Wipaire Delivers Milestone Order

A recent milestone amphibious float delivery by South St. Paul-based Wipaire, Inc. brought back fond memories for the company's CEO and president.

Chuck Wiplinger recalls when his father, Ben, and members of Wipaire's engineering department began developing the 2100A line of Wipline floats.

"I was still in high school," Wiplinger said. "Dad wasn't sure how many he would build or how many people would want them, but here we are, 500 sets later."

Wipaire delivered the company's 500th set of 2100As in March. They were installed on an Aviat A-1C-180 Husky.

This aircraft was on display at the Wipaire booth at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, in mid-April.

"In advance of the show, we did issue a press release, which was picked up by other aviation trade press," said Shanti Lakhan, marketing and communications manager.

She added the company conducted a joint press conference with Aviat at Wipaire's Sun 'n Fun booth. Press were invited to a small reception after the press conference.

Wipline 2100A floats have high bow buoyance and a higher deadrise angle on forward bottoms for improved handling in wind and choppy water.

Flat, non-skid coated top decks make it safe and easy to walk, and two large float hatches, 20 3/8" x 10 ½", each have 50-pound carrying capacity. Aluminum skins and parts are laser cut with pre-punched rivet holes, making repairs easy.

"Aviat has been great to work with over the years," Wiplinger said. "They've been a key to the success of the product line. It was nice that they picked this set up, and it's going to be showcased at events across the country."

Wiplinger said it was critical for the company to get the milestone order ready for this year's Sun 'n Fun.

"It was the first major show since COVID-19 was unleashed," he said. "It helped us get back into the swing of things."

Wiplinger said Wipaire's workforce has delivered at a high level throughout the pandemic.

"We are in a much better spot now. Our team was unbelievable in the way that they pulled together," he said. "There will continue to be supply chain issues, and we are seeing it that in lead times that we are quoting right now, unfortunately. We are working through it the best that we can."

In a press release, Wiplinger thanked employees for reaching the historic delivery and customers who trust the company with their aircraft.

"This milestone delivery reflects the durability and reliability of the design and construction," he added. Since the first set was certified in 1997, this model of amphibious float has the No. 1 choice for owners of smaller aircraft."