Improvements Include Optional Airbags

Aviat Aircraft President Stuart Horn reported on the state of his sport utility aircraft, the Husky A-1B, whose 2005 model boasts numerous design changes and enhanced performance.

With '07 domestic and international sales projections at 70 airplanes, Horn detailed the enhancements and improvements of the newest Huskys.

Aviat received FAA Certification earlier this month on the Husky A-1B-200, which is equipped with a fuel-injected IO-360 Lycoming engine rated at 200 horsepower.

Additional safety improvements, including a completely redesigned aileron, a larger percent span flap and flap control system, a reduction of stick force pressures of 50 per cent, a new larger flap, and other enhancements, said Horn, result in more capacity, versatility and a nimble and responsive feel.

He noted that enhancements and other improvements come through pilot owner and operator feedback, as well as potential owners and operators, "through their users' experience."

As a company that makes changes according to customer needs, Horn recalled the changes Husky made and continues to make for Alaskan pilots, who fly with inflatable leg cuffs to keep warm. "They wanted instruments and avionics installed without stacks below," he said. Following those changes, Aviat sold 98 aircraft to the U.S. Department of the Interior, based on their requirements.

Horn also recounted the automobile accident he had in 1999, which occurred as he was putting mayo on a sandwich while driving his car. That led to his recognition of the benefit of aircraft air-bag technology.

"It was pretty amazing," said Horn. "My last recollection was my head and nose being an inch from the steering wheel and then there was an impact with a tree and the air bag came out."

"Selling safety is a challenge for most people to initially grasp," he conceded. After such features are implemented, he added, it often takes time for them to be accepted.

Standard features for the Husky A-1B currently include an inertial reel with 5-point harness and instrument lights. Panel-mounted air bags are available as an option.

Also in the works is a backlit silk-screened control panel.

FMI: www.aviataircraft.com