Description

Designed by de Havilland Canada at the end of WWII to replace the DH82 Tiger Moth, the DHC-1 Chipmunk had a modest start. First flown on May 22, 1946 it was hoped that this new trainer would be adopted by military and civil training schools throughout the British Commonwealth. Faced with strong headwinds including post war foreign currency restrictions, a massive supply of ‘cheap’ surplus wartime trainers and an undeserved reputation regarding spinning, this sprightly trainer “based on full fighter characteristics” had a slow birth, but over the fullness of time has grown to become an iconic aviation legend affectionately known as the ‘Chippie’ or ‘Poor Man’s Spitfire’ due to its superb handling.

Authors Hugh Shields, Rod Brown, Jose Munkelt Goncalves and Rod Blievers, all Chipmunk owners or pilots, have joined to produce an authoritative work on the type which recognizes its place as one of the preeminent primary trainers in aviation history. Hailing from countries where the ‘Chippie’ served in large numbers including Canada, Great Britain, Portugal and Australia, each author offers a unique perspective on the types experience around the world.