'Kiwi' Catalina to fly again this year

摘要

New Zealand's only airworthy Consolidated Catalina is set to return from major refurbishment work in time for next year's Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow. Catalina PBY-5A ZK-PBY is a favourite at Wanaka, but has not attended the last few shows due to extensive work being carried out on the wings and fuselage of the 70-year-old aircraft. The restoration is being undertaken in Brett Emeny's hangar in New Plymouth by members of the New Zealand Catalina Preservation Society at a cost of around $250,000 (£125,000). The team is hopeful that the aircraft will be flying again by the end of this year.