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Annie Vogel — known as @PilotAnnie on social media — is a private pilot, writer, and content creator. Based in Collingwood, Ontario, she’s passionate about sharing her real-world flying adventures, aircraft ownership insights, and cross-country trips throughout North America.

We were thrilled to interview Annie about her aviation journey and the new aircraft she revealed to followers just before AirVenture 2025, an Aviat Husky A1-C equipped with a new Hartzell Pathfinder carbon fiber composite propeller.

Keep reading for our exclusive Q&A:

Tell us about your background and path to becoming a pilot. What sparked your passion for aviation?
I was born in Canada, and my family immigrated here from Poland. I grew up surrounded by a love for adventure—my dad was a mountaineer who completed first ascents in the Hindu Kush mountains back in the 1970s, so exploration was in my DNA. We traveled often to Europe when I was young, which gave me an early love for flying. I originally wanted to be a journalist, but after graduating, I took time off to travel. One morning in Australia, I watched a Cessna 150 lift off from a dirt strip, and that moment stopped me in my tracks. I knew I needed to learn to fly. As soon as I got home, I booked a discovery flight, and before long, I was working on my private pilot license.

How did you get started as an aviation storyteller and content creator? What do you like best about sharing your journey on social media?
It started simply—just sharing my flights with friends and family. Over time, my audience grew to include people who were curious about aviation or dreaming of learning to fly themselves. My background in storytelling made it natural to share the highs, lows, and lessons along the way. The best part is when someone reaches out to say they booked their first flight lesson after seeing my content. Knowing my journey can inspire someone else to take that leap is incredibly rewarding.

Tell us about your new aircraft, a 200HP A1-C Aviat Husky. What drew you to the Husky brand and this aircraft in particular? How does it compare to your previous airplane?
The Husky has been on my dream list for years. It’s capable, versatile, and perfect for the kind of flying I’ve always wanted to do. This one checked all the boxes—upgraded avionics and the performance I was after. This Husky feels like a whole new level of adventure. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about all the unique places you can land along the way.

Your aircraft is equipped with Hartzell’s carbon fiber composite Pathfinder propeller upgrade, STC’d for the Husky earlier this year. What are your impressions of a carbon fiber prop compared to the prop on your previous airplane?
The first thing you notice about the Hartzell Pathfinder propeller is the sound—it’s got this distinct, high-pitched whine that makes people turn their heads before they even see the airplane. On takeoff, the three-blade design just digs in and pulls, and it’s a completely different feel compared to the two-blade prop I had before. The acceleration feels more deliberate and powerful. But my favorite part—and the thing that really surprised me—is how it brakes in the air. The second you pull back the manifold, it’s instant. You can feel the airplane almost “plant its feet” and slow down, which is a huge advantage for short-field work. It’s one of those upgrades that makes flying more fun while also giving you a noticeable performance edge.

Now that you’ve accumulated more flight hours with the Pathfinder propeller, has anything surprised you about the performance, look, or feel of the prop?
What’s really surprised me about the Pathfinder propeller is its consistency. That signature whine still turns heads, but after flying it in different conditions, I’ve come to appreciate how predictable the pull and braking are. On takeoff, it bites immediately, and in cruise, it feels smooth and balanced. But the braking in the air still stands out—it’s almost like someone threw out an anchor the second you pull the manifold back, which makes short approaches and precision landings a lot easier. And even after flying into a few rougher areas, it still looks brand new, which says a lot about how durable it really is.

Have you had any mentors who shaped your flying journey? What advice would you give aspiring pilots?
I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible mentors over the years. Early in my flying, I spent a lot of time with an 80-year-old pilot in a Piper Tripacer. He wasn’t just teaching me how to fly—he was teaching me how to think like a pilot, how to make decisions, and how to stay calm when things don’t go exactly as planned. Those lessons stuck with me far beyond the cockpit. My advice to aspiring pilots is to find people like that—pilots who have been there, done that, and are willing to share both the good and the bad. Stay curious, say yes to opportunities to learn, and remember that every single flight is a chance to improve your skills.

What’s been one of your favorite destinations so far? Any bucket-list places you still want to explore?
One of my favorites has been Wyoming—the home of the Husky. Flying along the beautiful Teton Mountain Range, with its dramatic peaks and sweeping valleys, and passing over gorgeous mountain lakes is absolutely unforgettable. The light changes constantly in the mountains, so every flight feels unique. As for my bucket list, I’d love to take the Husky through northern Canada and into the High Arctic—exploring remote communities, endless tundra, and the kind of landscapes you can only truly appreciate from the air.

What aviation adventures are next for you?
Right now, I’m focused on flying locally and staying closer to home so I can really get to know the new airplane. Every flight is about fine-tuning how I handle it and learning its personality in different conditions. This fall, I’ll be making my way down to Nevada for the High Sierra Fly-In, and I’m super excited for that. It’s going to be the perfect mix of adventure, community, and a chance to put some of those new skills to work.

Follow Pilot Annie’s Adventures!
Be sure to follow Annie on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to see where she’s headed next.

To learn more about the Pathfinder Propeller or any of our carbon fiber composite propeller options, please contact us. We’re happy to help you find the right propeller upgrade to fit your aircraft and performance goals.