Aviat Aircraft

The Aviat Husky offers better aerodynamics, more speed (130 mph cruise vs. the Cub's ~105 mph), and modern construction compared to the Piper Super Cub. With 180-200 hp Lycoming engines, the Husky delivers excellent STOL performance (only slightly longer ground roll than a Cub) while carrying more payload at higher speeds. The tradeoff: Husky handling differs from the Cub — less drag means it floats more on landing, and the trim system produces heavier elevator forces until you learn to fly with trim. Pilots who learn on a Husky tend to love it; those transitioning from a Cub often need adjustment time.

Check exhaust systems carefully — cracked exhausts under 200 hours have been reported on multiple Huskies. Inspect the flap mechanism (some pilots find it interferes with calf movement). Verify aileron authority at low speeds, as control effectiveness diminishes significantly below 40 mph. Parts availability can involve wait times. The aircraft should have full corrosion-proofing records, especially on fabric-covered steel tube structures. On AeroGurus, we track 31 active Aviat listings from 05,000 to 99,900, averaging about 66,000.

Aviat also produces the legendary Pitts Special, designed by Curtis Pitts in 1944 — the aircraft that dominated world aerobatic competition for decades. The S-2B and S-2C are two-seat models ideal for aerobatic training, while the single-seat S-1 variants are competition machines. Aviat acquired Pitts production rights and manufactures both the Husky and Pitts at their Afton, Wyoming factory. On AeroGurus, Aviat's Pitts models appear alongside Huskies in our 31 active listings.