SOUTH ST. PAUL, MINN. – Wipaire, Inc. has received approval for performance- and utility-enhancing modifications for the Cessna 182 Skylane. These modifications currently include the Lycoming IO-580 engine conversion and a gross weight increase to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg) when on Wipline 3000 floats.
“Our goal for this project was to provide owners and pilots a more useful, better-performing airplane, and these modifications do just that,” stated Chuck Wiplinger, President and COO. “We like to say that these improvements are ‘the cure for the common Skylane.’”
The Lycoming IO-580 engine produces 315 hp from the factory, making it the most powerful factory-new engine conversion available for 182 owners. Owners may elect to port and polish their engines for even more spirited performance. The conversion is approved for the 182S and 182T models. The new carbon fiber structural composite Hartzell Trailblazer series propeller is standard equipment. A natural composite MT propeller is also available immediately, with other propeller options pending certification.
Landplane certification efforts for the IO-580 engine conversion are expected to be completed in 2014, along with a gross weight increase to 3,158 lbs (1,432 kg) in the landplane configuration. Additional approvals will include wing extensions in the future.
Wipaire’s gross weight increase to 3,500 lbs (with a 3,510 lb ramp weight) is available for the following Wipline 3000-equipped Cessna 182 models:
· 182S and 182T, when equipped with the Wipaire IO-580 conversion.
· 182Q and 182R, when equipped with the AirPlains IO-550 conversion.
The IO-580 engine conversion results in a 23% reduction in water run and 35% increase in rate of climb, even with an additional 250 pounds of gross weight.
Wipaire’s “Smart” Amphibious Gear Advisory System Certified
Wipaire, Inc. has obtained certification of the first “smart” amphibious gear advisory system. The system has been certified for installation in the Cessna 182 on Wipline 3000 floats.
The new system is centered around a laser array “eye,” which detects if the aircraft is over water or land, and can be combined with a second-generation gear selector and display (currently completing the certification process). The laser provides intelligent warnings to the pilot, only providing an audible reminder to check the gear when the aircraft is in the wrong configuration for the detected landing surface. This functionality is also tied to a timer, which reminds the pilot to check the landing gear position if the gear is not raised within 60 seconds after takeoff.
The intelligent warning system aids the pilot in the flurry of post-takeoff activity and increases safety by providing a reminder to ensure the gear is in the correct position for a given phase of flight. This feature is especially of note to pilots who routinely fly short flights from paved airports to a body of water.
The laser gear advisory system will be available in the fourth quarter of 2014 for the Cessna 182. Certification for additional models will follow.
Wipaire Completes Installation of Floats On Mahindra’s Airvan 8
Wipaire, Inc. has completed installation of Wipline 3450 amphibious floats on a Mahindra Airvan 8, and has begun conducting preliminary flight tests. Pending a successful outcome of the feasibility tests, a certification program will launch later this year.
For over 50 years, Wipaire has been engineering and manufacturing a full line of aircraft floats for all sizes of aircraft, from the Piper Cub to the Viking Twin Otter, including most single-engine Cessna aircraft. In addition, Wipaire has engineered over 100 Supplemental Type Certificated modifications for improved performance, convenience, and reliability.
As a leading aircraft service provider, Wipaire offers maintenance, avionics installation and repair, custom interior design and installation, and exterior paint refinishing, all in one convenient location at South St. Paul Municipal Airport – Fleming Field in South St. Paul, Minnesota (www.wipaire.com).