The Last Sunderland Flying Boat: A Beacon of Aviation History

As a child, I had the privilege of flying in a flying boat from Tunis to Marseille, making a stop in Corsica for lunch. All I remember is the exhilarating feeling of the water spray as the aircraft took off and landed. Despite this vivid memory, I was never quite certain about the specific type of aircraft. However, it was indeed large and noisy, with hard seats that made for a less-than-comfortable journey.

The Sunderland: A Legendary Aircraft

The famous Sunderland flying boat has a rich history dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. While flying boats may not be as common today, a remarkable example still exists and is in airworthy condition.

The Only Airworthy Sunderland

Called ML814, this aircraft now resides in the Fantasy of Flight museum in Florida. Interestingly, only a handful of these iconic planes remain, and only one is known to be in airworthy condition. The exact status of the aircraft is unknown, as part of Kermit Weeks' collection is no longer on public display.

A Historical Journey

The ML814 Sunderland was rebuilt in the late 1980s at Calshot in Hampshire. Back then, I had the opportunity to witness it fly the length of the West Runway at Gatwick at an altitude of about 300 feet, providing an excellent view from the Britannia Airways crew room. This was a memorable experience that I will always cherish.

After its restoration, the ML814 Sunderland made a remarkable journey by crossing the Atlantic under its own power. This achievement highlights the engineering prowess and resilience of these vintage aircraft.

Airworthiness and Its Recent Demonstrations

While the exact condition of the ML814 is uncertain, recent news suggests that it is not only still in airworthy condition but has even flown a demonstration/airworthiness test flight in 2019. This event was a testament to the efforts of restoration teams and the continued interest in preserving historical aircraft.

The Sunderland flying boats are not just pieces of metal and wood; they are living testimonies to the ingenuity and bravery of the past. Their legacy continues to inspire and educate new generations about the golden age of aviation.

If you're a history buff or an aviation enthusiast, a visit to the Fantasy of Flight in Florida could be an unforgettable experience. The opportunity to see the last airworthy Sunderland brings you closer to the thrilling and adventurous world of early aviation.

As we continue to preserve and celebrate these historical treasures, we honor the skilled engineers, crew members, and pilots who made these remarkable aircraft possible. The Sunderland flying boats, with their unique design and storied history, remain a beacon of aviation history, captivating the imagination of people around the world.