Getting Wet in the Aviat Husky

2001 Aviat Husky A-1B

The airplane flown for this report, N206MA, was equipped with yet-to-be-certified Baumann BF 2150A amphibious floats and an 80-inch Hartzell constant-speed prop (also yet to be certified on the airplane). Also in the airplane was a premium avionics package that included a Garmin 430 all-in-one moving map navcom, transponder and audio panel with built-in stereo intercom. Additional equipment included a Vision MicroSystems VM 1000 engine monitoring system and a premium interior. Because the Baumann amphibious floats are still undergoing certification, all performance numbers are manufacturer's estimates based on the performance of the Husky on comparable amphibious floats.

Standard price

$130,123

Price as tested

$163,963

Baumann BF 2150A floats

$36,000

Engines

Textron Lycoming O-360-A1P, 180 hp

TBO

2,000 hrs

Propeller

Hartzell 80-inch, constant-speed, two-blade

Seats

2 (tandem)

Length

22.6 ft

Height

8.4 ft (on wheels) 11.5 ft (on floats)

Wingspan

35.5 ft

Wing area

183 sq ft

Wing loading

12.02 lbs/sq. ft

Wing aspect ratio

7.4

Empty weight, as tested

1,380 lbs

Useful load, as tested

650 lbs

Maximum takeoff weight

2,200 lbs

Fuel capacity

52 gallons

Full fuel payload

350 lbs

Power loading

11 lbs/shp

Max rate of climb @ sea level

1,150 fpm

Service ceiling

18,300 ft

Cruise speed, 75 percent power

105 kts

Endurance, max cruise, no reserve

5.4 hours

Stalling speed, flaps down

38 kts

Baggage capacity

50 lbs