Commencement of restoration

The restoration of the Catalina has commenced with great enthusiasm by Springbok Flying Safaris (Springbok Classic Air). The aircraft was first moved (for the first time in years) to just outside our hangar, where the main engine running and testing is taking place. She will then be moved inside our hangar.

That's Flippie Vermeulen standing in the cockpit of the Catalina, in front of the Springbok Flying Safaris hangar. The plane is standing outside while the dirty work of lubricating, cleaning and running the engines is performed.

Another view of the Catalina in front of the hangar. The estimated, high-level restoration work involved is as follows:

• First, run the engines and test general serviceability
• Remove the propellors and have them overhauled
• Perform detailed pressure testing on the engines' cylinders
• Move the plane into the hangar
• Remove all flight controls and wing rear section for re-covering
• Paint stripping
• Detailed inspection of structure and neccessary repairs
• Insertion of additional windows and an air-stair
• Recondition the interior of the aircraft
• Test and service the avionics
• Re-assembling the plane and painting
• General testing and certification
• Flight testing and certification

Some more pictures of this stage:

Stay tuned for more updates, the progress is swift at the airport!