Something to watch out for on 4 August

[wingdiver]

Rare Catalaina Flying boat to appear at the Wings on Waves event at Felixstowe....and a Spitfire!!

http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/felixstowe_catalina_flying_boat_and_spitfire_in_raf_felixstowe_centenary_air_display_1_2206168

 

[Tam Lin]

Saw the Catalina flying over the Dengie last year - couldn't believe my eyes!

 

[DanTribe]

I've met a pilot who flies a Catalina, one of the few pilots qualified on them apparently.
He said his ambition was to land it on the sea, but the owners and insurers won't allow it, costs too much to clean and replace corrosion proofing.

 

[baldyash]

Went to Duxford one day last May & it landed & taxied right in front of us. It was then put into a hangar so maybe it lives there? This is one of my favorite planes so was well chuffed

 

[Cobra]

My late father flew Catalinas during WW2. He was in the Fleet Air Arm and was based at Pensacola where he underwent his training and latterly out of the Isle of Man covering Atlantic Convoys. He said that landing the Catalina on water was not that difficult the trick being to come in low, slow and dead level. Take off was apparently something else especially in choppy conditions. It was quite a regular occurence to bounce 4-5 times before finally getting clear of the water. He later went on to fly Barracuda's from Aircraft Carriers...the steam catapult apparently gave quite an exhilarating start to the flight!!