This Canadian Vickers built Canso (construction number CV-357) was delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force in March 1944, and operated on anti-submarine duties. It was deleted from the register on 27 June 1947, and no records are available until it was converted to 28-5ACF status by SALA in Costa Rica in 1955. In October 1994 it came to New Zealand and is now NZ's only PBY-5A "Catalina" twin-engine WW2 Canso amphibious flying boat, ZK-PBY. It is currently the only air worthy PBY-5A in Australasia and one of only a few "Catalina's" left in the world.
Fifty-six Catalina's (NZ4001-NZ4056) operated with the Royal New Zealand Air Force between 1943 and 1953. Provided under lend/lease arrangements these were a mix of non-amphibious Consolidated and Boeing built aircraft. The Catalina's operated with No's 5 and 6 SQNs and No3 OTU, based at Hobsonville and various points in the Pacific. They were engaged in anti-submarine, shipping escort, air-sea rescue and transport roles. Unlike many lend/lease aircraft, the Catalina's continued to be operated after WW2 because they filled a vital role in South Pacific communications.
Lots more info is on the preservation group's website.
Yesterday it was filmed by TV3 News flying 1,200 ft over Auckland: TV3 news video
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