VH-CES  de Havilland D.H.82A Tiger Moth                   (c/n  "1077")

                                 

                                    The true identity of this Tiger is unknown.  It is not DHA1077 since that aircraft is VH-CEJ.  VH-CES
                                    was first registered on 31 October 1968 using the id "1077" by Cec Heit after he rebuilt it in his work-
                                    shop in Brisbane.   The DCA Register handwritten ledger quotes "built from a RAAF fuselage and parts".
                                    When Australian registration historian Mel Davis talked to Cec Heit he told Mel that he had purchased all
                                    the remaining Tiger spares from the Royal Queensland Aero Club at Archerfield circa 1965/66, and the
                                    collection including several fuselages.   From these he rebuilt VH-CJH, VH-AZE and VH-CES, the latter
                                    being based on a rear fuselage frame on which he found the number "1077" stamped on a part (however,
                                    this was definitely NOT the DHA con plate).  The above shot, from the Geoff Goodall collection shows
                                    -CES at Archerfield circa 1968 after Heit's rebuild with his trademark raised decking behind the pilot seat.
                                    Below is a photo by Greg Banfield taken at Camden, NSW in October 1978.   The titling on the cowling
                                    says 'Aerial Taxi Cab' with the phone number!  I wonder if the taxi driver supplied goggles and helmet! 
                                    Photo No 3 is another Goodall collection shot of -CES at Jandakot, WA Jan 1974 whilst it was on an
                                    around Australia holiday flight.   Another Geoff Goodall image is seen at No 4 when the aircraft was at
                                    Cairns, Qld in August 1990 whilst with Cairns Tiger Moth Scenic Joyflights.     Owner Allen Hutchinson
                                    did a roaring trade, mostly carrying Japanese tourists who were on Great Barrier Reef package tours. 
                                    Following a crash on the runway during a training flight on 29 August 1991, VH-CES  was repaired and
                                    is currently registered to an owner in Byron Bay, NSW.  At the foot of the page is a contemporary shot
                                    of it by Ian McDonell at Tyagarah, NSW in October
 2015.