A REPLICA of the UK’s first successful seaplane will be making its first public flights this week.

The event is the result of a 13-year long project to create an exact copy of the iconic Waterbird.

Apart from the modern engine, it faithfully recreates the detail of the original Waterbird from 1911.

The replica has been constructed from wood, bamboo and wires: the same materials used to construct the original seaplane.

The 35ft long aircraft, has a wingspan of 40ft and weighs just 1000lb. It is powered by a Rotec 2800 radial engine, substituting for the original 50hp Gnome Rotary.

Weather permitting, the replica will be taking flight this Thursday (September 22).

Ian Gee, Director of Wings Over Windermere, which is organising the demonstrations, said: “After years of painstaking work from our dedicated team, Waterbird will take to the air for two demonstrations in September, and you can be there for this historic moment of magic!

“It has been 111 years since Waterbird flew for the first time, and 28 years since any seaplane flew at Windermere, so you won’t want to miss this occasion.

“It’s a thrilling opportunity to step back in history to the very earliest days of aviation, when pioneers pushed the boundaries of what was possible through innovation and imagination.

“Waterbird has a lasting legacy that transformed seaplane designs, and now you can see how it all began.”

Viewing will be best from Rawlinson Nab on the West side of Windermere, where refreshments and toilets are being made available for the event.

There will be a car park at Low Cunsey Farm, LA22 0LU, which will cost £5 per car or £3 per motorcycle (card payment only).

It is warned that the car park is not suitable for vehicles with a low ground clearance.

Those attending are advised to check the website www.waterbird.org.uk before travelling for the latest weather and flight updates.

Recognising the heritage connections with Windermere, special permission for the flights has been granted by the Lake District National Park Authority, including exempting it from the normal speed limits on the lake.