Aeroplane meets Charlie Shea-Simonds

Twin passions for parachuting and vintage aircraft made for an adventurous life for the founder of the Tiger Moth Diamond Nine

KEY/BEN DUNNELL

Many a good idea has taken shape in a pub. Many a bad one, as well, but let’s concentrate on the positives. When an inveterate vintage aircraft enthusiast sat down with his partner in a Wiltshire hostelry and proposed forming a nine-ship team of de Havilland Tiger Moths, little did he imagine that the result would consume much of his life for the next 15 years. But it was definitely one of those good pub based  proposals, for the Diamond Nine became a much-loved part of the display circuit, a fixture at events large and small. Along the way it did a great deal to promote the delights of historic aviation, and the DH Moth Club in particular.

<

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below