Back in the air after 50 years

Photos: JOHN KING

FLYING FOX: The newly restored DH83 Fox Moth past Whangaparaoa Peninsula near its North Shore home base.

UP AND AWAY: North Shore Aero Club member Stan Smith rebuilt and flew a vintage De Havilland DH83 Fox Moth.

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After almost 50 years one of the world’s five remaining airworthy Fox Moths has been restored.

The vintage De Havilland DH83 Fox Moth was imported in 1947 for light freight and charter work throughout the South Island, including hauling venison and whitebait on the West Coast.

"After several mishaps and rebuilds the Fox Moth was grounded in 1961 by a Civil Aviation Authority inspector who declared it to be in a disgraceful condition," North Shore Aero Club past president Ian Couper says.

Club member Stan Smith bought the remains for £75 in 1963 with the intention of rebuilding it.

He says it has been hung up along with other vintage planes, including a Miles Messenger and Tiger Moth, waiting to be restored.

"It’s one of the few places in the world where all these aircraft are in one place. They are all to be kept together," Mr Smith says.

The rare planes belong to an historical trust and there are plans to add them to a major collection in the South Island.

Spending $10,000 in man hours restoring "everything" on the Fox Moth was worth it for the enjoyment of it, Mr Smith says.

"It’s a hobby and it’s our life."

The wood and fabric covering is new and the standard of work is exceptional, Mr Couper says.

"The rebuilt Gipsy Major engine fired on the second swing."

- © Fairfax NZ News