Chippies Gather at Jack Taylor for 80th Anniversary Celebration
- May 26
- 3 min read
By Garth Calitz
A very memorable piece of aviation history came alive at Jack Taylor Airfield on 23 May 2026, as pilots, owners and Chippie enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the iconic de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk. Even the notorious Krugersdorp weather behaved itself and delivered beautiful flying conditions.
The event, hosted at the home of the newly rebooted EAA chapter 973, paid tribute to one of the world’s most respected post-war training aircraft. First flown on 22 May 1946, the Chipmunk was designed to replace the ageing Tiger Moth and quickly became the primary trainer for several Commonwealth air forces, including the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force.
Affectionately known as the “Chippie,” the aircraft remains highly regarded for its balanced handling, aerobatic capability and forgiving flight characteristics. Many pilots still consider it one of the finest piston-engine trainers ever built. Even decades after its introduction, the Chipmunk continues to appear regularly at fly-ins and airshows across Southern Africa.
The anniversary gathering at HMS Krugersdorp was more than simply a static display. The event celebrated the camaraderie and heritage surrounding classic aviation in South Africa, bringing together generations of aviators who have either flown, maintained or admired the aircraft over the years.
After a brief welcome by Neil Boewden, Brian Appleton, an owner of more than one of these remarkable aircraft, shared a few of his favourite and not-so-favourite memories built over his many years of flying Chippies. The legendary Scully Levin then took to the stage to share some of his many stories in not only the Chipmunk but also other de Havilland aircraft.
Originally developed by de Havilland Canada immediately after the Second World War, more than 1,200 Chipmunks were eventually produced in Canada, the United Kingdom and Portugal. The aircraft introduced a new generation of military pilots to modern flying techniques with its enclosed cockpit, low-wing monoplane configuration and responsive controls.
South Africa has maintained a long-standing connection with the type, with several examples continuing to fly in civilian hands. Many local owners, most notably the Classic Flying Collection based at Springs Airfield, have painstakingly restored former military aircraft to immaculate condition, ensuring the Chipmunk remains an active part of the country’s aviation heritage.
Not to be outdone by the historic aircraft, the Orion Cub family decided to show off their amazing aircraft. The Orion Cub is designed and built by Kevin Hopper and his team at Jack Taylor Airfield. The original prototype was joined by two newly built aircraft, one with the extremely powerful Rotax 916, for a bit of formation flying over the airfield. Orion Cub is fast becoming a South African aviation success story, with 27 aircraft sold, including the future side-by-side version.
Originally, eight Chipmunks were expected to join the festivities, but as it sometimes goes in aviation, gremilins stuck their nasty noses in, and two of the aircraft were grounded. Bryan Berklejohn, who flew his Chippie all the way from Himeville in KZN, was grounded at Springs with an engine issue; however, he did make his way to Jack Taylor to join in the celebration, albeit without his beloved aiorcraft.
The turnout was wonderful considering that the fuel price has taken on a life of its own and seems to think that up is the only way to go. Many aircraft from all over Gauteng, and a few from the bordering provinces, made their way to Krugersdorp to celebrate the grand old lady's 80th birthday with a bunch of like-minded people. One of the visitors came all the way from Tel Aviv in Israel.
EAA Chapter 973 must be commended for its enthusiasm; it is very clear why they are growing from strength to strength and placing Jack Taylor squarely on the general aviation map. Their bottomless coffee and delicious R50 hamburgers are a massive hit, and I'm sure most of the many of the visitors will be back for more in the future.
The 80th anniversary event once again demonstrated the enduring affection aviators have for the Chipmunk. Eight decades after its maiden flight, the distinctive growl of the Gipsy Major engine and the elegant lines of the “Chippie” continue to capture the imagination of aviation enthusiasts, young and old alike.
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