Soaring Skies: Aviat HuskyEnjoying the Heights: Aviat HuskyFlying High: Aviat HuskyOver the Skies: Aviat HuskyClimbing High Skies: Aviat Husky
The Aviat Husky, a rugged and versatile light aircraft, first took to the skies in 1986, born from the minds at Christen Industries. Now under the care of Aviat Aircraft, based in Afton, Wyoming, the Husky has undergone significant changes and evolution, maintaining its reputation as a capable off-strip aircraft.
Originally designed as a bush plane, the Husky was built with durability, utility, and short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations in mind. Its development focused on serving both utility and recreational flying needs, making it a popular choice in the aviation sectors.
Over the years, the Husky has seen numerous updates that have improved its aerodynamic efficiency, structural strength, and pilot comfort, while preserving its bush plane essence. Refinements include enhancements to its wing design and landing gear, optimising STOL capabilities, and the incorporation of modern avionics to keep the aircraft competitive with contemporary light aircraft.
In 2018, the Husky underwent significant changes, including the replacement of the bungee elevator trim system with a dual-cable system and the extension of the landing gear. These modifications have improved handling and reduced the rate of flipping over during runway loss of control landing accidents.
The Aviat Husky A-1C-200, equipped with a 200 hp, fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360-A1D6 engine and a two-bladed Hartzell Trailblazer scimitar prop, has a max takeoff weight of 2,250 pounds and a max useful load of 930 lbs. [depending on options]. The aircraft boasts two unobstructed baggage areas, both aft of the rear seat, with a max capacity of 50 pounds for the forward baggage area.
The Husky's max range is 712 nm [NBAA reserves], and it can climb at a rate of 1,200 fpm, reaching a service ceiling of 17,000 feet. The max flap speed for setting up landing is 70 kias.
Flying a Husky requires a great deal of respect due to its tailwheel design and significant rudder coordination challenges. A thorough checkout and regular recurrent training are necessary for flying a Husky safely. Going into a short field, the well-damped landing gear system can prevent a bouncy landing or going off the end while trying to tame PIO.
The Aviat Husky A-1C-200 has a max cruise speed of 125 ktas and a markedly increased roll rate, thanks to a new wing that became standard in 2005. The new trim system in the Husky makes holding speed accurately easy. The center of gravity (CG) range has been extended, making it easier to load the airplane without worrying about running out of the forward or aft CG limits.
The Husky's origins trace back to 1985, when Frank Christensen, owner of Christen Industries, wanted to expand his company's offerings by selling a backcountry airplane. Initially, he tried to buy the type certificate for the Super Cub from Piper, but couldn't agree on a price, so he decided to design and sell a better Super Cub. In 1995, businessman, backcountry, and aerobatic pilot Stu Horn bought the company and changed its name to Aviat Aircraft Inc.
In 1998, Aviat Aircraft Inc. introduced two new models of the Husky: the A-1A with 180-HP and a gross weight of 1,890 pounds, and the A-1B with a 180 or 200 hp engine and a gross weight of 2,000 pounds.
The Aviat Husky obtained FAA Part 23 certification in 1987 and demonstrated serious STOL capabilities and impressive climb performance. Today, it remains a popular choice for pilots seeking a rugged and versatile bush plane for utility and recreational flying.
- The Aviat Husky, once merely an idea at Christen Industries, has matured under Aviat Aircraft in Afton, Wyoming, retaining its reputation as a capable off-strip aircraft.
- In its early days, the Husky was designed as a bush plane, emphasizing durability, utility, and short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations.
- Over the years, the FAA has recognized the Husky with Part 23 certification, acknowledging its serious STOL capabilities and impressive climb performance.
- Modern avionics have been incorporated into the Husky to keep it competitive with contemporary light aircraft, enhancing its overall functionality.
- Refinements in the Husky's wing design, landing gear, and STOL capabilities have improved its aerodynamic efficiency, structural strength, and pilot comfort.
- The Husky A-1C-200, powered by a fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360-A1D6 engine, boasts a max takeoff weight of 2,250 pounds and a max useful load of 930 lbs.
- Piloting a Husky requires respect, given its tailwheel design and significant rudder coordination challenges, necessitating thorough checkout and regular recurrent training.
- In 2018, the Husky underwent significant changes, enhancing handling, reducing flipping over during runway loss of control landing accidents, and extending the landing gear.
- Despite its changes, the Husky has maintained its bush plane essence, offering a unique blend of utility and recreational flying for pilots in the aviation industry.
- The aviation finance and transportation sectors have recognized the Husky's value, making it a popular choice for pilots seeking a rugged and versatile bush plane.
