Will Churchill’s first seaplane fly again?

An important pre-war seaplane that was championed by Winston Churchill could take to the skies again, more than 100 years after its maiden flight.

But enthusiasts who are rebuilding it are facing a tough battle to get it airborne.

The Waterbird one of the most significant planes in aviation history was created by aeronautic pioneer Edward Wakefield.

Thanks to Churchill’s support, he made a famous flight from Windermere in the Lake District on November 1911.

His success dispelled the belief that it was impossible to fly from water and signalled the birth of naval and civil hydro-planes in the UK.

Plane buffs who set up the Lakes Flying Company are recreating the Waterbird and plan to make 12 tourist flights a year on Windermere lake.

Their dream moved a step closer after the Government said the 10mph limit on the lake could be lifted occasionally.

And, in the next few weeks, they will try to convince the Lake District Park Authority to let them zip across the water at 30mph before becoming airborne.

A limit was imposed in 2005 after a pressure group campaigned to restore the tranquility of England’s largest lake.

“It is great getting the Waterbird built, but getting it flying is vital,” said Wakefield’s great-great-nephew Richard Raynsford.

“It is very important and exciting for the family. The plane is part of the culture and tradition of the Lake District and it will be a great tourism boost.”

The LDNPA is expected to approve a speed limit exemption policy this week.

And, if passed, Mr Raynsford said the group would put in an application to fly the plane from the water “within weeks”.

The historic plane was trashed when a storm destroyed a hangar it was being stored in just four months after the legendary flight.

Three years ago, the Lakes Flying Company vowed to build a replica. But they are facing another huge hurdle.

After getting half-way through the project, work has ground to a halt after cash ran dry. They are now appealing to the nation to raise £160,000 to keep the dream alive.

“We can’t finish it until we find more funds,” said Ian Gee, of the Lakes Flying Company.

“We have not been able to get grants. Our last hope now is for the public to get behind us.”

It had been hoped the Waterbird would fly next year, but Mr Gee said that would be “almost impossible”.

He added: “Once we have all the funds it will take 12 months to complete the build. But without the money, it will not happen.”

It is launching an “adopt-a-part” campaign on November 25 the 102nd anniversary of the flying machine’s momentous ascent.

Twenty-two parts will go up for adoption, including wings, fuselage, engine, propeller and floats. Parts can be adopted for as little as £3.

The maiden flight caused huge controversy with Beatrix Potter and Canon Rawnsley, co-founder of the National Trust, protesting against Wakefield’s activities on Windermere.

But a public inquiry came out in Waterbird’s favour.

Wakefield became one of Britain’s most important aviation pioneers and a forefather of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm.