For the first time, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) PBY-6A Catalina Felix will feature at this year's Rathmines Catalina Festival in November.
The HARS Cat is expected to land on Lake Macquarie before taxying out of the water and onto the hard stand for public display.
Now in its sixth year, the festival on Saturday November 3 aims to raise funds to establish a museum on the site of what was an important RAAF seaplane base during WWII.
As well as the HARS Cat, the festival will also feature:
- Tiger Moth fly-past
- Amphibious aircraft
- RAAF hot air balloon
- Classic and vintage cars, motorbikes and boats
- WWII-era military vehicles
- Amusement rides and children's activities
RAAF Rathmines reached its peak strength of 3000 personnel in 1944-45 with 230 buildings and 40 aircraft in service. Thirty-two Catalinas and 330 crew members were lost.
More information on the festival is at www.catalinafestival.com.au.