The de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk EI-HFA, widely known by its Irish Air Corps number “168”, was built in 1952 by the de Havilland Aircraft Company Ltd at Broughton, Chester, United Kingdom. Constructed as a Chipmunk T.Mk.20 and powered by a de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk 2 engine, the aircraft was completed under manufacturer’s serial number C1-0464. It was delivered new on 30 January 1952 to the Irish Department of Defence in Dublin, marking the beginning of a long and distinguished service career in Irish military aviation.

Upon delivery, the aircraft was registered with the Irish Air Corps as “168” and was used primarily as a basic and advanced pilot training aircraft. Over more than four decades of service, 168 played a key role in training generations of Irish military pilots, accumulating approximately 4,500 flight hours by 1978. The aircraft remained operational well beyond this period, with its final recorded Irish Air Corps flight taking place in July 1993, piloted by Commandant Ralph James, bringing to a close an exceptional military service life.

Following its retirement from active service in 1993, the aircraft was placed into storage. The wings were removed in 2004, and the airframe remained preserved but inactive until it was donated to the Irish Historic Flight Foundation. Under IHFF stewardship, the aircraft was carefully restored and converted to civilian Chipmunk Mk 22 standard, allowing it to return safely to the air while retaining its historic character. The aircraft was subsequently registered with the Irish Aviation Authority as EI-HFA, and made its first flight on the Irish civil register in June 2015.

Today, EI-HFA continues to fly in authentic Irish Air Corps markings as part of the IHFF fleet, serving as a living reminder of Ireland’s post-war military aviation history and the enduring legacy of the de Havilland Chipmunk.