08/02/2026
CATALINA CONGRATS!!
Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Rob Collings and everyone at the American Heritage Museum on the winning of the prestigious Grand Champion Warbird Award at the 2026 EAA AirVenture fly-in / airshow held at Oshkosh, WI over the last week with their magnificent PBY-5A. Likewise congratulations are due to the American Aero Services team in Florida who carried out this remarkable restoration, right down to the myriad of correct period antennae that run in parallel along the top of the fuselage. At a time when competition from glamorous fighters of the highest quality was in abundance, it is an even greater testament to this restoration that a large utility aircraft (and boat) like the PBY could win against such outstanding competition. Well done to all those who shared their winged treasures with the appreciative public at the world's greatest aviation event. Roll on Oshkosh 2027!
Thanks to Nigel Hitchman for this excellent photo
