Help preserve a unique piece of aviation history for generations to come
The replica Waterbird is unique. There are an original 1929 Hamilton Metalpane H-47 and a restoration 1930 Sikorsky S-39 in the USA, and an original 1935 Caproni Ca.100 in Italy. Otherwise, there is now no airworthy original, restoration or replica seaplane prior to 1936. Therefore the replica Waterbird from 1911 is unique in the world for representing its era. In the leading international book Seaplane Operations by Cesare Baj, he described Waterbird as “The only flying replica of a primordial seaplane”.
The Replica Waterbird Project:-
- In the Aeroplane magazine (founded in 1911) the Editor, Ben Dunnell, stated in 2023 that “The effort to create in replica form the Lakes Flying Company’s Waterbird, Britain’s first successful ‘hydro-aeroplane’, and to emulate the 1911 original in flying it from Windermere has been among the most enthralling on the UK’s aviation heritage scene in recent years”
- To raise awareness of the replica Waterbird and its history, including by arranging activities in which young people can participate
- To establish a Seaplane Heritage Centre in the Windermere area
- For details of 7 Awards, please click here.
Our Outgoings. Insurances, compliance, maintenance and associated with events. For public flying displays, expenses include: hire of scaffold for a temporary hangar, and of a rescue boat with crew, engineer, pilot and fees for permissions.
Gift Aid. The Lakes Flying Company Limited is a Registered Charity No. 1138624. Donating through Gift Aid means we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 which you give. Individuals may be able to pay less income tax by deducting the value of the donation from total taxable income. Companies may be able to deduct the donation from the company’s total profits in the year in which the donation is made.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT