Historic Aircraft Restoration Project-HARP

09/19/2024

Cool information on the PBY-5A “Catalina” operations in the water. Come see the progress that we’ve made on our “Cat.”

https://www.facebook.com/share/HhESAfjZswnpuMkH/?mibextid=WC7FNe

How does an airplane land slowly in rough seas if it has no flaps for added lift and its wheels can't be lowered into the water to create drag?

So this question describes the daily occurrence of the PBY-5A Flying Catalina. This incredible machine had fabric wings, no flaps, drop down pontoons, and an aluminum boat hull for a fuselage.
Those are not heavy seas, and this is likely a takeoff, but you’d not be comfortable in a speedboat. In WWII it was invaluable to find the enemy, or rescue downed pilots; it’s wing a huge gas tank for 2,500 mile flights. That’s a looong way, and 20 hours routinely. The PBY-5A had retractable wheels, the “A” meaning amphibious.
Now as far as drag is concerned, at landing speeds for this craft (~90 knots), the fuselage is immediately huge friction (regardless that it is shaped like a hull). An airplane with wheels will not induce drag to safely land; they will provide an instant grab and flip.

08/26/2024

A great article on flying boats, including the NC-4, which departed from NAS-Rockaway on its historic flight.

Come visit our 3 flying boats at Hangar B!

The history of how flying boats opened up travel destinations around the world then they went to war.

07/18/2023

Project Bullet!

July 16, 1957, Major John H. Glenn, a Marine Corps pilot, accomplished a monumental feat by setting a new record for a coast-to-coast flight.
Glenn took off from Los Alamitos Naval Air Station in California. After just three hours, 23 minutes, and 8.4 seconds (according to a National Aeronautic Association formula), he touched down at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York, setting a transcontinental speed record of 725.55 mph! He flew a Vought F8U-1P Crusader, Bu. No. 144608,
Major Glenn's remarkable feat showcased the extraordinary speed capabilities of carrier-based aircraft, proving they could rival any other aircraft in the skies.

10/02/2022

Due to the inclement weather (high winds,) and the requirement that the main Hangar B doors be open during tours, we are canceling today's tour for the protection of the resources and the safety of visitors and staff.

09/24/2022

Gathering in memory of longtime HARP Volunteer Dante DeMille. It was largely through his dedication and effort that the full-scale model of the “Winnie Mae” was built.

Thanks for the great work, and the memories, Dante.

06/21/2022

GREAT NEWS!!! Hangar B will be reopening for ranger guided public tours beginning this Sunday, June 26, 10 am - 1 pm!!! We look forward to seeing you!!!

04/13/2020

Very sad news from friends at BAHF.

03/07/2020

We’re open until 4. And, 2-4, tomorrow.

Come and see us!

01/21/2020

The trials and tribulations of Britain’s royal family are very much in the news, but did you that there was a scandal involving an aviator closely associated with Floyd Bennett Field? Check out this video!

In the 1930s, the British Royal Family was wracked by scandal: Prince Henry had embarked on an affair with a married woman named Beryl Markham, and now details of this affair were threatening to spill out.

08/26/2019

A-4 panorama.