NEWS
Spring/Summer 2020
As we continue to deal with the effects of the current pandemic, please note that Aircraft Floats Mfg. is operating on a reduced work schedule.
Our priority has been to ship parts to existing customers so that they can maintain and repair their floats as needed; this has caused delays with the delivery of new floats and/or float kits. We sincerely regret these delays and apologize for the resulting inconveniences; we will continue to do our best to serve all customers as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
As we continue to deal with the effects of the current pandemic, please note that Aircraft Floats Mfg. is operating on a reduced work schedule.
Our priority has been to ship parts to existing customers so that they can maintain and repair their floats as needed; this has caused delays with the delivery of new floats and/or float kits. We sincerely regret these delays and apologize for the resulting inconveniences; we will continue to do our best to serve all customers as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Summer 2017
Our staff will be on-site at Airventure (Oshkosh) this year again; you'll find us at the Zenith Aircraft booth in the North Outdoor exhibit area! Ask to speak with Nick or Matt!
Our staff will be on-site at Airventure (Oshkosh) this year again; you'll find us at the Zenith Aircraft booth in the North Outdoor exhibit area! Ask to speak with Nick or Matt!
Summer 2016
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New Facebook Page for Full-Lotus Floats!
Now you can follow (and post) the latest Full-Lotus happenings on this new Facebook page. 100% dedicated to float flying and the fun you can have with Full-Lotus floats! Visit this new resource, look at the pictures and watch the videos, leave a comment and take a few seconds to "like" us! Click here for the Full-Lotus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fullotus |
May 2015
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See Our Floats in Alaska!
There will be a partially assembled Zenair Float kit - as well as a new set of Full-Lotus Floats - on display at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering in Anchorage, Alaska, May 2 & 3, 2015! Come take a look! |
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April 2014
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NEW FULL-LOTUS AMPHIBIOUS FLOATS NOW AVAILABLE!
After close to a year of development and testing, Aircraft Floats Manufacturing (AFM) has started production of its new Amphibious Float design with integrated main wheels. The new floats are based on the Light-Sport-compatible FL1260 inflatable floats by Full-Lotus and offer large-sized main wheels that extend electrically from within the body of the floats for hard surface operations. Aircraft equipped with these new floats can now operate off water, ice and snow as well as grass, dirt and pavement.
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Although heavier than traditional aluminum aircraft floats, these new inflatable floats offer greater versatility, including the ability to beach on rocky shores and to operate from very shallow waters, including mixtures of water, slush and/or ice. Another advantage of Full-Lotus floats is their cushioning effect which help mitigate the effects of hard water-ladings and/or choppy waters. These floats are "built tough" to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered in "bush-flying"; rigging for these new floats is the same as for the traditional straight floats from Full-Lotus.
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For details on these new floats, including specifications, click here. Availability is currently six weeks. For additional information, contact AFM at [email protected] or call 705-526-4537.
January 2013
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NEW FLOAT FITTINGS FOR KITFOX
Aircraft Floats Manufacturing (AFM) is now offering new float fittings developed specifically for the Kitfox aircraft design. These CNC machined parts are made of light-weight aluminum and are designed to fit standard Kitfox landing-gear brackets; they perfectly match the stream-lined struts provided with AFM’s standard float rigging kits. |
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AFM's generic float rigging kits include streamlined spreader bars and struts with bottom fittings and hardware for installing floats on most ultralights and Experimental aircraft (750 to 2500lbs). The rigging kits are intended for the full range of aluminum floats by Zenair as well as Full-Lotus floats, but do not include top fitting for joining struts to fuselage. These newly available fittings (see pictures below) now make it quick and easy for Kitfox owners to install both straight or amphibious floats on their aircraft.
Top Fitting Components for Kitfox
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Left: FL-184 ~ Right: FL-181
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FL-184 with FL-142
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FL-181 with 2 x FL-142
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Full-Lotus Floats on a Kitfox!
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To order the fittings separately, please complete an AFM order form and return it by Fax or e-mail. Fittings can also be ordered along with complete Rigging Kit and/or with the floats. Make sure to specify part numbers and quantities. For more information, call 750-526-4537.
August 2012
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FULL-LOTUS AT OSHKOSH ONCE AGAIN !
For many years, Full-Lotus floats were not actively promoted at major trade shows like AirVenture, Sun'n Fun, Sebring, etc. This is changing under new management by Aircraft Floats Manufacturing. As a first step, Full-Lotus floats had a highly visible presence at Oshkosh this year, both at the LSA mall as well as in the outdoor north exhibit area (booth 640). AFM staff was on hand to meet interested aircraft owners and to answer questions; also on display were the new 5" streamlined spreader bars now available from AFM for rigging purposes. For more details, contact us at [email protected] |
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June 2012
FULL-LOTUS FLOATS NOW MADE BY AIRCRAFT FLOATS MFG, LTD.
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After almost 10 years in the aircraft float business, the B.C.-based maker of Full-Lotus floats recently decided to focus on the production of its non-aviation products. All design rights, inventory and production tooling for the Full-Lotus float line have now been sold to Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Ltd.
Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Ltd. (AFM) will continue producing the standard line of Full-Lotus floats. It has already started deliveries of floats, as well as replacement parts for maintenance and repairs to existing owners. |
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The company will soon start introducing type-specific rigging instructions for a variety of popular aircraft designs, something not previously offered by Full-Lotus. Details will be posted on the Full-Lotus website when available.
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Full-Lotus floats are an inflatable float system first introduced in 1985 for ultralight aircraft and more recently adapted for general aviation use. The design uses multiple inflatable bladders inside a vinyl outer casing and polycarbonate protective shell. The result is a float system that can be beached on rocky shores without worry and that can bump most submerged objects at taxiing speed without damage, according to officials, who noted that many aircraft owners regularly use their Full-Lotus floats on snow, just like skis.
AFM’s new production facilities are located on the Huronia Airport (CYEE) in Midland, Ontario, next to Zenair Limited, the well-known kit aircraft manufacturer.
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