The Story Of The World’s Oldest Seaplane Club

Lake Como is renowned for its picturesque waters and timeless boats, but if you take a moment to look upwards, you might spot something unexpected—small planes gliding over the lake. These aren’t just any aircraft; they belong to Aero Club Como, the world’s oldest seaplane operation and flight school. This hidden gem, tucked beside the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium as part of Como’s historic Cittadella dello Sport, offers visitors the chance to experience aviation from a unique perspective—one that stretches back more than a century.

Founded in 1930, Aero Club Como is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving the art of hydro flying. But the story of flight over Como began long before. In 1909, the first airplane flew above the lake, and in October 1913, Italy’s first seaplane took off from these waters. The skies soon became a playground for aviation pioneers, with airshows, races, and daring feats. St. George’s Beach became the base for a thriving aviation culture, hosting events like the Grand Prix of the Lakes and the legendary Schneider Cup. In 1934, pilot Francesco Agello set a speed record here that still stands today.

The club’s hangar, constructed in 1931 and designed in the rationalist style of the period, is more than just a shelter for aircraft. It’s a cultural landmark that contains workshops, classrooms, and administrative offices, all perched beside a 900-metre water runway marked with floating buoys. The structure serves as both a living museum and a working flight hub, where history and modern aviation meet in harmony.

Inside the hangar is a fleet of 11 seaplanes, each with its own story. The 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 range of models from different eras, the club offers a rare opportunity to experience aviation’s evolution—not in a static museum, but in the air above Lake Como.

Training is at the heart of Aero Club Como’s mission. It has become Europe’s leading seaplane flight school, drawing students from around the world. In 2022, a group of 90 Turkish pilots arrived in Como to earn their seaplane licenses, a powerful indication of the club’s international reach and respected reputation. Alongside lessons, the club offers scenic flights over the lake, where passengers can take in breathtaking views of Bellagio, Villa del Balbianello, and the many other gems that line Como’s shores.

The club’s presence is also woven into the fabric of local life. Its close relationship with Como 1907, the city’s football club, has produced some unforgettable moments. In the 1950s, wristwatches attached to tiny parachutes were dropped onto the pitch before matches. In 1968, paratroopers delivered the football onto the field for the first game of the season. These flights weren’t just stunts—they were symbols of a city that looks to the skies as much as it does to the water.

Looking ahead, Aero Club Como is preparing to create a Seaplane Museum that will preserve and showcase the region’s rich history of flight on water. This project reflects the club’s dual focus: to honour its heritage while shaping the future of aviation education. Beyond flying, the club is deeply engaged with the community, hosting school visits, events, and even Europe’s only seaplane rally—the Giro Aereo dei Sei Laghi.

As the oldest seaplane base still in operation, Aero Club Como is more than just a stop on the tourist trail. It’s a place where you can feel the past lifting into the present, where each takeoff is both a nod to history and a step into the future. Whether you’re taking a lesson, enjoying a scenic tour, or simply watching the planes carve graceful paths through the air, Aero Club Como offers a rare and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Lake Como—from above.