Initial flight trials with the prototype G-AESZ were made by Ranald Porteous at Witney airfield in April 1937,[3] revealing that some minor modifications were needed to the engine and propeller.

Dalrymple flew it in the Folkestone Aero Trophy Race at Lympne on 5 August 1939, winning at an average speed of 126 mph.

The D.W.1A G-AFSV broke the 100 km international closed circuit record at 124.5 mph at Lympne airfield on 31 August 1947, flown by Ranald Porteus.

The cleaned-up third aircraft won the Daily Express air race at Shoreham Airport on 22 September 1951 at an average speed of 129 mph.

[5] The first home constructed post-war Chilton was the Canadian C-GIST, built during 1980–91 and powered by a Volkswagen engine.

[6][7] A second Mikron powered DW1A Chilton, G-JUJU 'Black Magic' flew for the first time in July 2015 and is maintained in airworthy condition.