Fox Moth

Abstract

The deHavilland Fox Moth is probably not as well known in northern aviation history as the Fokker Universal, the Fairchild or the Norseman of its time or, indeed, the highly successful deHavilland Beavers and Otters that followed. Nevertheless, it is a part of northern aviation history, providing transportation and supply links that contributed to the post-World War II development of the North. ... Out of the 53 Fox Moths that were built in Canada, 7 saw northern service. Several of these crashed, ending their final days in the North. In 1977, a local Yellowknifer initiated the concept of restoring a Fox Moth to its original condition using parts from various known crash sites. Although there were some skeptics, the idea soon caught on. With the assistance of Aero Arctic Helicopters and the Government of the Northwest Territories, parts of the aircraft were retrieved from three crash sites - the project was under way. ... Early in 1987 a group of aviation enthusiasts in Yellowknife, many of whom were connected with the Fox Moth project since its inception, banded together to form the Fox Moth Society. The aim of the society was to ensure that space was added to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to accommodate the Fox Moth. Many individuals and companies came forward, donating financial, human and material resources. ... The Northern Aviation Gallery was officially opened on 17 October 1987 in the presence of such notables as Max Ward and Stan McMillan, a fitting tribute to the early bush pilots and their crews.