If there's one aircraft on Lake Wolfgang that embodies wonder, emotion, and the grand era of aviation, it's the Dornier Do-24 ATT "Latina".

For many pilots and aviation enthusiasts, it is still considered the Queen of Seaplanes – and for scalaria, since its first spectacular landing in 2007, it has been one of the most defining symbols of the connection between aviation, elegance, and living aviation history.

A Legend from the Golden Age of Aviation

In the early decades of aviation, only a few aircraft emerged that were far ahead of their time, both strategically and technically.

One of the most extraordinary aircraft of this era was the Dornier Do-24, designed by aviation pioneer Claude Dornier.

The three-engine, ocean-going flying boat was originally developed as a long-range and rescue aircraft. Its most significant feature was the legendary "Dornier Whale hull," whose characteristic bulges provided stability during takeoffs and landings on open water. This made the Do-24 one of the most seaworthy aircraft of its time and allowed it to be used even under challenging conditions.

To this day, it is considered a masterpiece of German engineering.
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Iren Dornier and the Rebirth of a Legend

More than half a century later, it was none other than Claude Dornier's grandson and later Living Legend of Aviation, Iren Dornier, who continued this story.

With great passion, he resurrected the only airworthy Dornier Do-24 of its kind from museum collections. In an elaborate process, the historic flying boat was fully restored, equipped with modern Pratt & Whitney engines, and rebuilt to the highest technical standards.

His mission was extraordinary: under the banner of UNICEF, the Do-24 was to circumnavigate the world again and connect people on all continents.

In doing so, Iren Dornier followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Claude Dornier, whose legendary Do-X – the largest flying boat of its time with twelve engines – had already made history in 1929.

An Adventure Around the World

With the "Latina", as Iren Dornier affectionately calls his seaplane, began one of the most adventurous aviation journeys of modern times.

From Friedrichshafen, the journey led across Africa, the Atlantic, North and South America, Brazil, Asia, India, and Russia, returning to Europe.

A special moment of this world tour was the landing on Lake Wolfgang as part of the then scalaria Air Challenge in 2007.

It was the beginning of a friendship.

The Latina and scalaria

Since this first visit, the Dornier Do-24 ATT "Latina" has been one of scalaria's emotional landmarks.

Time and again, Iren Dornier returned to Lake Wolfgang with a select group of international pilots and aviation experts. From 2007 to 2015, the "Latina" embarked on numerous journeys around the world, captivating generations of aviation enthusiasts.

Wherever the extraordinary seaplane appeared, it captivated people.

In 2025, this remarkable journey found a fitting temporary resting place: The Dornier Do-24 ATT was given its place in the Dornier Museum Friedrichshafen, where it will be preserved as a flying cultural asset for future generations.

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‍The Ultimate Discipline in Aviation

Even though seaplanes now represent only a small segment of aviation, they still hold a unique fascination.

For many pilots, seaplane flying is considered the ultimate discipline of aviation – a combination of technology, precision, and adventurous spirit.

These very values are also reflected in the philosophy of scalaria and the Living Legends of Aviation.

With great pleasure and the express consent of Iren Dornier, scalaria has been permitted for many years to use the "Latina" as a symbol of its aviation events and the European Living Legends of Aviation.
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‍A symbol of dreams – yesterday, today, and tomorrow

For Iren Dornier, the “Latina” was always more than just an aircraft.

It was the embodiment of an idea: to connect people, broaden horizons, and keep the magic of aviation alive.

The entire Living Legends family, led by the Gastberger family, is therefore all the more delighted that Iren Dornier will once again join the Living Legends of Aviation Europe Awards at Lake Wolfgangsee in 2026.

And who knows –

Perhaps one day we will once again experience that magical moment when the “Queen of Seaplanes” circles above the Salzkammergut and gently touches down on Lake Wolfgangsee.

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