In the 1930’s the elite of Manhattan and Long Island, New York required an aircraft that could provide them amphibious transport into the city. Grumman was commissioned to build the G-21 “Goose” to suit their needs. This was Grumman’s first monoplane to fly, its first twin-engine aircraft and its first aircraft to serve with a commercial airline.

The aircraft proved to be quite rugged and versatile, offering a generous hull for luxury or utilitarian transport. Only 30 aircraft would reach private hands to become a corporate or private flying yacht. These aircraft would soon be commandeered into WWII military service to serve as reconnaissance, rescue and training aircraft. The Goose also assisted the Coast Guard, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

This Goose has a rich local history providing transport service for not only food and supplies, but residents, celebrities and tourists to Santa Catalina Island (Avalon). This G-21 was one of the seven Avalon Air Transport (later Catalina Airlines) Goose fleet, founded by Dick Probert.