The de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth, was to become the mainstay of Australia’s considerable wartime pilot training effort. This post-war work horse of the aero clubs and aerial work operators is a familiar sight even in the skies today.
As war in Europe became more evident, Australia’s unyielding commitment to Britain and the Empire would ensure its involvement in such a conflict. The Tiger Moth was not, at least initially, to be a part of that expansion.
The Newcastle Herald, of June 3rd, 1935, announced the christening of the Newcastle Aero Club’s new DeHavilland DH82 Tiger Moth. Thus VH-UTD, Halcyon, was the first Tiger Moth to be introduced to Australia.
Newcastle Aero Club (long since the Royal Newcastle Aero Club) retains its association with the Tiger Moth, VH-RNI has been restored.
