On May 3rd, 2024, will mark the 111th anniversary of the first public demonstration of the Wright Brothers Model C-H Hydro-aeroplane (or seaplane) along the Miami River in Moraine. The seaplane flown in 1913 by Orville Wright and Wright Airplane Company Mechanic William Jacobs, was one of over 100 test flights made along the bend of the river between Moraine and West Carrollton. The Dayton Daily News reported that “Orville made the test flight with the grace and precision that marked the flight of birds, the famous aerialist skimmed over the surface of the water rising majestically to dizzying heights at will”.
The plane was towed from Dayton to Miami Shores where it was assembled, taxied out on the river and would take off north-south or east-west depending on the prevailing wind.
The C-H Hydro-aeroplane was a standard Wright Model C plane that had been fitted with the twin four step floats under the landing skids.
The riverbank area in Miami Shores near the southeast end of the Moraine Airpark runway property is the location of the Wright Seaplane Base, one of the world’s first seaplane bases. The local Wright Seaplane Base Inc. club, whose mission is to preserve the nearly forgotten history of the Wright hydro-aeroplanes through education and exhibits, will have a photo exhibit of Wright seaplanes flying along the Miami River in Moraine. The display will be at the Payne Recreation Center April 1-6, at the Gerhardt Civic Center from April 8-13 and at the Moraine Airpark from April 15-21. For more historical information visit the Wright Seaplane Base Inc website at www.wrightseaplanebase.org
