Historic
Flight Re-creation and U.S. Centennial of Flight Celebration Supported
by the World's Premier Utility Aircraft Lakeland,
Fla.
April 2, 2003
The Aviation Foundation of America, a full-partner
in the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, today announced at
the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In, that Aviat Aircraft of Afton, Wy., will
provide two new Husky A-1B aircraft to serve as Official Ships on
the National Air Tour 2003.
The National Air Tour 2003, being organized by the
Foundation, is a re-creation of the National Air Tours that took
place from 1925 through 1931. Beginning on Sept. 8 in Dearborn,
Mich., the National Air Tour 2003 will visit 26 cities along a 4,000-mile
route during a 17-day period, weather permitting. The original Tours
helped build America's modern system of air transportation by, in
part, showcasing the latest advancements in aircraft design and
promoting the safety and reliability of civil aviation.
"We're thrilled that Aviat is providing two Huskys
as Official Ships on the Air Tour. They're fast, have incredible
range and can get in and out of some very tight places," said Greg
Herrick, president of the Aviation Foundation of America and an
experienced Husky pilot. "We simply couldn't think of a better aircraft
for the critical role they'll play."
Role of the Aviat Husky Airplanes
As Official Ships of the National Air Tour 2003,
the Aviat Huskys build on a tradition established more than 75 years
ago. The airplanes will serve two critical roles similar to those
played by Official Ships on the original Air Tours. The first Aviat
Husky will function as a scout ship, departing each Tour stop approximately
two hours ahead of the rest of the ships. The pilot will observe
flying conditions, such as weather and airport conditions, and communicate
those reports back to the other Tour ships. The second Husky will
be the last ship to depart a given Tour stop, observing the ships
in front. The pilot will report on, and offer assistance to any
ship which may have to divert from the Tour route for any reason.
The Husky airplanes will be painted in original National Air Tour
paint schemes using the same colors as past Official Ships.
Pilots experienced in backcountry flying, navigation
and weather observation skills will be assigned to fly the Huskys.
The ships will be equipped with the latest radio communications,
global positioning satellite navigational equipment with moving
map displays, satellite telephones and first aid gear. On many legs
of the Tour a second observer will be assigned to assist each pilot.
"Aviat is excited to be providing these two Husky
aircraft as Official Ships for the National Air Tour," said Stuart
Horn, president of Aviat Aircraft. "The Husky was selected for this
important role based on the factors that make them the aircraft
of choice for pilots today - utility, responsiveness and versatility.
It has a classic feel, but with modern performance."
About the Aviat Husky A1-B
Conceptually based on the world-famous Super Cub
but with improvements a modern pilot would want, the Aviat Husky
is a tube-and-fabric utility aircraft designed to carry two people
in comfort along with an extraordinary load. The versatile, long
range Husky can be flown in and out of primitive clearings, ponds,
rivers, beaches, glaciers, sand dunes and the occasional paved runway.
Husky airplanes are being used as observation platforms by law enforcement
agencies, power and gas companies and environmental protection agencies.
Other pilots, including actor Harrison Ford, author Steven R. Koontz
and test pilot Chuck Yeager, fly their Husky airplanes for the sheer
joy of the experience.
"While the Husky is a very modern aircraft with many
design enhancements, its rugged utility is similar to many of the
original tour aircraft. We think it's very appropriate that the
Husky is a tube-and-fabric airplane, just as most of the original
ships on the tour. The Husky is proof that much of the basic technology
that was used during the era of the original National Air Tours
is every bit as appropriate now as it was then," Herrick said.
The Husky A-1B has a top speed of 145 mph and a range
of up to 800 miles. It can takeoff in 200 feet and land in 300 feet.
It can fly as high as 20,000 feet at a rate of 1,500 feet-per-minute.
The average speed of ships on the Air Tour is 110 mph and the average
range of Tour ships is 375 miles.
About the Aviation Foundation of America and
the National Air Tour 2003
The National Air Tour 2003 is an all-volunteer effort
being organized by the Aviation Foundation of America. In September
2003, the National Air Tour 2003 will feature more than 25 rare,
vintage aircraft from the Golden Age of Aviation - the period in
aviation history between the two World Wars. The Tour will celebrate
the Centennial of Flight by bringing this living history to millions
of Americans in 26 cities along a 17-day, 4,000-mile route, showing
what aviation was like during this important period.
Minneapolis-based Aviation Foundation of America
is a 501(c)3 public charity designed to preserve and promote America's
aviation heritage at a grassroots level through initiatives such
as historic flight re-creations, airport preservation projects and
educational programs. The Aviation Foundation of America is a full-partner
in the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission along with the FAA,
NASA and the Experimental Aircraft Association. www.AviatAircraft.com
For additional information about the National Air
Tour 2003, visit www.NationalAirTour.org
Contact:
Suzanne Fedoruk
National Air Tour 2003
612-861-7807
sfedoruk@mn.rr.com
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