User manual

Part B Section 12.53
HULL DRAIN PLUGS
There are 12 plugs in the Hull to drain the compartments and these are accessible only
from the outside. Two plugs are in the front wheel well.
Considerable water can collect in some compartments after rain and after water
operations. The drain plugs should be removed regularly as part of the Preflight inspection.
The presence of other fluid such as fuel or hydraulic oil in the bilges should be
investigated.
FLOAT DRAIN PLUGS
There are two plugs in the Port float and one in the Starboard float. The floats are from
different iv1arks of Catalina. Little or no water enters the floats during rain but if floats are
used “on the water" the plugs should be removed and the compartments drained soon
afterwards
04 MARINE EQUIPMENT
The full Marine Equipment fit has yet to be determined
When it is intended to operate on the water ropes and boat hooks are to be carried in
order to pick up buoy hoops. The header rope to be used to hold the aircraft is to be of a
substantial thickness and at no stage is the bow to be left unattended until the strop has
been fitted to the mooring attachment on the buoy.
For beaching, sufficient rope must be available for bow, blister and wing lines to be passed
ashore.
CAUTION Any work on the water where the engines are to be stopped requires specific
STICAT approval. Until crewmembers are certified as 'Competent' in water
operations they are not authorized to be part of a crew operating the aircraft on
the water.
For all water work life Jackets are to be carried, sufficient for all persons on board.
This situation only applies within The Netherlands, and then only in enclosed waters such
as lakes and harbours. For open water work and International operations. More stringent
regulations apply and these are in accordance International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) rules.
05 MANOEUVRING EQUIPMENT
Drogues may be carried when it is intended to maneuver on the water. Because the
engines are fitted close to the centerline of the aircraft maneuvering can prove difficult and
high power settings are sometimes required to turn the aircraft especially when the wind is
greater than 5 knots.
Because of the high drag of the drogues (which is their purpose) emergency release may
become necessary. Suitable axes or cutting tools are therefore also to be carried.
Stichting Catalina PH-PBY Rev No: 00
18 May, 2004 Page: 3