EAA Sport Aviation

AVIAT HUSKY A-1C

IN MAY, FIVE MEMBERS of EAA Chapter 383 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, went for demo rides with EAA volunteer pilot Mike Hoy to evaluate our 2010 Share the Spirit Sweepstakes Aviat Husky A-1C. The members were asked to rate the Husky on handling qualities/control harmony, comfort, and features, which include a 180-hp Lycoming engine, Garmin G500 and GNS 430 panel-mount avionics suite, Oregon Aero seat cushion system, Alaska 31-inch bush wheels, Wipaire hydraulic wheel skis, and more. Here’s what they said…

MEMBER REVIEWS

The back seat was difficult for older people, but once you’re in, those seats are the most comfortable I’ve ever been in. Flying it was beautiful; it was smooth, and it was easy. We did some lazy-eights, and it came right back. Trimming was simple. The gauges were simple and intuitive, and I love the looks. I can’t afford one myself, but for anyone who’s looking for a plane that’s fun to fly and handles well, you get what you pay for! … Al Forner, EAA 80214

The visibility is great... It handled slow flight very well, as well as steep turns; it did all of that very nicely. It was comfortable, though getting in and out was kind of a challenge. ... The noise level is very similar to other airplanes I’ve flown. The control forces felt very nice; it was responsive, once I figured out where the ball was and how to keep it straight.

The harnesses felt good, but the one in the rear—the headset always hits it,
every time you turn your head.... Otherwise, very comfy, nice airplane!
…Julie Hartlaub, EAA 569712
The airplane itself, it’s heavier on the controls than some airplanes I’ve flown.
The roll rate is substantial, but you’ve gotta push a little bit. The rudders…you
need to use ’em! They’re a little heavy, but I suppose that’s typical of heavier,
Number of Testers
5
Would you recommend this product?
Yes—100%
Overall, how satisfied were you with this product?
(0-10, 10 being highest)
9

shorter-coupled airplanes. It stalls straight ahead, didn’t break or anything …I couldn’t get the nose to come down by holding the stick back. It’s not difficult to get in; you just need to know how to stretch and move the right things first. …Art Thomas, EAA 83412

Because of the weight of the aircraft, it’s actually more
stable and more solid feeling in the air. …It felt very sta-
ble on the approach, and at the slow speed I could tell it
was responding nicely. ….

It was very stable and very smooth. The visibility is very good; I would compare that to what we have in a J- 3. The seats were comfortable, and the harnesses felt very good. I didn’t even notice them. In comparison to a Maule, or a Legend, or Cub Crafters Cub, I’ll give it an 8 for the value. It’s a beautiful airplane.

…Keith Hartlaub, EAA 825062

It’s very stable, and control feel is excellent. It does everything normal, no surprises, a very pleasant aircraft to fly. I love the controls. We did some full-aileron turns and some lazy-eights and some stalls. It just went straight ahead, no break; it just starts sinking.

The visibility in the back is a lot better than a Champ or a Super Cub; I could actually see most of the panel from the back. It was much quieter than a Super Cub. It seems to be a well-sealed airplane that would be fun to fly in the wintertime. …Karl Meyer, EAA 195700