A milestone was reached in the restoration process of the Catalina 3D-PBY when it was rolled out of the Springbok Aviation Services’ Hangar at Rand Airport on Thursday 26 March.

3D-PBY AFTER ITS ROLL-OUT

 Extensive work had to be done to the centre section after corrosion was found on the upper surfaces of the fuel tanks. The upper surface of the centre section with all the associated stringers and some of the ribs had to be replaced.

THE NEW UPPER SURFACES OF THE CENTRE SECTION

All the fabric of the trailing edge structures of the wing had been recovered and can be clearly seen in the picture above.

Preparation for the final painting of the outside will commence on Monday 31 March and painting should be completed by the middle of April where after the blisters and cockpit windows will be completed.

A very proud team after the Roll – out.