The FAA has granted a supplemental type certificate to Aerocet, based in Priest River, Idaho, to mount Aerocet 6650 amphibious floats on the Quest Kodiak 100 utility aircraft.
Amphibious floats allow the aircraft to operate on water or land. The floats are made of carbon composite material said to eliminate leaks typically associated with aluminum floats.
Aerocet also claims the carbon composite floats reduce maintenance time, compared to aluminum floats, for operations involving brackish or salt water.
In addition, the company uses its patented "oil-bath" wheels for both the dual-wheel main gear and the single nose gear on each float for land operations. A company press release said the wheels are credited with "virtually eliminating bearing maintenance."
The company tested the floats for more than 400 flight hours. Aerocet specializes in composite aircraft floats, and also makes them for water-only operations.
