After almost ten years in the aircraft float business, the maker of Full-Lotus floats recently decided to focus on production of its non-aviation products. All the design rights, inventory and production tooling for the Full-Lotus float line have now been sold to Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Inc.

Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Inc. (AFM) will continue producing the standard line of Full-Lotus floats; it already has a large inventory and has started deliveries of floats as well as replacement parts for maintenance and repairs to existing owners. The company will soon start introducing type-specific rigging instructions for a variety of popular aircraft designs, something not previously offered by Full-Lotus.

Full-Lotus floats are a versatile, light-weight yet robust 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; many regularly use their Full-Lotus floats on snow, just like skis. The remarkable shock-absorbing qualities of Full-Lotus floats make it a unique system in the industry.

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. As part of its mission to offer comprehensive solutions for a full range of non-certified aircraft applications, AFM is currently also negotiating with Zenair to distribute the kit-maker's high-performance aluminum Floats.