TCPS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Recognizing the PBY Catalina Heritage Worldwide
The Catalina Preservation Society is continuing to survive the various hurdles that have come our way.
Since our last update:
The Catalina Preservation Society has regretfully lost our previous President for medical reasons. I would like to recognise all the hard work and tireless efforts of our late President, Jim Vissers. Jim was larger than life. He was dedicated to promoting and fulfilling the needs of the society as it evolved over the years. Godspeed to you Jim on your new journey.
There has also been a rearrangement of the board of directors at TCPS.
As the new incoming president, I am pleased to announce the appointment of our new Director-Vice President Bill Gillies and also our new Director-Secretary Treasurer Ian Scanlan.
Bill brings a massive amount of knowledge and flying experience to our organization. He was also an integral part of the Expo 86 Odyssey, where he played a large role in organizing and fundraising fora DC-3 trip around the world back in 1986. He is also a rated Catalina pilot.
Ian Scanlan is also currently rated on the PBY and is an international airline pilot who has an extensive aviation background and a wide variety of flying experience which he brings to our organization.
To update you on what has been going on with C-FUAW 11024 Shady Lady over the past few years; she last flew in July 2020 to Cowichan Lake for some crew training and film work. Her annual inspection has lapsed for this year due to Covid, and at the moment she’s undergoing some de-corrosion work and repairs to a landing gear door.
We are all looking forward to having her flying again soon.
Due to the pandemic, the state of the airshow circuit has been curtailed for the past two seasons, not to be made any better with the advent of new variants.
These too will pass as there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The emergence of international travel is rebounding. Finally the restrictions are being lifted and the skies are becoming busy again.
Stand by for more info about next spring!
The Catalina Preservation society is dedicated to promoting and preserving the legacy of Catalinas (or Cansos as the Canadians usually call them) and also honouring the people that have kept the Catalina flying for all these years.
The society is always looking for more volunteers. Taking care of the plane is a big job at various events. The mandate of the Society is to educate the public about the Catalina, its colourful history and about the people who are a large part of its heritage as well.
We are always welcoming new members to join us in our future endeavours so please don’t be afraid to ask us if you would like to lend a hand.
I’m honoured to be a part of such a great organization dedicated to the preservation of such a special aircraft. She has endured the test of time. She is coming closer to her 80th birthday in 2023.
Thanks to the work of our dedicated volunteers, she will easily make 100.
Shady Lady is continuing to touch the hearts and lives of people around the world, so let’s keep her legacy alive!