The Red Arrows took part in a flypast in Cumbria yesterday as a unique seaplane also took the skies.
The Royal Air Force aerobatic display squad and a Spitfire were part of Wings over Windermere, the annual flights of Waterbird.
People can still catch a flight of Waterbird today, Saturday September 6.
The nominated spectator area is at Brockhole and entry is free.
Today, Saturday September 6, the Waterbird flights will begin at 6.45pm. There will also be flights by a modern Husky seaplane.
Lt Cdr Chris Gotke, Air Force Cross, is presently the Fixed Wing Commander at the Empire Test Pilots’ School, of which he is a graduate.
He flew Waterbird for the demonstrations last year, saying the plane, an exact replica of the 1911 original, was delightful to fly.
He said: “It was a great privilege, especially when you think of where she sits in history and all the aircraft that developed from her.
“I’m 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.”
Ian Gee, chair of the Lakes Flying Company, said: “Organisers are delighted to remind people of the vital role that Windermere played in the development of seaplanes.
“Every such plane built since Waterbird has used a stepped float that made it possible to break the surface tension and lift from the water.
“For example, the Spitfire, designed by RJ Mitchell, developed from the work which he carried out on seaplanes in order to compete for the Schneider Trophy races in the 1920s and 1930s.
“There is no other event like this anywhere in the world.
“The Waterbird demonstrations will be brief but breath-taking. Please remember that this is a delicate, historic aeroplane, and that this is a demonstration of its remarkable capabilities, not an aerobatic flying display.
“During each sequence, Waterbird will take off from the water, fly at up to 100ft in a straight line along the lake, then land on the water, showing the remarkable capabilities of this early seaplane.”
Spectators are also welcome to view from lawns at Low Wood Bay, where pay and display parking will be available at the resort’s Water Sports Centre.
Mr Gee said: “The pilot will taxi Waterbird as close as permitted to the shore at Brockhole so as to give spectators the chance to get see this unique plane close up.
The original Waterbird first flew from Windermere in 1911.
A modern Husky seaplane is also involved in the display, with flying carried out against the stunning backdrop of the Langdale Pikes.
The Windermere event follows months of planning with detailed licences and permissions from the Lake District National Park Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Planning is further complicated by Waterbird being stored at Liverpool Airport, having to be reassembled and transported by trucks each time it is flown.
A permanent home by the Lake is being sought, which could mean more frequent flights and chances to see the replica plane up close.
The flights are subject to weather and other safety issues. Details of their status can be checked at https://www.waterbird.org.uk
Full details of the Public Flying Displays for spectators and lake users are at https://www.waterbird.org.uk/wings-over-windermere-2025/
The replica Waterbird project has won seven awards from various organisations in the aeronautical community.
A permanent exhibition recording the vital role played by Windermere in the history of the development of aeroplanes is now open at Windermere Library on the first floor.
It explains how the first successful flights taking off from water in the UK happened on the lake and how this later led to the establishment of a Naval seaplane school and the building of a flying boat factory on its shores during the Second World War.
The exhibition highlights the exploits of Captain Edward Wakefield, who initiated the development in the UK of aeroplanes able to take off from water and patented the stepped float.
What’s it like to fly with the Red Arrows?
Earlier this year, Cumbria Crack spoke to Circus 1 Flight Lieutenant Greg Harley, who has flown over the Lake District multiple times, to find out what it’s really like.
