The DH 82 Tiger Moth was the last in a long line of biplanes built by the DeHavilland Aircraft Company Ltd. The Tiger Moth first entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1931 and became the standard elementary trainer for the next two decades. The RCAF adopted the type in 1938 and it also became the standard ab initio trainer at the Canadian elementary flying training schools under the British Commonwealth Training Plan. Canadian production aircraft differed from the British versions and featured a two piece cowling, heated cockpits, and large sliding canopies. A shortage of the original 145 hp Gipsy Major engines further led to some Canadian versions being equipped with 160 hp Menasco Pirate engines and this sub-type was often referred to as a Menasco Moth. The type was generally well liked by pilots and could be used for aerobatic training as well as blind flying instruction.

DH.82C De Havilland Tiger Moth: Canadian production version with enclosed and heated cockpits, revised undercarriage with main wheels moved forwards, wheel brakes and different instrumentation. Production totaled 1,384 by late 1942, for RCAF and British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, including 200 funded by US through Lend-Lease and designated PT-24 for contract purposes, but retained in Canada. Also, 136 built with 132 hp Menasco Pirate D.4 engine in place of 145 hp Gipsy Major 1C, delivered mid-1941 to RCAF and known locally as Menasco Moth, comprising ten pre-production DH.82C-2 Menasco Moth I, 125 DH.82C-4 Menasco Moth II with reduced fuel capacity and other minor changes, and one Menasco Moth III with Canadian radio.