The pinnacle of aviation - FAA certified

After several years of engineering milestones and flight testing, we announce issuance of full FAA Certification of the WACO YMF-5F, the new-production open cockpit biplane on amphibious floats.

Based on the Tailwheel YMF-5, the Amphibious YMF-5 is handcrafted by our team of specialised artisans in Battle Creek, MI. In order to be worthy of the seaplane title, several modifications had to be made. A wing walk & step box have been added to the right side and grab handles have been integrated into both lower wings for effortless docking from either side. The frame receives an epoxy coating to prevent corrosion, and all hardware & cabling are stainless steel – ideal for both freshwater & saltwater operation. It is also the only WACO with landing gear controls and doesn't required a tailwheel endorsement!

Each YMF-5F is well-equipped with a zero-time 300 Horsepower 7-cylinder Jacobs radial engine, a composite constant speed propeller by MT, Aerocet 3400 Composite Floats and all-LED Lighting. Three people can enjoy the luxurious heated cockpits which can be outfitted with Premium Leather, Teak & Holly Flooring, and a full Garmin Glass Cockpit. Two Garmin G5's, a Garmin Aera 760 GPS, a Garmin GTX-345 ADS-B In/Out Transponder, and a JPI 930 Engine Analyzer are also included in the standard equipment.

Completion of the first Amphibious YMF-5 occurred in late 2017, which has been used as a company demonstrator and test article for the certification process. Delivery of the first certified YMF-5F, S/N 155, took place on Tuesday May 26, 2020. Delivery of the second, S/N 156, took place on Monday July 13, 2020.

Initial performance testing of take-off distance and climb rate have been conducted for the certification of the 3-Blade propeller on the Great Lakes with positive results. Document preparation is currently underway for submittal to the FAA - once reviewed, official flight testing will take place. We anticipate full certification by the end of October, which will allow for 3-Blade installation on new-production Great Lakes, as well as previous variants.