de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth

First flown in 1931 the Tiger Moth was a continuation of the biplane designs that de Havilland had been developing in the 1920’s and ‘30s, primarily for the civilian touring and flight training markets. With a number of advanced design elements, including easier entry in and out of the front cockpit (vital for trainees with parachutes), the DH.82 rapidly found favour as a trainer for the RAF as well as two dozen other air forces around the world.

ZK-BFS in flight -- against the backdrop of some of New Zealand's stunning South Island scenery.  Photo: © Ross Brodie

 Year: 1931  Built: 8,868  Registration: ZK-BFS  Wingspan: 8.94m  Length: 7.29m  Height: 2.67m  Engine: 130 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major I 6-cylinder  Max Speed: 167 km/h  Cruise Speed: 108 km/h  Ceiling: 4,267m  Range: 483km   

  • Back To Aircraft List »


    • This particular aircraft was originally built as a Tiger Moth II—this being the designation given to those aircraft built specifically for the military. By the outbreak of WW2 the RAF had over 500 examples of the Tiger on strength, and this rapidly increased from 1940 onwards. Most new wartime pilots from Commonwealth countries began their training on the Tiger Moth, and by the end of the war thousands of new military pilots had their first flights in one of these aircraft.

    Following the war the aircraft was sold into civilian hands and eventually imported into New Zealand in 1954. After a succession of Kiwi owners (which included Robertson Air Service Ltd of Hamilton) the aircraft made its way to Ranfurly in central Otago, where it sat in storage for twenty-four years.

    While we're tracking down some footage of 'Queenie', here's a great video of Dave Philips performing some awesome aerobatics in a de Havilland Tiger Moth.

    Purchased and restored by new owners Lucy Newell and Bevan Dewes of Legend Aviation, the aircraft flew again in late 2022 after a short but meticulous restoration. This process was aided by the fact that it was found to be in excellent condition for her age, thanks mainly to the favorable conditions of the dry Otago climate and the pitch-black hangar it had been stored in. The aircraft is now affectionately known as ‘Queenie’.

    Follow and support Legend Aviation and 'Queenie' via their website at "www.legendaviation.co.nz", and check out how and when you can go for a flight in this magnificent aircraft.

    More Videos:

    • Water-skiing Tiger Moth ON Lake Karapiro

    • Tiger Moth Wing-walking At Ardmore

    • Tiger Moth Air-To-Air Footage

    • Tiger Moth Sprayer At Low Level


    More Photos:

    Share This Page :


    There's More Exclusive Content On Historical Machines TV

    HMTV is our advert-free streaming video channel which features an awesome array of video and long form documentary material which is not available elsewhere. Sign up for a free trial and enjoy the significant and varied range of material we have on offer...

    HMTV Free Trial  

    Please consider subscribing to HMTV, or buy us a drink to support our historical (story and film) preservation endeavours.