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We’ve posted a few videos and blogs where the Aviat Husky has been featured. So why is this airplane so impressive? Well, for backcountry use, it’s the ultimate, rugged and reliable aircraft. Here are some of the reasons why it’s a top backcountry performer!

1. Runways are optional with a 200 foot takeoff roll.

Add some strong headwind? This decreases even more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bijfqf2eBEA

2. Low power on stall speed.

The husky stalls at 38 Knots. That’s 43 mph. Once you are off the ground, you can easily clear terrain with a speed slower than the speed limit for many residential streets.

Image Courtesy of Airplane-Pictures.net

Image Courtesy of Airplane-Pictures.net

3. Great climb rate.

With a climb rate of 1500 fpm, get to altitude faster and over the mountains quickly.

aviat husky

Image from AviatAircraft.com

4. 20,000 foot service ceiling.

That’s high. For North America, the only mountain range it can’t clear is Denali, in Alaska.  Watch as the Husky tows a skiier up a mountain in Alaska.

Image from AviatAircraft.co.uk

Image from AviatAircraft.co.uk

5. Low fuel burn.

A fuel burn of only 7.7 gallons/hour. Gas is expensive, so a low fuel burn rate helps.

Husky Cockpit. Image from Wikipedia.org

Husky Cockpit. Image from Wikipedia.org

6. Huge flaps.

With 60% span semi-fowler flaps, they allow you to go slow safely with better forward visibility.

The huge flaps on the Husky allow it great flying versatility.

The huge flaps on the Husky allow it great flying versatility.

7. Short field landings?

Also no problem, with a 350 foot landing distance required.
Check out this short field landing.

What a machine! Image from AviatAircraft.com

What a machine! Image from AviatAircraft.com

8. The view.

These airplanes help you access backcountry places in your airplane you can only dream of.

What a view. Image from Airliners.net

What a view. Image from Airliners.net

Alicja Gados

I was born in Europe (Poland) and moved to Calgary as a young kid and grew up in Canada. I began graduate school in Edmonton, Alberta where I also began ground school and my private pilot’s license training at Edmonton city centre, the now closed, Blatchford field, CYXD (most operators have moved a short way west to Villeneuve). I moved to the rocky mountains, I transferred flight schools to very busy, and windy Springbank airport – CYBW near Calgary. This move was overwhelming, at best. This is a blog about my experience learning to fly, acquiring more flight experience and ratings but also about general aviation topics, news and gear reviews. I’ve discovered that flying takes a lot of studying, work and dedication, but is very rewarding! I started flying just out of graduate school, so I have struggled with paying for my lessons, and as a result, I have to take many breaks, which means that getting licensed has taken many more hours than normal. I am a commercial and multi IFR rated licensed pilot. I completed my PPL and CPL in Calgary-Springbank and multi IFR (group one) ratings in Abbotsford, BC at Chinook Helicopters. If you are learning to fly, interested in learning to fly or just interested in aviation, please join us. I trained as an economist before becoming a pilot and switching to aviation full time. I enjoy climbing, mountaineering, hiking, camping and backcountry skiing. It’s a great time to be in aviation. The industry is growing.

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