This 2014 Aviat A-1C Husky Is a Rugged ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick that Cleans Up Well

2014 Aviat A-1C-180 Husky [Courtesy: McCreery Aviation Co.]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2014 Aviat A-1C-180 Husky.

Over the years I occasionally have heard pilots call the Husky a “glorified Super Cub.” I think such skeptics fail to consider that the Husky was developed decades after Piper’s PA-18 and other classic taildraggers and has certain advantages that come with modern design and engineering.

The Husky emerged after its designer, Frank Christensen, tried to buy the rights to the Super Cub and other bushplane designs but was thwarted. Christensen, who previously had developed the Christen Eagle aerobatic biplane as a kit, eventually lost patience and decided to build his own plane that could excel in the bush while providing a bit more comfort for pilot and passenger, and functioning well in civilization.

By making the Husky more capable and easier to live with than many other taildraggers, Christensen scored a hit that remains popular decades later. The aforementioned glorification has held up well.

This 2014 Husky has 830 hours on the airframe and on its 180 hp Lycoming O-360A1P engine, and 110 hours since new on its MT composite propeller. The aircraft is equipped with a PowerFlow tuned exhaust system, Gate 9 oil cooler airflow control, B&C oil filter, Challenger engine air filter, 70-amp alternator, lifting rings for float installation, and 26-inch Goodyear tundra tires.

The IFR panel includes a Garmin G3X Touch PFD and MFD, Garmin 750Xi GPS/nav/comm, GTR 20 comm, GTX 345R transponder, Garmin 35c audio panel with markers, intercom and Bluetooth, Garmin G5, GFC 500 autopilot, GI260 angle of attack instrument, USB power output, and engine monitor with fuel totalizer. The cockpit also features front and rear five-point seat belts.

This Husky has a basic empty weight of 1,356, carries 50 gallons of usable fuel, and has a useful load of 894 pounds. Maximum takeoff weight is 2,250 pounds.

Pilots who like the looks and value of an early straight-tail Bonanza but prefer to fly with modern instrumentation should consider this 1962 Beechcraft B33 Debonair, which is available for $139,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.