The FAA has certified the WACO YMF-5F, a new-production open cockpit biplane on amphibious floats.
Based on the tailwheel YMF-5, the amphibious YMF-5 was certified after “several years of engineering milestones and flight testing,” according to WACO Aircraft officials.
The YMF-5 “is handcrafted by a team of specialized artisans in Battle Creek, Michigan,” company officials note.
“In order to be worthy of the seaplane title, several modifications had to be made,” officials continued in a prepared release. “A wing walk has been added to the right wing and grab handles have been integrated into both lower wings for effortless docking from either side. The frame receives an epoxy coating to prevent corrosion, and all hardware and cabling are stainless steel — ideal for both freshwater and saltwater operation. It is also the only WACO with landing gear controls.”
Each YMF-5F is equipped with a zero-time 300-hp 7-cylinder Jacobs radial engine, a composite constant speed propeller by MT Propeller, Aerocet 3400 Composite Floats, and all-LED Lighting.
Three people can sit in the heated cockpit, which can be outfitted with leather, teak and holly flooring.
The Garmin glass cockpit includes two Garmin G5s, a Garmin Aera 760 GPS, a Garmin GTX-345 ADS-B In/Out Transponder, and a JPI 930 Engine Analyzer as standard equipment.
Completion of the first Amphibious YMF-5 occurred in late 2017, which has been used as a company demonstrator and test article for the certification process. Delivery of the first certified YMF-5F, S/N 155, took place on May 26, 2020. A second delivery is expected in June. Two others are currently in production and are slated to be completed later this year, according to company officials.
Specifications
- Take Off Distance Land: 628 ft
- Take Off Distance Water: 1,300 ft
- Climb Rate: 600 fpm
- Cruise Speed: 105 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 48 gal
- Fuel Consumption: 15 gal/hr
- Wing Span: 30 feet
- Length: 27 ft 5 in
- Height: 12 ft 3 in
- Empty Weight: 2,492 lb
- Useful Load: 726 lb
- G-Limits: +5.2 / -2.1 @ 2950 lb
Hello my name is sid carroll and one of my good friend’s used to work for you his name was john papizian he is in your company photo. Are these for sale i would love to hang one in my living room. These airplanes are amazing and he was so proud to of helped build them.
Hi Sid,
John was a valued member of our team and had outstanding passion for our aircraft. Please send an email to [email protected] for a copy of the photo.
Thanks,
Alex
A lovely airplane, but the paint scheme is completely out of sync with the airframe. Can one purchase one with a more appropriate 1930’s style paint scheme?
Hi PaintScheme,
Paint schemes are entirely customizable, including design, color and finish! Many purchasers have opted for the more traditional schemes and colors, but over time modern designs have been gaining popularity.
Alex Skiba
WACO Aircraft
For us purist Waco owners/pilots, we must acknowledge that you have a beautiful aircraft. However, glass panels in an open cockpit biplane are akin to screen doors on a submarine.