Quote:What the history doesn't really say is that this plane isn't a new-build replica, this is a real Dornier Do-24, built in the 30's, used by Spain in SAR until not that long ago (in relative terms) and rebuilt as a technology demonstrator. After serving it testing purposes, it was set up as a museum piece, and then re-restored to fare-paying flying status!
Thanks Felix. I didn't make it clear that this is a restored aircraft but it has been considerably modified.
Quote:Capt Dornier is currently flying an adapted Do-24 aircraft. "The construction of the Do-24 began around 1936. It was used as a pure search and rescue aircraft and the series rescued 11,600 people from the open seas during World War II," he said.
The aircraft he is flying was operated as a search and rescue plane by the Spanish navy until 1971 when it was returned to the Dornier company. It was converted in 1982 into the Do-24ATT. "It got a new wing, modern engines and landing gear. It was operated only until 1984 for test flights and then it went into the museum in Schleissheim. I took it out in December 2002. Why? Because an aircraft in a museum is a sad story. Especially when it is an aircraft that can still fly," Dornier said, shrugging.
It cost him $6 million to tailor the aircraft to his present needs. "I've changed the interior quite a bit. It's basic, comfortable, yet stylish. It's not sterile. I've left quite a bit of the old atmosphere in," Dornier described.
Capt Dornier is currently on a world tour to raise funds for UNICEF.
Quote:"There are three clear reasons why I'm flying this aircraft around the world, expecting to visit over 50 countries in eight months and logging in more than 450 flying hours," he explained. "First, I want to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination. Second, I want to celebrate 100 years of aviation.
"This is very important for me because I have great respect for my grandfather and what he has done for the aviation industry. In 1929, he had the world's largest aircraft, the DO X, flying with 170 people on board. That was at a time when Boeing had only an 18-seater aircraft. That is how advanced my grandfather was. Those days, runways were insufficient. So he built the flying boats that connected harbours. That was the beginning of modern aviation.
"And third, I want to raise awareness and funds for Unicef. I believe all development in a country starts with education. I want to inspire young people. Tell them to not get stuck in the mud, but keep moving forward. I want to tell them to dream, to believe in their dreams."
Quote:is it the Dutch one? in Holland during the Lelystad airshow earlier this month, a Catalina took the air again for the first time after restauration.
Did you mean the Cat Ken? This one came from Canada & still has a Canadian registration. It was used for fire bombing for some years I believe. I think the Dornier was rescued from a German museum.
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