Wyoming’s Husky Aircraft: The Ultimate Bush Plane Built in Afton

The rugged wilderness of Wyoming is known for its unyielding landscapes, and it’s fitting that one of the world’s most renowned bush planes is built in the small town of Afton, Wyoming, Cowboy State Daily reports.

The Husky, a two-seater aircraft celebrated for its ability to take off and land almost anywhere, is considered by many pilots to be the best bush plane in the world.

Built by Aviat Aircraft, a company with roots dating back to the late 1930s, the Husky embodies the spirit of the “cowboy code” — tough, reliable, and ready to tackle any challenge. The Husky’s strength, versatility, and performance have made it a favorite among pilots worldwide, especially those navigating remote areas like Alaska, where roads and runways are scarce.

Aviat Aircraft’s legacy began under the name Call-Air in the 1930s. While the company’s aircraft designs have changed over the decades, the commitment to quality and craftsmanship has remained steady. The Husky, first introduced in 1987, was designed to incorporate the best elements of the legendary Super Cub and other small turboprop aircraft.

Steve Anderson, the president of Aviat Aircraft and a former test pilot, said the Husky’s combination of agility, durability, and raw power make it stand out from other bush planes.

“It’s very, very versatile and a lot faster airplane in its category,” Anderson said.

He noted that it can take off and land in less than 300 feet, a critical feature for bush planes that must operate in tight, rugged environments.

The aircraft has a “substantial” feel, Anderson added.

“It just feels like a big, strong, sturdy airplane.”

For pilots, flying a Husky is more than just piloting a plane — it’s about experiencing the freedom of the skies. Mitch Semel, a longtime pilot, describes the Husky as “fantastic” and likens it to the difference between riding a motorcycle and driving a car.

“It gives you a chance to appreciate the beauty of flying,” Semel said.

The Husky is especially popular for pilots who enjoy outdoor recreation. Pilots can land on dry riverbeds, gravel bars, and other off-the-grid locations for activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. With optional “tundra tires”, large, oversized tires that allow for off-runway landings, the Husky can land virtually anywhere with just 300 feet of open space. For water landings, float packages are also available.

The Husky’s Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capability is one of its defining features. This allows the plane to land in extremely short distances, making it a workhorse for pilots in Alaska and other wilderness regions where runways are non-existent.

According to Anderson, the Husky was “built for those short takeoffs and landings on short — or nonexistent — runways.” It’s also comfortable enough to handle cross-country flights with ease, which he described as “routine” for the aircraft.

The Husky’s versatility extends beyond recreation. It’s used for a variety of commercial and governmental missions, including:

• Wildlife control
• Fishery surveys
• Pipeline inspections
• Border patrol
• Glider towing

These missions require the aircraft to fly low and slow, something the Husky is uniquely capable of doing.

While the Husky has a rugged, old-school charm, its technology is anything but outdated. Pilots can opt for modern avionics and advanced instrumentation, giving the plane the capabilities of more modern aircraft.

Aviat Aircraft also produces the Pitts — a high-performance biplane that can be purchased as a kit for people to build on their own. However, the Husky remains the company’s flagship model and its most popular aircraft.

Despite its global reputation, the Husky will continue to be built in Afton, Wyoming, where the town’s small size is inversely proportional to the big impact its aircraft have on aviation. For those seeking adventure, exploration, and access to the world’s wildest frontiers, the Husky is not just a plane — it’s a symbol of freedom, precision, and power.

With its combination of versatility, strength, and craftsmanship, it’s easy to see why pilots around the world call the Husky the “best bush plane on the planet.”