Family Owned For Three Generations, The Tradition Continues

Robbie Culver

Wipaire, Inc. of South St.Paul, MN, is celebrating 50 years of float design and manufacturing in a family-owned business that now spans three generations of the  Wiplinger family. In a news conference at EAA's Airventure Oshkosh 2010, Wipaire reviewed the companies history, discussed the current product offerings, and were proud that their family-owned business has grown into a thriving aviation manufacturer and service provider.

Bernard "Ben" Wiplinger

Bernard "Ben" Wiplinger founded Wipline, Inc. in 1960 for the purpose of designing, certifying, and manufacturing the Wipline 3900 float for the Cessna 185. The company first established operations in an old World War II barracks building that was located at the edge of the South St. Paul, MN airport. By working with the staff of nearby 3M on a metal bonding technique that allowed for fewer rivets, Wiplinger was able to produce a smoother, lighter float.

In 1962, the first set of floats were sold to Ontario Central Airlines. As the company grew, the second generation of Wiplinger's, son Bob "Wip" Wiplinger, joined the company. Wip earned an aeronautical engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. By early 1970, the company had expanded to the point where the original facility was too small.

Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the new facility had 23.000 square feet and allowed construction of the Wipline Seaplane Base (09Y). In 1974, Wipaire, Inc. was created as a certified Cessna Service Center. In 1979, the two entities merged as Wip purchased Wipline, Inc. from his father. Avionics and paint departments were added in 1989. By 2001, the company had again outgrown its facility and relocated again to Fleming Field in South St. Paul.

Wipaire engineers and manufactures floats for all sizes of aircraft, ranging from a Piper Cub to the deHavilland Twin Otter, and holds over 100 STC's for modifications to certified aircraft. With a family tradition of engineering excellence, Wipaire has produced 1750 sets of floats over the past 50 years. The company has grown from 2 employees to more than 280 with over 1800 total years of aviation experience, and from 800 square feet of space to over 160,000 square feet.

Charlie, Sara, and Kaleb Wiplinger

Charlie Wiplinger, Executive Vice President of Wipaire, Inc. and his wife Sara, who fills the role of marketing manager, held the news conference with young son Kaleb in Sara's arms - the fourth generation of the Wiplinger clan. The company also recently announced the certification of the Wipline 7000 for the Quest Kodiak single-engine turbine, a custom executive interior for the Twin Otter, and a single-point refueling system for the Cesna Caravan that is compatible with the Garmin G1000.

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Wipaire is giving away a set of Wipline 2100 floats. Registration is available at the Wipaire booth at EAA Airventure Oshkosh and other trade shows. The winner will be announced at the AOPA summit in Long Beach, CA on November 13, 2010.

FMI: www.wipaire.com