It's kind of an airborne twist on Paul Revere's "One, if by Land, and, "Two if by Sea," - The British Are Coming story. But in this scenario it involves a "10 minute warning" that a Husky Brigade pilot sends out in a text to fellow Husky Brigade pilots, mostly residing at Alpine Airpark at Alpine, Wyoming. In this case, their mission is for fun.

"When you ask about the Husky's on the Airpark, it is said they come in packs, and this pack knows its territory," notes James Kerr, a sales executive for Aviat Aircraft, Inc., which manufactures the popular Husky plane designed for backcountry use. Aviat Aircraft factory is also noted as a producer of the ever-popular Pitts aerobatic plane and Christian Eagle kit plane.

"Whether it's off to the Warbirds Cafe in Driggs for a hamburger, a Cosco run to Idaho Falls, or the annual autumn stay at the Middle Fork Lodge in the Frank Church wilderness, there is comfort in numbers."

Kerr said that along with somewhere around 18 Husky's on the Alpine field, not counting neighboring Husky's from the Double L Ranch and other style aircraft hangared at Alpine Airpark, over 45 of the 58 residents there have Schweiss doors on their hangars each with their own personal style and size to match their mountain vacation homes.

Alpine Airpark is a Husky paradise, an adventure-driven residential fly-in community located 29 nautical miles southwest of Jackson Hole Airport and less than 30 miles away from Aviat in Afton, Wyoming. As an entrance to the north end of the Greys River Road it is a common location for winter activities, including some of the finest snowmobiling and backcountry skiing on the continent. Average snowfall can exceed 500 inches. Nearby, Palisades Reservoir located right at the end of Runway 1-3 brings occasional floatplanes in.

Nearly endless terrain and lack of people draws visitors from the much more crowded Jackson Hole area. Although the area remains in the shadow of the Tetons that creates a quiet peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of Jackson Hole, nearby the Snake River Range provides some excellent ski and snowmobile access. In the summer, fishing and lake recreation dominate while ATV, mountain biking and hiking are popular. The area is popular with hunters in the fall.

Factory Sales Director and Certified Flight Instructor, Bill Sullivan, has been with the company for a year. He noted that a lot of their customers have Schweiss hangar doors.

"I think Schweiss doors are great. Some of our very good customers and friends of the factory have them, both in Afton and Alpine Airpark - they seem very sturdy and easy to operate," said Sullivan.

He said the some of Husky Brigade will occasionally take long trips to places like Alaska, but most of their trips are within a 300-mile radius. The Brigade has also been called out on search and rescue missions.

"The most enticing thing, in my opinion, about the Husky in particular, is it is the highest quality handmade aircraft in its category. It is the most robust, endurable, reliable, safest airplane, second to none," commented Sullivan. "They are made in a really cool part of the country. People enjoy coming to the factory and have a great time any time they come out here."

He noted that various aircraft had been built at their facility dating back to 1939. The Husky has taken over as the best selling aircraft coming out of the factory today. In years past, when the Husky first came out the Pitts was most sought after.

"I think it has changed for a lot of reasons. There have been more modernized updates and newer extras to the Husky, I think backcountry flying in general and STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) type aircraft are getting more popular. The Pitts is an iconic and phenomenal airplane, but I think that backcountry flying that you do in a Husky has taken over some of the aerobatic market. The Eagle is also more popular than in years past. The homebuilt thing takes a pretty unique individual to do that - you either kinda love it and want to do it," said Sullivan.

Pilots use the Husky as a refined sightseeing cruiser or a backcountry flyer that can handle almost any terrain. It can do the rough and tough quite well and in good comfort (seats and cabin heater are fabulous). To fully enjoy the backcountry you need gear. The Husky's practical Center of Gravity Envelope is designed to let you stow more and carry more - and do it safely. A nicely equipped Husky aircraft can carry up to 842 lbs., dramatically increasing the mission profile of the aircraft. A Husky hauls more, but provides impressive fuel economy. You and your passenger, and all the gear you pack, can fly 800 miles without refueling. And, the stamina and brawn of a Husky means you won't have to circle to get over that peak - you can just pull back and climb.

More can also be said of Schweiss bifold and hydraulic custom-made hangar doors. You can get the width and height you need without losing headroom. The bifold door with its patented liftstraps and automatic latching system is the best and safest bifold door on the market. Hydraulic doors by Schweiss feature a new wrap-around robust hinge system with grease zerks, heavy-duty cylinders, spherical bearings and a powerful, compact hydraulic pump that can be mounted anywhere.

For more information on Husky aircraft call 307-885-3151 or visit: aviataircraft.com. Call 307-248-2073 for details on Alpine Airpark or visit their website at: www.alpineairpark.com.

History of Aviat Aircraft, Inc.

HUSKY | PITTS | EAGLE | Each piece of metal and plastic, every rivet, every bolt, every nut and screw is formed, shaped, assembled and inspected by a dedicated crew of skilled individuals who strive for excellence in all they do. Every person at Aviat Aircraft posses a passion for perfection and a tenacity for teamwork that results in the world's finest aircraft. Every one of the thousands of steps taken to build an Aviat Aircraft is scrutinized by one of four full-time inspectors who settle for nothing less than perfection. There are no shortcuts to quality.

Aviat Aircraft factory is located at 672 S. Washington, Afton, WY 83110. Tel: (307) 885-3151. To learn more about their aircraft and factory visit aviataircraft.com