SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

[Dave]

I just thought you guys might be interested in a little story of mine...

On my holidays I travelled to Lake Como, in the north of Italy (really pretty place if you haven't been there). On the edge of the town Como there is a Sea Plane station which took you right over the mountains and over the beautiful lake. Of course I was not going to miss out on this expensive opportunity, and after several phone calls I managed to get a place.
However on the day, because it was my girlfriend, my son and I, we were too big to go on a sea plane. This meant that we had to o on what is known as a sea boat. This is like a sea plane except instead of having to floaters it has one main hull below the main body. It was a real great experience to be in one and a have great view of the lake. Also, what amused me the most was the fact that the pilot came in to steep on the landing (we were only a few metres from the stadium floodlights), his Italian friend called him a cowboy on the radio. They do not make these types of SeaAir transport anymore (it was built after WWII i think), and even though all its other features were the same as a sea plane it was a great!
I’m afraid I can't find any info of it on Google but you guys can give it a shot! But serious you have to try flying in a sea plane anywhere, I even got to have a *beep* I’m sounding less professional and more like a little girl now.

[Arthur Williams]

Thank you for sharing your experience Dave. That did sound wonderful.

Which company did you fly with. I have a few friends who are members of Aero Club Como, and they offer flights to vistors of status. They were recently using the famous Caproni CA 100 - did you fly in that!?!? Oh I am so jealous. Even though I have friends in the club, they cannot get me on that truly fine flying machine.

I shall have to take the family to Italy someday. The scenery is indeed very beautiful and I am glad you had such a great holiday.

Incidentally, which airline did you fly with? This has always been a hobby of mine: it is amazing the number of people who fly or do not fly on certain airlines. Thanks again.

[Jonathon Miles]

Wow, this internet is rather incredible isn't it. One can access a whole range of fellow enthusiasts. What a splendid story. Why I do declare that I may take a trip to the delights of Italy.
That sea boat sounds delightful also. I do wonder whether you might perchance have taken any pistures at all.
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Best Regards,

John

[Grant Taylor]

What an incredible story! It really is amazing that you should mention this Dave, as my cousin runs a seaplane tour company up in Scotland. They do trips over the countryside and land on the lochs nearby. The vehichles are fantastic for aerial photography, and the planes that he owns featured in the film 'Eileen'.
You are correct when you say that Sea-boats have not been manufactured for decades, this company bought them surplus from the U.S army. Their advantage comes in that they are very stable, and last for years. I have been meaning to talk to Adam about this one! I'll see if I can get some info. Try searching for SeaAir transport- that's the company that produced them in the forties. I've found a few archive shots.

I have a picture attached from when I went on one a few years back at Loch Lomond. That's the smaller model- the V2 Seamaster. Sorry about the low-res, I'll try and get one of the larger models for you- they really are great aren't they. It was because of my cousin that I first developed this insatiable love for flight!