Zenair ships first LSA amphibious float kit

Zenair, which returned its light aircraft float production to North America last year after being outsourced to the Czech Republic, has just shipped its first set of newly developed LSA amphibious floats. The all-metal floats have a buoyancy of 1,450 lbs. and are aimed specifically at the Light Sport Aircraft market.

The first set of amphibious floats will be displayed by FlightCrafters, a Tampa builder assistance center, at the annual Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida, next month.

The Zenair 1450 floats incorporate extra-large, retractable main wheels. The 6.00” tires were chosen so that pilots could continue to land their aircraft on less-than-perfect grass fields, company officials said.

Zenair Floats are available as parts kit, quick built kit or factory assembled. The floats are built from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy making them easy to build and maintain and corrosion resistant, as well as very light, company officials said. The new 1,450 lbs. float model is based on the larger 2,200 lbs. floats designed by Chris Heintz in the 1980s. This heritage ensures that the LSA floats are extra strong, with 15 full bulkheads instead of the nine used in Zenair’s lighter and smaller 1150 floats, officials add.

Kits for the straight-float version of the new 1450 size are being offered at the introductory price of $2,990; kits for the amphibious version start at $5,990.

For more information: Zenair.com or 705-526-2871.