History of the World’s Oldest Seaplane Club

Lake Como is renowned for its enchanting waters and timeless boats, but if you look up, you may catch a glimpse of an unexpected surprise: small airplanes plying the skies above the lake. These are not just any aircraft, but the seaplanes of the Aero Club Como, the world’s oldest seaplane flying organization and flight school. This iconic institution, located next to the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium and an integral part of Como’s historic Sports Citadel, offers visitors the opportunity to experience aviation from a unique vantage point-an experience rooted in more than a century of history.

Founded in 1930, the Aero Club Como is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the art of seaplane flying. But the history of flying over Lake Como begins much earlier. In 1909, the first plane flew over the lake, and in October 1913, Italy’s first seaplane took off from these waters. The skies of Como soon became the stage for aviation pioneers, including air shows, competitions and daring feats. St. George’s Beach became the base of a vibrant aviation culture, hosting events such as the Grand Prix of the Lakes and the legendary Schneider Cup. In 1934, pilot Francesco Agello set a speed record here that persists to this day.

The club’s hangar, built in 1931 and designed in the rationalist style of the time, is much more than just an aircraft shelter. It is a true cultural landmark, housing workshops, classrooms and administrative offices, overlooking a 900-meter-long water track marked by floating buoys. The facility serves as a living museum and flight operations center, a place where history and modern aviation coexist in perfect harmony.

Inside the hangar is a fleet of 11 seaplanes, each with its own history. Aircraft include the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Cessna 206 Stationair, Piper PA-18 Super Cub, Cessna 305C Bird Dog and the vintage Republic RC-3 Seabee. With a selection of models spanning several eras, the club offers a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of aviation-not in a static museum, but in the sky above Lake Como.

Training is at the heart of the mission of Aero Club Como, which has become the leading seaplane flight school in Europe, attracting students from all over the world. In 2022, a group of 90 Turkish pilots arrived in Como to earn their seaplane license, a clear sign of the club’s international reach and renowned reputation. In addition to classes, the club offers scenic flights over the lake, allowing passengers to take in breathtaking views of Bellagio, Villa del Balbianello, and the many other wonders that dot the shores of Como.

The club’s presence is also deeply rooted in local life. His close ties with Como 1907, the city’s soccer team, resulted in unforgettable moments. In the 1950s, wristwatches attached to small parachutes were dropped on the field before games. In 1968, paratroopers delivered the ball to the field at the first game of the season. These flights were not mere stunts, but true symbols of a city that looks as much to the sky as to the waters of the lake.

With an eye toward the future, Aero Club Como is preparing to create a Seaplane Museum, which will preserve and present the region’s rich history in water flight. This project reflects the club’s dual purpose: to honor its heritage while shaping the future of aviation education. In addition to flying, the club is heavily involved in the community, organizing school visits, events and even Europe’s only seaplane rally-the Six Lakes Air Tour.

As the oldest seaplane base still in operation, the Aero Club Como is more than just a stop on the tourist trail. It is a place where you can feel the past rising into the present, where each takeoff is both a tribute to history and a step into the future. Whether it’s a lesson, a scenic flight or simply watching planes draw elegant trajectories in the sky, Aero Club Como offers a unique and unforgettable opportunity to experience the beauty of Lake Como-from above.