Built for $6,500, this homebuilt evokes the classic bushplane traits of planes like the Cub and Husky, but at a fraction of the costs. Photo by Dave Higdon

Good scrounging skills, some "hand-me-downs" from friends, and patience combined to see Tim Buttles (EAA 1839821) of Ogdensburg, Wisconsin, complete this Husky Chaser II for about $6,500. Featured on the August cover of EAA Sport Aviation (free copies are available in the Affordable Flying Center and in the red boxes around the AirVenture grounds), Tim’s Husky Chaser II is proof that flying is more attainable than one may have previously thought.

Here’s a breakdown on how Tim kept his airplane low-cost: The fuselage of the airplane was built with spare tubing bought from a friend for $200. Jim Stark of Wild Rose, Wisconsin, donated the 100-horse crankshaft. Cylinders were bought for $50 a piece, which were then sent to a friend in Arkansas who made them look new again for $100 apiece. The landing gear was constructed from old valve springs from a 350 V-8 engine, a boogie wheel from a snowmobile, and some spare steel. Wing ribs were bought for $150 from a gentleman who had no use for them anymore. Metal spars were chosen over more expensive wood spars. Struts were made out of round tubing with plastic tube covering the outside, and the Tailwind-style windshield was homemade for $40. Like Tim says, "It’s all about living within your means."

So how does the Husky Chaser II fly? "I think it flies more like a Piper PA-11 than anything else," Tim said. "It only takes about 100 feet to get airborne as my airspeed approaches 40 mph. I climb-out at 50 mph and burn around 4.5 gph with a 2100 rpm setting."

Tim’s Husky Chaser II is parked in front of the Affordable Flying Center, located in the former NASA Pavilion adjacent to AirVenture’s Honda Forums Plaza and the workshops area. To watch the video of Tim’s airplane,  "Built for less than $6,500", click play below.