What a De Havilland DH-60 Moth costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 2 De Havilland DH-60 Moth aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
How far can a De Havilland DH-60 Moth fly?
A De Havilland DH-60 Moth flies about 278 nm, roughly 515 km, which is about 3 h 45 min in still air at typical cruise.
What does a De Havilland DH-60 Moth cost to own?
A De Havilland DH-60 Moth costs about EUR 1,767 a month to run, or about EUR 185 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
More questions about the De Havilland DH-60 Moth
How much does a De Havilland DH-60 Moth cost?
What is the price range for a used De Havilland DH-60 Moth?
How many De Havilland DH-60 Moth aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a De Havilland DH-60 Moth for sale?
What should I check when buying a used De Havilland DH-60 Moth?
About the De Havilland DH-60 Moth
Aircraft overview
The De Havilland DH-60 Moth is a two seat, single engine biplane designed by de Havilland in the United Kingdom. It first flew in 1925 and was produced through the early 1930s, with manufacture also taking place under licence in several countries. Built as a light tourer and trainer, it became one of the defining private and club aircraft of the interwar period. Its importance comes from making powered flying more accessible, while also serving military and civil training roles before more specialized trainers became common.
Performance & specifications
Figures vary by variant, engine and restoration standard, but the widely encountered DH-60G Gipsy Moth provides a useful reference point. Typical cruise speed is about 74 knots, with a range of roughly 280 nautical miles. Maximum takeoff weight is commonly listed around 1,550 lb, with useful load dependent on equipment and engine fit. Service ceiling for the DH-60G is commonly quoted at about 14,500 feet. Power is normally from an inline de Havilland Gipsy engine of around 100 hp, while earlier DH-60 versions used ADC Cirrus engines and some variants used other period powerplants.
Cabin & avionics
The DH-60 Moth has two open tandem cockpits, with the student or passenger typically seated forward and the pilot aft. There is no modern cabin environment: wind protection is limited to small windscreens, and baggage capacity is modest. Original instrumentation is simple, usually centered on airspeed, altimeter, compass, engine rpm and oil indications. Buyers should not expect integrated avionics such as Garmin Perspective or G1000. Restored aircraft may have discreet additions such as a handheld or panel mounted VHF radio, transponder, ELT or portable GPS, depending on certification basis and local operating rules.
Buying & value
On the used market, the De Havilland DH-60 Moth is a vintage collector and flying heritage aircraft rather than a practical cross country machine. Condition, originality, documentation and engine support drive value. Important checks include the wooden structure, fabric covering age and quality, wing rigging, control cables, fuel system, corrosion on metal fittings and completeness of historical records. Engine type matters: Gipsy powered DH-60G aircraft are often more familiar to operators than some earlier Cirrus powered examples. Common identities include Cirrus Moth, Gipsy Moth and Metal Moth variants. Sensible upgrades preserve period character while improving radio communication, tracking and basic safety compliance.