The FULL-LOTUS Story...
Full-Lotus floats are an inflatable aircraft 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.
The patented design and production rights for Full-Lotus floats were sold a number of times between 1985 and 2002 before they were acquired by "Full-Lotus Manufacturing" based in Vernon, British-Columbia.
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FULL-LOTUS FLOATS now made by AIRCRAFT FLOATS MFG, INC.
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In 2012, after close to 10 years in the aircraft float business, the BC-based maker of Full-Lotus floats decided to focus on production of its non-aviation products. All design rights, inventory and production tooling for the Full-Lotus float line were sold to Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Inc.
Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Inc. (AFM) continued producing the standard line of Full-Lotus floats right from the start with deliveries of new floats as well as replacement parts for the maintenance and repairs to existing floats. |
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In 2013, AFM developed and introduced new generic rigging kits for Full-Lotus floats that are suitable for a variety of popular aircraft designs; this was followed by the introduction of specially designed float attachment fittings for the popular line of Kitfox aircraft.
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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.
In 2014, AFM introduced its first new AMPHIBIOUS design for Full-Lotus floats: A new concept integrating the main wheels of the aircraft within the body of the floats. This system was first developed for the FL1450 float size, appropriate for aircraft in the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category. AFM plans to develop this line of amphibious system for other float sizes in the future...
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