C-GTAL

1942 Dehavilland DHC82C Tiger Moth, C-GTAL.

This is a “Canadian” version of the British Tiger Moth. The main differences are that it has brakes, tailwheel, cabin heater, canopy and a different shaped fuselage to accommodate the canopy. This particular aircraft also has a couple nice mods: A starter, generator and battery.

TAL had resided in the comfort of the WCAM since 1987, and Ted Hector and I purchased it in April 2007. The aircraft was disassembled and the fuselage was stored at the Lac du Bonnet airport.

We moved all the pieces to Lyncrest and started the assembly, repair and inspection process.

The aircraft was in quite good condition, thanks to the great care with which it was disassembled and stored by the Museum volunteers. Also, thanks to the craftsmanship and skill of the original Transair AMEs who built TAL from the ground up in the 1970s.

Transport Canada was very helpful with the licensing and recertification processes, and it all went well.

The engine started on the second flick by hand and the first flight in Oct 07 was one circuit at Lyncrest. There were no significant problems other than a slight amount of right rudder trim was needed. Dumb luck had prevailed with our rigging exercise; the aircraft flew beautifully.

We put a few hours on it , and tucked it a way in a heated hangar at Gimli for the winter.

It should be back here and flying in May.

We hope to put some enjoyable hours on the historic old Moth and are looking forward to taking lots of “flying enthusiasts” for rides.

Dennis Doersam