As general aviation cockpit technology advances at a lightning pace, it is often easy to overlook the simple fundamentals of aviation- stick and rudder flying.
Jeff Welch, president of Michigan based Freedom Transportation, says the spirit of basic pilotage is still alive and well in owners of the Aviat Husky light utility aircraft.
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Sales are booming at Freedom - one of five US distributors of the Husky - and Welch seems to know why; "I view aircraft such as the Husky as 'back to the future' aircraft...pilots of all types thirst to learn the piloting skills such as stick and rudder that gave birth to aviation."
Many Husky pilots own or fly larger, more complex aircraft as well but defer to the smaller aircraft to reconnect with their love of simple flying. Welch estimates that 80% of Husky's sold are for sport or recreation purposes.
A former LearJet pilot himself, Welch has recently written a book about the aircraft, Husky 101: Flying the Husky. The instructional manual serves as a guide to new Husky pilots, those interested in the aircraft, and CFI's who instruct on it. Aviat Aircraft is based in Afton, Wyoming, and also makes the Pitts Special, and Eagle II aircraft.
Source: Flight International
