All models of the Cessna 172 can now be floated on Wipline floats. Wipaire, Inc., of South Saint Paul, Minn., has received Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the addition of straight or amphibious floats for all Cessna 172 aircraft ever built, except for the military and Franklin engine models. In addition, the STCs allow owners to use any 180 hp conversion and specify numerous options for propellers, constant speed and fixed pitch. The STCs are applicable to 172 aircraft with 150, 160, and 210 hp engines as well.
“This allows 172 owners more options when looking to add floats,” said Bob “Wip” Wiplinger, Wipaire owner. “Before, the Wipline floats were merely certified on a handful of Skyhawk models; now virtually any and all, including the 175, can take the Wips.”
Wipaire has used two models of floats to attain all the certifications. Wipline 2100 floats are now available for many Cessna 172 models, F172 models and the 175, with varying engine and propeller combinations and gross weights starting at 2,220 lbs. and ranging up to 2,400 lbs. The larger Wipline 2350 floats, with a buoyancy of 2,570 lbs., accommodate the remaining 172 models, P172Ds, F172 models, and the 175 series, again with model-specific propeller and engine combinations, providing gross weights from 2,450 lbs. up to 2,550 lbs.
Wipaire, which has been manufacturing floats for 45 years, makes floats for aircraft including Aviat Husky, Piper Cub, de Havilland Beaver/Otter and Twin Otter, as well as the Cessna 170/172/175/180/182/185/206 and the turbine-powered Cessna 208 Caravan, as well as others. The company also builds the amphibious floats for the Fire Boss, a scooping air tanker that can pick up 800 gallons of water in less than 15 seconds and deliver it to a nearby fire with precision.
For more information: 651-451-1205.