A piece of Medway’s aviation history is being celebrated alongside a range of educational activities as the newly restored Short Scion Floatplane G-AEZF goes on display inside Rochester Cathedral. This story was first reported by Vintage Aviation News. The floatplane was painstakingly rebuilt by the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society Limited (MAPSL), with restoration made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Rochester Bridge Trust. The aircraft was originally built at the Short Brothers Factory, once located on Rochester Esplanade. Nicola Parks, Director of Charitable Projects at the Rochester Bridge Trust, said: “It gives us great pleasure to be able to display this piece of local aviation history in a stunning venue that’s easily accessible by the whole community. Alongside the floatplane, there will be a range of educational activities to ensure there is something to appeal to all ages. This event is completely free of charge during the day, aiming to celebrate engineering history while inspiring the next generation of engineers.”
Constructed in 1937, the Short Scion Floatplane saw service during World War Two before transitioning to civilian use. Decades of neglect left the aircraft in a deteriorated state until MAPSL rescued it in 2013. The society’s volunteers undertook its full restoration, funded in part by a £40,000 grant from the Trust. Robin Heaps, MAPSL Project Leader, said: “After many years of work on this complex project, we are thrilled to see the Short Scion Floatplane on display inside Rochester Cathedral. We are extremely grateful to the Rochester Bridge Trust for their generous grant and for helping make it possible for local residents to experience this important part of Medway’s heritage firsthand.”
The Short Scion Floatplane will be on display throughout August 2025, accompanied by a variety of engineering-focused educational activities. Entry and participation are free during the day, providing visitors of all ages the chance to explore both aviation and engineering history. For more information, see the original article: Historic Short S.16 Scion Floatplane to Go on Display in Rochester Cathedral
