The New Zealand Catalina Preservation Society is focused on the preservation and operation of New Zealand’s only PBY-5A “Catalina” twin-engine World War Two Canso amphibious flying boat, ZK-PBY.
The aim of the Society is to preserve, in airworthy condition, a WWII-veteran Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina flying boat, similar to the aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force between 1943 to 1953, as an Aviation Heritage project for the community benefit of New Zealand.
Fifty-six Catalina’s (NZ4001-NZ4056) were operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force between 1943 and 1953. Provided under lend/lease arrangements these were a mix of non-amphibious Consolidated and Boeing built aircraft. They were engaged in anti-submarine, shipping escort, air-sea rescue and transport roles.
The Catalina’s operated with No’s 5 and 6 SQNs and No3 OTU, based at Hobsonville (Auckland, New Zealand) and various points in the Pacific. Unlike many other lend-lease aircraft, the Catalina’s continued to be operated after World War II because they filled a vital role in South Pacific communications.
This aircraft is a Canadian Vickers built Canso (c/n CV-357) which arrived in NZ on October 26th, 1994. This aircraft was originally delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force in March 1944, and operated on anti-submarine duties until it was struck off charge in June 1947.
The aircraft is shown here during a display at Ardmore Aerodrome, Auckland, New Zealand.
Source: YouTube
Major contributors to the victory at the battle of Midway! Nice aircraft!