Our aircraft:  The de Havilland Chipmunk

The de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk is a tandem, two-seat, single-engined trainer aircraft which was used for training by several air forces, including the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Air Force, for many years following WWII. It was originally manufactured by de Havilland Canada.

The RAF took delivery of 735 Chipmunks manufactured in the UK. They initially served with Reserve Flying Squadrons of the RAF Volunteer Reserve, as well as the University Air Squadrons. They were still in service for Air Training Corps air experience flights until 1996, when they were replaced by the Bulldog. The remaining Chipmunks in military service today are mainly operated by historic flights, including the RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight. Today, over 500 DHC-1 Chipmunk airframes remain airworthy, with more being rebuilt every year.

The Fly365 Chipmunk is a syndicate owned aircraft but administrated by Fly365. This Chipmunk's military designation was WD390, but as a civilian aircraft it is now registered as G-BWNK. The Chipmunk has various share options within the syndicate, with an introductory low equity share, which is 'easy in, easy out' for £500. Please see the syndicate agreement (PDF file) for further details.

Aircraft specifications:

Crew: 2, student & instructor
Length: 25 ft 5 in (7.75 m)
Wingspan: 34 ft 4 in (10.47 m)
Height: 7 ft in (2.1 m)
Wing area: 172 ft² (16.0 m²)
Empty weight: 1,517 lb (646 kg)
Loaded weight: 2,014 lb (953 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 2,200 lb (998 kg)
Powerplant: 1× de Havilland Gipsy Major 1C , 145 hp (108 kW)
Maximum speed: 138 mph (222 km/h)
Cruise speed: 90kts
Range: 225 n.miles (445 km)
Service ceiling: 15,800 ft (5200 m)
Rate of climb: 900 ft/min (274 m/min)
Wing loading: 11.709 lb/ft² (5.782 kg/m²)
Power/mass: 13.889 hp/lb (8.824 kW/kg)