Vintage biplane De Havilland DH82a Tiger Moth G-AKUE 74years old at Redhill aerodrome

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• published: 02 Jun 2013
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Have you ever wanted to fly in a vintage biplane, to experience what generations of trainee pilots have since the 1930s, even take the controls for yourself? http://www.flyevation.co.uk/index.shtml Well here is your opportunity, we have the flying jacket and the helmet waiting for you, just climb aboard and travel back in time with an open-cockpit Tiger Moth flying experience, for yourself, or as a present for a loved one; whatever you choose we provide a flying certificate and a unique and unforgettable experience. Originally developed from the deHavilland DH60M Gipsy Moth, the DH82a Tiger Moth first flew in Oct 1931 and was put in production throughout the British Commonwealth where it found many applications, most notably becoming the basic trainer aircraft for the RAF. Throughout the war years it was this simple aircraft that virtually all our pilots learnt to fly in. Around 8700 Tiger Moths were manufactured with 4200 being bought by the RAF; it remained in operational service until 1951. The Tiger Moth saw service with University air squadrons used as squadron hacks, glider towing, and as an aerobatic aeroplane. To this day this lovable aircraft continues to delight aviation and flying enthusiast there are still around 250 operational Tiger Moths, being used by private individuals and flying clubs. Tiger Moth: G-AKUE History Tiger Moth G-AKUE was manufactured in Portugal in 1939, the aeroplane was flown to Mozambique and then onto Northern Rhodesia where it was used for general transport. Many aircraft in the area were given names, this Tiger Moth was known as "Nokomis" Daughter of the Moon, but to the local Africans it was simply known as "The Big Bird". Eventually the aircraft found its way to England. The British registration allocated to the aircraft was originally allocated to an Avro Tudor aircraft which was a post war civilian version of the famous Lancaster bomber, the registration was not taken up by the Avro Tudor so it was then allocated to this particular Tiger Moth. Redhill Aerodrome History Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey, where the aircraft is operated from is the original home of the Tiger Club. The aerodrome came into use in 1934 for the Redhill Flying club and before the start of World War 2 was used as an RAF training airfield. With the outbreak of the war the airfield became a satellite airfield for the near-by Kenley aerodrome and played a key part in the Battle of Britain and later the run-up to the D-Day invasion of Europe. After the war the airfield was increasingly used for leisure and commercial operations and remains so to this day. Many developments of the barnstorming, aerobatics, air racing and wing walking took place at this location during the 1950's and 60's. The video "A Tiger's Tale" filmed with Christopher Reeve and other celebrities is also associated with this historic Surrey airfield.