It’s a bird…It’s a plane…It’s a flying boat!
PRESS RELEASE – 12.04.2017
Aircraft participation is Plane Sailing at new Airshow
It’s a bird…It’s a plane…It’s a flying boat!
Get your cameras at the ready as ‘Miss Pick Up’, a 74-year-old Catalina, G-PBYA, will be gracing the skies over RAF Scampton this September as part of the Scampton Airshow’s exciting five-hour flying display.
Spectators at the inaugural airshow will be treated to an extraordinary appearance from arguably the most famous and successful fixed-winged seaplane ever built. Displayed by Plane Sailing, the Catalina G-PBYA is one of only a handful of flying boats still in operation today and, like the Scampton airfield itself, Miss Pick Up is steeped in aviation history.
Rod Brooking, one of the pilot/share-holders of the Plane Sailing team, said: “It is a real privilege to be part of the operation to keep one of the few remaining airworthy examples of this iconic flying boat in airworthy condition and we are proud to be invited to display it at RAF Scampton.”
Although G-PBYA was originally built for the Royal Canadian Air Force, the type was used in WWII by all the allied air forces, the US Navy and the US Army Air Forces as a submarine hunter, as well as in long range reconnaissance and Air-Sea Rescue roles. After the war, it was used briefly as a freighter before conversion to a water-bombing fire fighter.
Based on some original WWII photos, the racy Miss Pick Up nose art and its light-hearted play on words for a pin up girl and a rescue aircraft are a salute to the Catalina’s rich history.
Scampton Airshow Director Paul Sall said he is thrilled to be able to welcome such a popular aircraft to the Lincolnshire event. He said “As the airshow draws closer we are starting to see a fantastic variety of aircraft confirming their place in the flying display, each with their own exciting piece of history.
“This Catalina was built in what many people still consider to be the golden era of aviation and, 74 years on, it still inspires younger generations with the wonders of aviation. It will be a truly spectacular occasion to see it take flight right here in Lincolnshire and one I’m sure that many people will be eager to come along and witness.”
The Scampton Airshow, staged in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust, will be held at RAF Scampton - the Lincolnshire home of the Red Arrows – from September 9-10. The diverse, family-friendly event will encompass an impressive five-hour flying display, complemented by an array of entertainment on the ground, from a nostalgic Vintage Village through to interactive and engaging STEM exhibits in the Techno Zone.
Tickets for the Scampton Airshow are priced at £39 and must be bought online in advance. Inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts, tickets for under 16s are free with a ticket holding adult. To find out more about the Scampton Airshow, or to buy your tickets, please visit www.scamptonairshow.com or call 01522 396600.
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Notes to editor
Contact info
For more information please contact:
Alison Price
01522 396100 ext 5914
Website - www.ScamptonAirshow.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/RAFAirshow/
Twitter – www.twitter.com/ScampAirshow
Instagram - www.instagram.com/scamptonairshow/
RAF Scampton
The home of the airshow, RAF Scampton, has played key roles in the First World War, Second World War and the Cold War and is today the home of the world famous RAF Aerobatic Team - the Red Arrows.
First known as Home Defence Flight Station Brattleby, the airfield was first opened on 13 October 1916. The airfield was home to many different types of First World War fighter aircraft including FE2bs and Sopwith Camels. In 1917 the airfield was renamed Scampton.
Royal Air Force Charitable Trust
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust's mission is to PROMOTE the Royal Air Force, to SUPPORT its people now and into the future and to ENCOURAGE air-mindedness and the aviation-related education of youth.
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust has already gone a long way to encourage aviation-related education to the youth in Lincolnshire. In 2016 alone it has granted thousands of pounds to fund Families Days at RAF Digby, RAF Cranwell and RAF Coningsby as well as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) event at RAF Scampton.
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