Watch This Amazingly Restored WWII de Havilland Tiger Moth Trainer Take Flight
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Training a Generation for War
The de Havilland Tiger Moth was a basic training plane, but it played a key role in preparing pilots during World War II. Before flying in combat, thousands of young aviators across the British Commonwealth first learned to fly in this simple biplane. Its open cockpit and steady handling made it ideal for beginners.
From 1938 to 1948, Canada used Tiger Moths to train aircrew as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. This restored model is the DH.82C version, built in Canada and made stronger for winter conditions. It included brakes, tail wheels, heaters, and enclosed cockpits. It wasn’t fast or armed, but it gave student pilots what they needed: control and confidence in the air.
Flying Over Canada Again
In the 1940s, Canadian skies were filled with aircraft like this one. Quiet prairie towns hosted large training bases. The sound of Tiger Moths was a daily part of life. For many trainees, the moment their aircraft lifted off the runway was unforgettable. The roar of the engine, the rush of wind, and the sight of the ground dropping away marked their first real steps toward military service.
Today, this restored Tiger Moth still flies thanks to dedicated volunteers at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum. From above, the cities and farmlands below may look modern, but the feeling in the cockpit remains just as it was decades ago. Riding in this plane is not just a flight—it’s a link to the past.
The Tiger Moth taught with patience. It helped turn nervous students into confident pilots. Its return to the skies reminds us that history can still live and breathe—through careful work and support from those who care about preserving it.
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