12 Planes CAF Units' Fundraiser:
Consolidated PBY Catalina N7179Y
FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE
December 22, 2017
BENEFITING: COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE
EVENT: 12 Planes of Christmas 2017
THE STORY:
The Lake Superior 101 Squadron members are continuing their remarkable PBY-6A restoration. Interest in this PBY project continues to grow each year. The project is now in its 9th year of restoration and recently crossed the 50% mark.
In the past year, the squadron made significant headway on the restoration project. The Control surfaces are now completed, covered, painted, as shown in the second picture. Parts have been stored so work could begin on the fuselage areas damaged when the PBY flipped. Recently they completed and painted both wingtip floats and supports.
Last August a gifted A&P started repairs on the hull "step" that hits the water first in a landing. Shown in primer this section is now ready for paint. Volunteers have also completed the restoration of the tunnel gun door and the forward half of the pylon which holds the wing above the fuselage.
Once this aircraft is complete, it will be the CAF's only PBY Catalina, and one of just a handful flying in the US. The PBY will tell the story of the brave men who used these airplanes as submarine hunters, night torpedo bombers, patrol aircraft, rescue and reconnaissance platforms and convoy escorts.
