Flying boats, the precursors to modern seaplanes, emerged in the early days of aviation as a novel solution to the challenge of combining air and sea travel. With their distinctive hull-like fuselage that could land and take off from water, these aircraft revolutionized long-distance travel, connecting remote destinations like the South Pacific and the Caribbean. Their golden age spanned the interwar period and World War II, with iconic models such as the Pan Am Clipper and the Supermarine Southampton playing pivotal roles in exploration, trade, and military operations. However, the advent of land-based airports and the jet age diminished the practical advantages of flying boats, leading to their gradual decline in the postwar era. Today, these remarkable machines are primarily preserved as historical relics and enthusiasts' projects, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and technological advancements that shaped the early years of aviation.
