1956 De Havilland Chipmunk Listed for $98,000
A 1956 de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk, a historic aerobatic and training aircraft, is featured as a top pick for sale with 2,581 airframe hours and a $98,000
A 1956 de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk is currently listed for sale for $98,000. The aircraft is featured as the daily top pick by the team at Aircraft For Sale, which highlights unique or noteworthy airplanes.
The Chipmunk was developed by de Havilland's Canadian unit after World War II. The company sought a sturdy bush plane for remote areas and a new military trainer to replace the Tiger Moth biplane. The bush plane project, which later became the Beaver, was delayed. Priority went to creating a new trainer.
Design and History
The de Havilland Chipmunk first flew in 1946. It is a sleek monoplane that redefined flight training and aerobatic performance for decades. The aircraft for sale connects pilots to this significant era in aviation history.
Famous airshow performers helped cement the Chipmunk's legacy. Harold Krier chose the airframe in the mid-1960s, believing monoplanes were the future. He modified it into the Super Chipmunk for the 1966 world championships. Krier shared his modifications with other performers, including Art Scholl and Skip Volk, who often flew formation aerobatics in similar aircraft.
Current Aircraft Specifications
This specific 1956 model has accumulated 2,581 total hours on its airframe. Its engine and propeller have significantly fewer hours since their last major service.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Airframe Total Time | 2,581 hours |
| Engine (210 hp Continental IO-360-C) Time Since Overhaul | 536 hours |
| Propeller (Hartzell two-blade) Time Since Overhaul | 536 hours |
The aircraft carries a Royal Canadian Air Force serial number and is registered in the experimental exhibition category. Its panel is equipped with basic instrumentation for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.
Flying Qualities and Use
This Chipmunk offers responsive handling for aerobatic training and a wider range of maneuvers. For pilots less interested in inverted flight, it serves as an economical cross-country traveler for one or two people. Its charismatic design and historical significance make it a frequent invitee to vintage fly-in events.
The listing, found on AircraftForSale, suggests the aircraft will draw considerable attention wherever it lands. The source, FLYING Magazine, notes the aircraft represents a connection to an exciting period of aerobatic flying. Financing options for potential buyers are available through a related service, FLYING Finance.
