around on the outer panels.
The above three images show the trailing edge being test-fitted to the wing. The team is checking to make sure everything still fits properly before covering the section with fabric.
The above two images show the tail section minus the control surfaces. This area was completely destroyed by the wind storm at Fleming Field in St Paul MN. The fabric covered controls are finished and are now stored awaiting their mounting as one of the last parts of the restoration.
The above three images show the interior of the aircraft. There isn’t a lot to see here just yet as most of the insides were been removed for restoration, including the floorboards. There is a strong chance that this area will be painted this summer.
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CAF PBY_010
CAF PBY_011
CAF PBY_015
CAF PBY_016
CAF PBY_020
The above two images show the R-1830 engines. Rebuilding these will be the last effort in the restoration, although the Squadron does periodically manually turn the engines through to keep them lubricated. They will probably undergo their restoration sometime this summer.
The final two images show the rear wing spar where the trailing edges will go once their restoration is complete. This area will be stripped, inspected and painted before the trailing edge sections are attached.
And that’s where we are today. Many thanks to Kevin Parks of the CAF Lake Superior Squadron for showing us all the hard work which has occurred. WarbirdsNews will bring our readers more details as they occur. For those interested in volunteering or contributing to the project, please do click HERE to find out how to contact the Lake Superior Squadron.
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
Thank you for persevering. Dr. Forrest Bird passed away Sunday morning at age 94. He converted a PBY to four engines and equipped it with a medical suite to serve the peoples of South America; developed medical equipment to fit in helicopters and airplanes using his Bell 212 testbed; flew his Bell 206 to the Coeur d’Alene Airport Association’s fly-in BBQ in 2008 (age 87); developed the Bird Respirator, which replaced the Iron Lung; and more. Quite a gentleman!
Beautiful work !!!!!
Bernard Krief
Sea Link Aviation
Operating PBY 5A CV333 in Greece
Hi guys,
I just wanted to say great job and ask, are you planning on reinstating the Engineers position?
Keep up the good work!
Paul