De Havilland Dh.83 Fox Moth

Single Piston

The de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth is a charming relic of aviation's golden age, a single-engine biplane that brought enclosed-cabin comfort to the barnstorming era. First flown in 1932, the Fox Moth was essentially a civilized derivative of the legendary Tiger Moth trainer, trading the open cockpit for a snug four-seat cabin beneath the upper wing while retaining the same reliable Gipsy Major engine and fabric-covered steel-tube construction. De Havilland built 98 examples between 1932 and 1935, and the type found favor with small airlines, air taxi operators, and wealthy private owners across the British Empire—particularly in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where rugged short-field performance and simple maintenance made it ideal for bush flying. With a maximum takeoff weight just over a ton and a cruise speed around 95 knots, the Fox Moth was never fast, but it excelled at getting into and out of marginal strips that would ground larger aircraft. Its biplane configuration delivered docile handling and a stall speed below 40 knots, while the high-mounted upper wing provided excellent visibility for the pilot. The enclosed cabin was a genuine luxury in an era when most light aircraft still exposed passengers to slipstream and weather, making the Fox Moth a popular choice for sightseeing flights and short-haul passenger services in remote regions. Today, the DH.83 is a rare sight—only a handful remain airworthy worldwide, cherished by vintage aviation enthusiasts who keep these elegant biplanes flying at airshows and heritage events. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, covering routes.