Splashdown For World’s Oldest Flying Catalina

The Catalina on her takeoff run from Holland's famous man-made lake, the IJsselmeer. This aircraft went through a down-to-the-last-rivet restoration between 2000 and 2004. (photo by John Redeker)
Aircorps Art Dec 2019


The Catalina on her takeoff run. (photo by John Redeker)
The Catalina on her takeoff run from Holland’s famous man-made lake, the IJsselmeer. This aircraft went through a down-to-the-last-rivet restoration between 2000 and 2004. (photo by John Redeker)

Once common in the skies just a couple of decades ago, there are sadly very few Consolidated PBY Catalinas flying these days, and almost none of them make water landings and take offs any more. Therefore it is wonderful to see one of them still active from the fourth element. WarbirdsNews is happy to present this news item by Philipp Prinzing from our partners at Klassiker der Luftfahrt on the recent, post-maintenance flight of Dutch-based PBY-5A Bu.2459 featuring some lovely images by John Redeker.

——————————————–

PBY-5A Bu.2459 is based in Lelystad, Holland, and has been a prominent fixture in the Netherlands for the past two decades (photo by John Redeker)
PBY-5A Bu.2459 is based in Lelystad, Holland, and has been a prominent fixture in the Netherlands for the past two decades (photo by John Redeker)

Splashdown of the world’s oldest flying PBY 5A

by Philipp Prinzing

After more than six months in the hangar, the world’s oldest flying Catalina is back in the air again.  The necessary maintenance work is complete, the crews trained and the machine is in peak condition. The first round of this year’s passenger flights recently took place.

A flight of the oldest flying Consolidated PBY Catalina’s been a real experience. In the Netherlands, at Lelystad Airport, this dream can come true for historic aviation enthusiasts. But as if a simple flight is not enough, the organizers, Stichting Exploitatie Catalina PH-PBY, have added something extra, and perhaps unique in the world at this time. During the passenger flights, the pilots perform several ‘splash-and-gos’ on the IJsselmeer. The PBY’s hull touches briefly on the water’s surface, skipping along on the step, then lifts into the air again to give those on board a feeling of what it is like to operate a real flying boat

Passengers had the opportunity of a full-stop landing, and a ride in a boat during the Catalina's first flight of the season. (photo by John Redeker)
Passengers had the opportunity of a full-stop landing, and a ride in a boat during the Catalina’s first flight of the season. (photo by John Redeker)

After winter maintenance, however the first guests on board the PBY were offered something even rarer for the season opener; a full-stop landing. For this event, the PBY comes to a complete stop on the water and the passengers can even get out and be picked up by boat, like when flying boats really were the queens of the skies. It was a unique moment for those lucky few on board. This year, many special events are planned with the “old lady”, because 2016 marks her 75th birthday. Despite her advanced age, she is still going strong and rides are available at Lelystad every weekend until October. Those wishing to enjoy a flight should click HERE to see the schedule and HERE for booking.

PBY-5A on the IJsselmeer. (photo by John Redeker)
PBY-5A on the IJsselmeer. (photo by John Redeker)

—————————————–

Klassiker der Luftfahrt

WarbirdsNews would like to thank Philipp Prinzing / Klassiker der Luftfahrt for his article and John Redeker for his marvelous photos. We look forwards to more collaborations in the near future!

5950b96b53fca257ead878469b70e12a?s=150&d=mp&r=g

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.

Array
About Richard Mallory Allnutt (Chief Editor) 1060 Articles
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.

1 Comment

  1. Beautiful Catalina !!!

    We hope to be in the air soon too

    Bernard from Sea Link Aviation Operator of the Catalina S/N:CV333
    Reg :N315KM Based in Athens Greece

Graphic Design, Branding and Aviation Art

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*