29 March 2024

8 thoughts on “Catalina Airlines’ Cessna 208 Caravan seaplane VH-OPH could be operating from Perth’s Swan River from early 2014

  1. Dear David,

    My Dad Robert [ 21 squadron Brewster Buffalos Malaya and Singapore] ] flew Catalinas at the end of WW2 repatriating injured servicemen to Sydney. He said the flights were gruelling. I have long dreamed Perth could have a fully functioning flying Catalina base at Matilda Bay both as a homage to his generation and as a truly world class tourist attraction and have written to many politicians over the years. Is this idea a pipedream? I am aware PBY’s are now rare but not impossible to obtain.

    I envisage a voluntary not for profit run living museum such as restored steam locomotive railways operate involving people with all sorts of backgrounds and talent. I have heard of the struggles of several seaplane applicants and the attitude of CASA and the Swan River trust. Other states seem much more “can do” that us and that should change.

    It seems to be that retiring baby boomers such as me would love to be involved in such a project, and would be willing to put in some capital. However I have no idea as to how to publicize and recruit for such a project. Should government be approached first to ascertain CASA’s position ? Should an interested parties group be formed first?

    How would you approach it?

    Kindest regards

    Geoff KIRKMAN

    1. Hi Geoff,
      An attempt to preserve a Catalina near the former seaplane base at Crawley/Matilda Bay was made some years ago by the Australian American Catalina Memorial Foundation. They acquired a Catalina (Bu No 46624) from the US in 2002.
      It was intended for it to feature in a display somewhere near the Matilda Bay Restaurant, commemorating the “Double Sunrise” flights from the Swan River at Crawley to Sri Lanka during World War II.
      They failed to get funding, so in January 2007 it was moved in parts to the RAAF Association’s Aviation Heritage Museum at Bull Creek and reassembled. It is still on display there, in pristine condition.
      Regards,
      David Eyre

  2. hi . i am an avid amature photographer that would love to take a pic of seaplane landing on the water. would this be at all possible as i find this a very exciting opportunity. i’d love to hear back from u soon with any information

    kind regards.

    Greg. Claydon..

    1. Hi Greg,
      Have sent you an email.
      We have contacted Catalina Adventures to request an update on their seaplane operations.
      Regards,
      David Eyre

  3. Beautiful planes (especially the Albatross)! I know many in Perth can easily afford the estimated $1000 per person for taking off from the Swan River but I will have to save up for that amount. Wonder what the estimated time is for commencing flights from the Swan River?

    1. Hi Nina,
      “Early 2014” is all that has been mentioned, and the Catalina Adventures website does not provide any information on a start date.
      Regards,
      David Eyre

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