A photographic and narrative tribute

Celebrating One of Aviation’s Most Enduring and Beloved Aircraft

Marking 80 years of the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, this beautifully produced first volume brings together powerful photography, original interviews and first-hand flying accounts.

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For thousands of pilots, the Chipmunk was where it all began.From first flights as an Air Cadet or service pilot, to Cold War spying missions in Berlin, from Royal training aircraft to grassroots flying at airfields around the world — its story is woven through aviation history.Chipmunk at 80 brings that story to life.This is not a technical manual. It is a tribute — to an aircraft, and to the generations who flew, maintained and loved it. And it is for the custodians who continue to enjoy and look after the Chipmunk today.The book features archive photographs from personal collections, including images some never published before, alongside incredible contemporary photography from Oliver Stevenson, who also designed the stunning cover.

WHAT'S INSIDE

  • First-hand accounts of flying the Chipmunk today

  • Cold War operations around the Berlin Control Zone

  • The story of the Royal Chipmunk, flown by a future King

  • The engineers and restorers keeping the aircraft alive

  • Encounters, memories and stories from across the Chipmunk community

  • Rare and carefully curated photography spanning eight decades

WHY THIS BOOK EXISTS

This book began with a simple observation: wherever a Chipmunk appears, people stop and talk.Stories surface quickly — first flights, early lessons, careers that followed.Chipmunk at 80 was created to capture those moments. Not as a definitive technical history, but as something more accessible — a record of what the aircraft has meant to the people who have experienced it.If you have ever flown a Chipmunk — or wished you had — this book puts you inside the cockpit.

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Large-format, soft cover edition

  • Approximately 168 pages

  • Photo-led with original features

  • Volume I of a two-part series

  • Published to mark the Chipmunk’s 80th anniversary

  • £37.99 - pre-ordering open now

  • Landing in Summer 2026

FOUNDING SUPPORTER EDITION

The first 200 pre-order customers will receive a special Founding Supporter package: a signed copy of the book and a commemorative patch flown in a Chipmunk during the 80th anniversary events.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Ben Griffiths is a pilot, former journalist and aviation communications professional. He co-owns and flies a de Havilland Chipmunk from Old Warden and has spent recent years documenting the aircraft’s history, community and continued relevance.Ian Black is a former RAF fast jet pilot turned acclaimed air-to-air photographer, flying Phantom, Lightning, Tornado and Mirage on the frontline before becoming an airline captain. His striking aviation imagery has been featured in international publications and he is the author of more than a dozen books.

TAKE THE STORY WITH YOU

This is a book to be picked up, shared, and returned to time and time again. Become part of the story.

Chipmunk at 80 will be landing in Summer 2026. Pre-order customers will be notified on publication date.Email: [email protected]

Follow the journey - Regular updates, archive images and stories from the book