Historic PBY-5A Catalina airlifted to new Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum site

On Jan. 16, 2026, the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum's PBY-5A Catalina was moved to City Beach in preparation for its airlift to its new home on Ault Field Road. The carefully planned operation included detailed inspections and rigging with heavy slings before the aerial transfer scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.

Museum staff have scheduled the helicopter lift for a morning window between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Jan. 20, with the actual airborne carry expected to take roughly 15 minutes once the U.S. Army Chinook executes the lift. The helicopter will carry the Catalina over water and familiar Whidbey Island landmarks before setting it down in the museum's gravel parking lot. Organizers note the lift is subject to weather and operational factors, and staff ask spectators to obey safety guidance because helicopter downwash can kick up debris and create hazardous conditions.

The movement will produce immediate community impacts. Museum parking lots will be closed and there will be temporary road closures and traffic delays around Ault Field Road while the operation proceeds. Residents relying on that corridor for commuting, appointments or deliveries should expect detours and slowed traffic; people with limited mobility, parents with young children, and those without private vehicles should plan for alternate arrangements.

Beyond the logistical disruption, the transfer carries broader civic significance. The Catalina is a rare PBY-5A amphibious aircraft and a tangible link to regional naval aviation history. Placing it at the museum's new location expands local heritage infrastructure and is likely to draw visitors, school groups and aviation enthusiasts to South Whidbey, boosting small businesses that serve tourists. At the same time, increased visitation will require attention to accessibility, parking capacity and equitable access so that the benefits of the museum are shared across the community.

Public health and safety considerations are front and center for the lift. Downwash from a Chinook can displace gravel, dust and unsecured items; those with respiratory conditions, sensory sensitivities, or mobility challenges should avoid close proximity during the operation. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items during planned lifts, keep pets and children indoors nearby, and follow all posted closures or instructions from museum staff and local officials.

The Catalina's upcoming arrival marks a milestone for the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum and for Island County's living history. The community can expect some short-term disruptions on Tuesday, followed by an expanded cultural asset that will require thoughtful planning to ensure safe, accessible enjoyment for all residents.