Today’s Top Pick is a 2010 Aviat A-1C-180 Husky.

There is a reason the Aviat Husky reminds many people of a Piper PA-18 Super Cub. It is because the airplane’s designer, Frank Christensen, had the Cub in mind. He had tried to buy the Super Cub design from Piper with a plan to build an improved version. Piper declined the offer, however, leaving Christensen, who produced the Christen Eagle aerobatic biplane, to design his own STOL utility machine. He started with a list of improvements that, many pilots feel, make the Husky a more pleasant airplane to fly than the Super Cub.

Several versions of the Husky have rolled out of the factory since the first one flew in 1985. The 180 hp model for sale here hits a sweet spot for many pilots, combining strong short-field and load-carrying performance with decent cruising speed, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Wipline 2100 amphibian floats are included, as are standard wheels and oversize bush wheels and tires.  

This 2010 Husky has 1,129 hours on the airframe and 1,132 hours on the 180 hp Lycoming O-360-A1P engine and MT 3-blade propeller. The VFR panel includes a Garmin 696 GPS. The aircraft is equipped with vortex generators.

Pilots looking for a strong STOL performer with cruise speeds suitable for longer cross-country trips and the option for operating on water should consider this 2010 Aviat A-1C-180 Husky, which is available for $250,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

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The post This 2010 Aviat A1-C-180 Husky Is a Short-Field Wiz and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1977 Cessna A185F Skywagon.

For many pilots the Cessna 185 is the ultimate all-around taildragger. When the airplane came to market in 1961, essentially as a heavy-duty version of the existing 180, it was an immediate hit, though interest grew significantly a few years later when Cessna upgraded its powerplant from a 260 hp Continental IO-470 to a 300 hp IO-520. The change contributed to the model’s legendary ability to operate off-airport and from short strips with heavy loads.

Even though 185 production ended in 1985, it often seems that the aircraft’s popularity never really faded and, indeed, continued to grow to the point where it appears to be more popular today than ever. The airplane for sale here offers the versatility of wheels, floats, or skis, and has modifications that make it especially well-suited for travel into remote areas. It is difficult to look at this Cessna 185 without imagining airborne adventures on the remote rivers and lakes of Alaska, Maine, or Minnesota.

This A185F has 6,800 hours on the airframe and 1,000 hours on its Continental IO-520D engine since a major overhaul. The engine’s six cylinders were replaced more recently and have accrued 300 hours. The engine is equipped with GAMI injectors and rests on a special Seaplanes West engine mount.

Additional upgrades include P.Ponk-reinforced landing gear (wheels are included), modifications for wheel skis, a BAS tail-pull handle, Aqua 3190 floats, and Aeropod tailcone access panels. The VFR panel includes an JPI EDM 830 engine monitor. 

Pilots looking for a powerful, utilitarian taildragger with generous and flexible load-carrying capacity should consider this 1977 Cessna A185F, which is available for $184,000 on AircraftForSale. 

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

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The post This 1977 Cessna A185F Skywagon Is a Turnkey Adventure Machine and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to NTSB, the pilot of the Cherokee, which was operated by Sunrise Aviation on behalf of Polk State College, was attempting to land on Runway 29 at the Winter Haven Regional Airport (KGIF). The pilot of the J-3 Cub was attempting to land at Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base (F57). 

Those killed in the accident were identified as Faith Irene Baker, 24, of Winter Haven, a pilot/flight instructor with Sunrise Aviation; flight student Zachary Jean Mace, 19, of Winter Haven; Louis DeFazio, 78, of Winter Haven; and 67-year-old Randall Elbert Crawford, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

• READ MORE: Four Killed in Florida Midair Collision

“The J-3 Cub was in one of normal corridors for approach to land on the lake and the Cherokee was performing a short approach to Runway 29, which involves a tighter turn and closer to the runway and steeper descent angle” than a normal approach, NTSB lead investigator Lynn Spencer said during a media briefing Thursday afternoon.

Spencer stressed that the maneuver is taught to all pilots as part of their training in the event they have an uncommanded loss of engine power. “It is a normal emergency maneuver,” she said, adding that the student pilot aboard the Cherokee was training for a commercial pilot certificate.

“The Cherokee was in a left descending turn and came nose to nose with the Cub, which attempted an evasive maneuver,” said Spencer, adding that the NTSB will be looking at the equipment of each airplane.

According to Spencer, the pilot of the Cherokee was self-announcing location and intention, and the Cub pilot was not.

“This might indicate the Cherokee was unaware of the Cub, or the Cub could not hear the Cherokee,” she said.

Spencer notes that the airspace (Class Echo) where the collision occurred does not require the use of radios or pilot communication. The J-3 Cub does not have an electrical system and as such, does not have a built-in radio. Pilots who fly Cubs in airspace that requires a radio or who desire a radio usually carry a battery-operated hand-held device.

After the aircraft are removed from the lake they will be transported to a security facility in Jacksonville where the wreckage will be studied.

In particular, investigators want to determine the impact angle, as the Cherokee is a low-wing design and the Cub a high wing. If the Cherokee is above the Cub, the wings of both aircraft create a blindspot, which can limit a pilot’s ability to see and avoid the other traffic.

The FAA is also part of the investigation. The NTSB said it expects to release a preliminary report in a few weeks.

The post NTSB Releases Details of Florida Midair Collision appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

“Achieving the milestone of delivering 150 sets of Wipline 13000 floats is validation of their durability and reliability, as well as the popularity of the Twin Otter airplane. We genuinely appreciate Trans Maldivian Airways’ partnership with us, said Wipaire president and CEO Chuck Wiplinger. “Every Wipaire employee takes pride in the design and manufacture of these floats and the commitment of TMA to choose Wiplines for their fleet,” he added.

The large 13000 float was certified in 1992 and gave transport companies a way to carry more people longer distances on a single flight. When equipped with these floats, the de Havilland Twin Otter became the go-to floatplane platform for Trans Maldivian.

“We grew tourism in the Maldives through seaplane operations. Wipaire has been a reliable supplier through this journey. We celebrate the delivery of the 150th set which are installed on our 59th Twin Otter,” said Stanley Ranjit, chief commercial officer for Trans Maldivian Airways.

Wipaire has designed and manufactured a range of aircraft floats for more than 65 years, including models made to fit aircraft from the Piper Cub to the Twin Otter. The company also offers maintenance, avionics installation and repair, custom interior design and installation, and exterior paint refinishing services, and has engineered more than 100 supplemental type certificated modifications.

• READ MORE: FAA Issues Emergency AD for de Havilland Otters

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On Tuesday, the partners announced plans to build a new dock and terminal on property purchased by the Tribe along Ruston Way in Tacoma. The land was once inhabited by the Puyallup Tribe. For generations, they existed off salmon, shellfish, and native plants. Today, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 5,000 members and is one of the largest employers in Pierce County, Washington. The name, pronounced “pew-AWL-up,” means “generous people.” 

According to Matt Wadhwani, CFO for the tribe, the partnership has been a year in the making, noting that it was important that tribal concerns aligned with the values of Kenmore Air.

Wadhwani says the partnership will also create job opportunities for tribal members, which is one of the goals with tribal developments such as the Emerald Queen Casino and luxury hotel in Tacoma.

“With all of our developments creating jobs for tribal members and training them is key,” he said. “Kenmore Air was very supportive,” 

Wadhwani notes there are many training opportunities to be had such as aircraft maintenance, operating the terminal and flight training.

He notes Kenmore’s presence in the South Sound will likely be appreciated by the traveling community who will no longer will have to drive all the way to north Seattle to get a Kenmore Air flight in one of the company’s iconic de Havilland Beavers on floats.

The enthusiasm is echoed by Todd Banks, president of Kenmore Air. 

“We are honored to work with the Puyallup Tribe and thrilled to bring seaplane service to the homelands of the Puyallup people and to South Puget Sound,” he said. 

Kenmore Air has been serving the Pacific Northwest for 75 years, with floatplane tours and commuter runs to the San Juan Islands and British Columbia.

The seaplane dock will be built next to the Ram, a popular waterfront restaurant. A second building which contained another restaurant until the pandemic, is being renovated to house a new Native/internationally inspired restaurant by world-renowned Chef Roy Yamaguchi. Both the new restaurant and seaplane terminal are on target to begin operations in late 2023.

Ruston Way is located along the Tacoma waterfront bordering Commencement Bay. The street contains a wide, walkable path that hugs the shoreline for approximately 2.5 miles. In addition to spectacular views of the Sound and the mountains in the distance, the path is interspersed with historical markers, sculptures, mosaics and poems carved into the pavement.

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A Husky on floats forms nearly the perfect summer fly-away machine—if the pilot’s destination involves lakes or rivers in remote areas. Wipaire, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020, announced on April 5 that it has delivered 500 of its popular 2100A float kits, with the latest going to a customer to be put on an Aviat A-1C-180 Husky.

“The Wipline 2100A is the best-selling float in its class. This milestone delivery reflects the durability and reliability of the design and construction. Since the first set was certified in 1997, this model of amphibious float has remained number one choice for owners of smaller aircraft,” said Chuck Wiplinger, president and CEO of Wipaire, Inc, “We want to thank our employees for reaching this historic delivery and all the customers who trust us with their aircraft.”

Attendees at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo can see the Husky with the floats on display on Friday, April 16, at the Wipaire booth (MD-032D). The floats are available in both amphibious or straight (seaplane) configurations, and the floats feature two large-sized hatches, measuring 20 3/8 inches by 10 1/2 inches and able to carry up to 50 lbs each. The floats are crafted with aluminum skins and laser-cut with pre-punched rivet holes for easy repairs.

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