Every new year feels like a fresh new start. There’s something fundamentally appealing about the sense of anticipation and opportunity that comes when the calendar turns over. It’s a chance to say “goodbye” to the past and “hello” to the future.
Some goodbyes are bittersweet. We recently gave away our 2012 Tougher Than a Tornado Sweepstakes Husky. I have to admit I was sad to see it go, although I’m pleased it found a good home.
I purchased my own Husky at about the same time we acquired the Tornado Husky. I was impressed by the versatility and fun this capable little taildragger could deliver. I was even more impressed by the devotion of its fans. So for much of last year, my yellow Husky and its cousin, the Tornado Husky, traveled around the country as a flight of two. We visited incredible backcountry airstrips and met wonderful people whose enthusiasm for flying is as brisk and clear as the mountain air at the tiny, remote airports where they gather. This type of flying was entirely new to me, and I can’t believe I waited so long to try it.
Together the Huskys traveled through Maine and New Hampshire, taking in the changing colors after launching from a private grass strip soon after sunup on a crisp autumn morning. We flew from Frederick to Sun ’n Fun—and beyond, traveling all the way to Key West, Florida, just because we didn’t want to stop. We even took the Huskys home to the factory where they were built so the sweepstakes airplane could have an annual before we delivered it to its winner.
But the sweepstakes Husky is now in the capable hands of its new owner, and my Husky is safely tucked in its hangar near the office. In 2013, I will have to work a little harder to find missions for my Husky. After all, we will no longer be touring the country with the Tornado Husky. In fact, we’re already moving on to the restoration of our next sweepstakes airplane, a classic Beechcraft Debonair.
But that’s the beauty of a new year and a new start. It’s a chance to take on different challenges and experience aviation in different ways.
My Husky may be flying without its companion this year, but that doesn’t mean it has to sit at home. I’m already thinking about how I can fit in some relaxing flights to the beach, a few backcountry adventures, and perhaps another trip to Sun ’n Fun.
And I have a feeling I won’t fly alone. The friends I’ve made over the past year are as enthusiastic about this type of flying as I am. I’m pretty sure they’d be happy to spend some time visiting more of the wonderful grass strips and backcountry landing sites scattered around the country.
Last year I began making a mental list of airports I’d like to visit and trips I’d like to take in the Husky. This year, I’m making a point of crossing at least a few of those destinations off my list.
I hope you’ll do the same. In some parts of the country, there’s not much flying happening at this time of year. But just because you can’t get into the air doesn’t mean you can’t dream and plan. Why not make your own aviation bucket list, then make it a point to spend part of 2013 crossing off one or two of those items? It’s a great way to refresh the spirit and get the new year off to a promising start.
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