Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale selects an airplane that stands out for its performance, pedigree, or appeal. You can read Aircraft for Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.
Today’s Top Pick is a 2005 Aviat A-1B Husky.
Tailwheel pilots and backcountry enthusiasts looking for a rugged, VFR-ready airplane with low-time systems and thoughtful upgrades will find plenty to appreciate in this 2005 Aviat A-1B Husky. Built in the first year of the updated wing design, N553PG was configured as a lightweight go-anywhere, shedding unnecessary gear in favor of simplicity, strength, and utility.
- READ MORE: Equipment to Buy when Purchasing an Airplane
With just 1,055 hours on the airframe, this Husky has lived a clean, well-documented life. It sports a Lycoming O-360-A1P engine with 335 hours since teardown inspection, featuring excellent compressions noted at the last annual. Paired with a lightweight MT propeller with 335 hours since overhaul, the aircraft retains excellent performance while keeping the overall weight down.
The airplane is equipped for pure VFR flying, using a suite of digital and analog avionics, including a King KY97A COM, King KT76C transponder with altitude encoder, Stratus GPS receiver for tablet integration, and a PM1000 II intercom. A 3-inch electric attitude indicator, electric turn coordinator, and uAvionix ADS-B Out via nav light help increase situational awareness in marginal conditions. The cockpit is equipped with a power outlet and ARKON mount, ready for your iPad or portable GPS.
This Husky comes with the popular SGS safety kit, a desirable short panel layout, and several modifications aimed at utility and comfort. It sits on 31-inch Alaska Bushwheel tires, includes a B&C oil filter, Petersen AutoGas STC, and features dual overhead map lights, lifting rings for float installation, and a 60-amp alternator. New bungees were installed at the last annual, and its 50-gallon usable fuel capacity offers serious range for backcountry travel.
Inside, the cabin is outfitted with Oregon Aero seat foam, black fabric upholstery, and varnished teak and holly wood floors. Exterior paint features a bold Peril Yellow base with Dakota Black accents and a classic round Husky logo on the tail. A groundloop in 2014 resulted in an engine teardown and prop overhaul, with all repairs performed using factory components. The airplane now flies straight and true, with plenty of time since the incident to ensure all repairs are well broken in.
Based in McAllen, Texas, and listed at $165,000, this Husky offers 663 pounds of useful load and year-round capability for off-grid operations, $100 burger runs, or adventure flying. The next annual is not due until March 2026, and the transponder check is good through February 2027.
Use the airplane loan calculator to explore payments. To explore financing options, visit FLYING Finance to connect with an aviation loan specialist.
- FLYING Magazine: Aviat Husky
- FLYING Magazine: Ski Flying: Aviat Husky A-1B
- FLYING Magazine: Getting Wet in the Aviat Husky
- Plane & Pilot: Rocky Mountain High: The Aviat Husky
- Plane & Pilot: 2016 Adventure Aircraft: Seeking a Different Kind of Aviation
- AVweb: MT Ultra Prop Certified for All Aviat Husky Models
- The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Aviat Husky
- Aviation Consumer: Husky A-1C: Higher Gross, New Gear
