Much to the delight of Wipaire’s ambitious engineering team, their newly designed amphibious floats launched the Quest Kodiak smoothly into flight from the Fleming Field runway and the Mississippi River, Wednesday evening, July 23, 2008.

The prototype 7000 model float is the first model that Wipaire, established pros of the floatplane world, has built using the very latest digital technologies from its inception. With an eye to making some both ideological and design changes, Bob Wiplinger, company owner, and Charlie Wiplinger, vice president of engineering, gathered a team of engineers and CAD drafters who designed and built the float in unprecedented time. In an email of appreciation after the maiden flight, Charlie Wiplinger said it was made possible by, “one of the finest R&D teams the general aviation industry has ever seen and the indispensible help from our entire manufacturing and Wipaire services personnel who delivered flawlessly when called upon by the R&D team. This feat is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our employees as we went from CAD model to flying prototype in as little as two months.”

The Kodiak, a single engine turbine designed for remote area operations, coupled with Wipaire’s sleek, rugged floats will be an unbeatable match for serious flyers desiring the comforts of home in the wildest locations. The floats are designed to resist abrasion from rocky shorelines and careful attention was paid to the float construction should an off-site repair become necessary. Other structural enhancements for the comfort and safety of its users were implemented on the 7000 float, but are not being disclosed at this time. Flight testing and certification have begun and Wipaire is taking orders.

Over the years, Wipaire has developed a full line of aircraft floats for all sizes of aircraft, from the Piper Cub to the de Havilland Twin Otter, as well as over 100 Supplemental Type Certificates for a variety of useful aircraft modifications. In addition, Wipaire has expanded into other areas, including a full service maintenance department, avionics installation and repair, custom and luxury interior installation, and a paint and refinishing facility.