Honor.
Inspire.
Soaring by the Sea Foundation
Mission: Keep History Airborne
At Soaring by the Sea Foundation, we keep legendary warbirds flying—not just to preserve the past, but to ignite the dreams of tomorrow. Through restored aircraft, hands-on experiences, and public programs, we bring generations together through the power of aviation.
1943 PBY-5A Catalina
Once deployed as an anti-submarine patrol bomber, reconnaissance, and rescue aircraft in the North Sea, this 1943 PBY-5A Catalina served with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 162nd Squadron out of Iceland. Today, she flies a new mission: education, preservation, and inspiration. Restored by our crew and powered by public support, she connects past and present with every takeoff.
Allocated in 1943 to serve as a long-range patrol aircraft during WWII
Amphibious design capable of landing on both land and sea
One of North America’s last flying Catalinas
1943 P40N-1 Kittyhawk
This Curtiss P-40N-1 Kittyhawk, A29-448, served with the Royal Australian Air Force’s 75th Squadron to defend the Pacific during World War II. Recovered, restored, and returned to the sky, she continues her service by honoring her ANZAC roots and inspiring future aviators through living history.
Notable for combat operations at Milne Bay, New Guinea
Armed with six .50 caliber Browning machine guns
Restored in New Zealand and reintroduced in the U.S. in 2024
Precision Restoration.
Flight-Ready Legacy.
At Soaring by the Sea Foundation, we approach each restoration as both a technical challenge and a mission of honor. Our aircraft are sourced for their combat history and structural integrity, then returned to airworthy condition through period-accurate restorations and FAA-certified processes. From rivet work to systems overhauls, every detail reflects a commitment to operational safety and historical authenticity.
Mission-Critical Sourcing
We prioritize aircraft with verifiable combat records, significant history, and original components to ensure historical and structural integrity from the start.
Restoration Standards
Our team of mechanics and restoration specialists apply OEM specifications, wartime technical orders, and modern safety protocols to bring each airframe back to flying status.
Operational Tributes
These aren’t static displays—they’re airworthy aircraft that honor their origins through active flight and live demonstrations.
Restoration with Purpose. Inspiration in Every Flight.
From veterans who once flew the skies to young dreamers just sprouting their wings, Soaring by the Sea Foundation connects generations through the power of aviation.
