Chris Wright recently took to the skies in a 1940s PBY Catalina bomber, a unique experience that combined the thrill of flight with a deep dive into history. This aircraft, a patrol bomber from 1943, is notable for having located and sunk a German submarine during World War II in the North Atlantic.
The PBY Catalina is classified as a “flying boat,” with its hull designed to interact with the water while its wings create lift. This design requires careful practice to find the optimum angle for takeoff and landing on water, a process known as step taxi. “You have to get that angle just right,” said a knowledgeable guide on the aircraft.
Inside the bomber, cables are visible throughout the aircraft. “See these? It’ll be all over. Don’t touch. That’s our control cable,” the guide advised. These cables are crucial for maintaining control during flight. The guide explained, “You have to make control inputs at just the right time to keep the airplane pitch stable on the water.”
Flying the Catalina presents unique challenges, including high control forces and slow control responses. “Just have to very much manhandle the airplane,” said the guide. Despite these challenges, the aircraft is quieter compared to other World War II bombers, making it a more pleasant experience for those on board.
The Catalina requires two pilots for water operations because both are fully engaged with power and control during takeoffs and landings. “Seaplanes are sort of a specialized skill set,” the guide noted, highlighting the need for an intensive training program for operating this specific aircraft.
Wright’s experience in the PBY Catalina offered a historical sensation, transporting him back to the 1940s. “You can imagine yourself out hunting for an enemy convoy of ships,” he said, capturing the essence of flying in this storied aircraft.
