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The de Havilland Aircraft Forum – 2026
Flying, Engineering and Operating Classic de Havillands
For the first time in several years, the de Havilland Aircraft Forum was staged at the Company's spiritual home.
This one-day forum brought together owners, operators, engineers and pilots of de Havilland aircraft to exchange knowledge, experience and best practice in the operation of these remarkable aeroplanes.
With a particular focus on General Aviation operations and Gipsy engine care, the Forum is designed to be practical, experience-led and relevant to those flying and maintaining de Havilland types today. Whether you operate a single aircraft or support a fleet, this Forum is about keeping de Havilland aeroplanes flying safely, sympathetically and sustainably. Expect open, informed discussion, shared lessons learned, and the chance to reconnect with others who understand both the privilege and responsibility of operating historic aircraft.
BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE PROGRAMME FROM A PREVIOUS EVENT
DH Forum. Salisbury Hall. Saturday 11 April 2026
1030 Museum opens
Coffee reception (The Cunningham Suite)
1115 Welcoming Introduction Stuart Beaty
Chairman of the DH Educational Trust
1130-1215 DH Support and Gipsy engines Mark Miller
Chief Engineer, de Havilland Support Ltd.
An overview of where our DH aeroplanes and Gipsy engines have got to - and the Organisations we depend on
1215-1245 Buying and selling vintage aeroplanes Nigel Lemon
Engineer/Inspector, Moth owner and display pilot.
Pre-sales - advertising - managing prospective buyers - using intermediaries - sales contacts - important considerations -
caveat emptor - buying tips - aircraft ‘delivery’ - post purchase - buyer/owner considerations
1245-1345 Buffet Lunch
1345-1415 Aircraft insurance Russell Mason
Underwriter and insurance advisor
Brokers and Underwriters - getting a quote - major points of coverage - Cost - Club schemes
1415-1445 Running a Chipmunk and a private grass strip Ken Kelso
Long-time owner of a DHC.1 Chipmunk and
operator of a farm strip in East Anglia
Owning a Chipmunk and operating and maintaining a grass airstrip in a commercial farming environment
1445-1515 Tea break
1515-1600 Test flying vintage aircraft Charlie Huke
Owner of a Stampe SV.4. Ex ETPS
Head of Flying Standards and test pilot
responsible for recent testing of a number of
newly restored vintage aircraft
The anatomy of a Test Flight Programme
1600 Q&A and Closing remarks Stuart Beaty (DHET)
Stuart McKay (deHMC)
1700 The Museum closes at 1700
