Volunteers are needed to help restore a gem of Bermudian aviation history to its former glory.

BAS-Serco last week began the restoration of a former seaplane owned by late Wing Commander E M 'Mo' Ware, OBE DFC.

The abandoned aircraft was discovered by the National Trust during the renovation of Palmetto House, Devonshire Wing Commander Ware's home until his death in 2003.

The Second World War senior RAF officer was seconded to the civilian government in 1945 where he oversaw the conversion of the military airfield into a Civil Air Terminal.

He was then appointed Bermuda's first Director of Civil Aviation, and from 1951 to 1978 opened up the Island to modern air travel.

Wing Commander Ware's 1946 Luscombe 8a Silvaire was originally imported by Hugh Watlington in 1952. He bought the plane together with Jim Babineau and Colin Plant, from Bermuda Air Tours in 1954.

At one time the Luscombe was fitted with a wheeled undercarriage from a Tiger Moth, for flights at Kindley Field. Then in 1956 it was filmed for the movie 'Bermuda Affair'.

According to records the seaplane last took to the air more than 30 years ago but even in September 1987 it was still flyable.

Unfortunately, that month Hurricane Emily broke its back when a falling casuarina tree hit VR-BAK at its Kindley Field base, 2ft ahead of its fin.

Wing Commander Ware and his son David then took the wings to Palmetto House, but repairs were never completed.

The dismantled plane lay scattered at the historic Bermudian property until last year, when it was discovered by the Bermuda National Trust during renovations.

Trust Director Jennifer Gray then gave the parts to BAS-Serco, which provides Bermuda's aviation services in the form of air traffic control, ground electronics, and airport maintenance services.

Although the company aims to fund its restoration project through staff volunteers, CEO Frank Williams is eager to hear from anyone in the community who would like to assist. He would also welcome any pictures or stories about Luscombes in Bermuda.

"It's going to take $7,000 to restore the plane to its non-flying condition and will take us a couple of months, as a lot of the work is being done by volunteers," said Mr. Williams.

"If you are interested, please get in touch. The more the merrier. We are hoping to eventually display the plane at either the airport or the Bermuda Maritime Museum."

l To contact Mr. Williams call 332 4147 or e-mail him at: fwilliams@bas-serco.bm