A pilot has spoken of his joy at flying a replica of the first seaplane to successfully fly in the UK.

The Waterbird flew over her original home of Windermere last month in a third round of displays that took place on September 6  and 7.

The project, organised by The Lakes Flying Company headed by Ian Gee, was a chance for the public to see the only replica seaplane of its era anywhere in the world.

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Relatives of some of the first pioneers on water aviation at Windermere were also in attendance.

Aside from the modern engine and propeller, the detail of the original Waterbird from 1911 has been faithfully recreated.

The Avro Curtiss-type aircraft was the third ever aircraft to successfully fly off and alight back on water, completing her first flight on Windermere on November 25, 1911.

Navy Wings and Royal Navy pilot Lieutenant Commander Chris Götke AFC RNaptions  (Image: Milton Haworth2019) Royal Navy pilot Lieutenant Commander Chris Götke AFC RN carefully piloted the delicate aircraft which took off to 100 feet in a straight line along the lake.

She then landed on the water, showing off the remarkable capabilities of the early seaplane for its time.

Navy Wings and Lieutenant Commander Chris Götke said: "I was very privileged to be asked to fly Waterbird on Windermere by Ian Gee.

Chris at the controls as it moves out on Windermere in front of hundreds aviation enthusiasts (Image: Milton Haworth2019) "She is an Avro Curtiss-type aircraft and when you see her she reminds you of the film those ‘Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines’!

"At first sight you are amazed and, as the aviator, slightly apprehensive as a 1911 plane is not the run of the mill machine - especially when you climb up between the bamboo structure to sit in the cockpit or in this case open air seat.

Waterbird on the water (Image: Milton Haworth2019) "The only real difference from the original aircraft is that she has a more powerful modern engine - however at the time she would have been cutting edge.

"She is only cleared for straight ‘hops' with turns to align with the wind."

Her first flight took place on September 4 however there were no plans to fly, only to go out on the water and see how taxi trials went followed by fast runs - in the end, five hops were achieved. 

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Lieutenant Commander Götke ended up flying her for three trips, two of which were in front of the public.

Lieutenant Commander Chris Götke (left) with Jane Puckering (daughter of John Lankester Parker) and David Fleming-William (Image: Milton Haworth2019) He added: "Just before touch down on my second hop a rainbow trout jumped out of the lake which was fun to see and reminded me that it is not just aircraft that can hop!

"The plane was delightful to fly and a great privilege, especially when you think of where she sits in history and all the aircraft that developed from her.

"I was incredibly proud to fly this delightful aircraft and be a part of the wonderful team who are showing the public a key part of UK naval aviation heritage and history."