Ben Wiplinger had a strong interest in aviation long before he began working on Wipline floats. As a child, he built his own glider in the backyard of his parent’s home. Out of concern for his safety, his parents dismantled the aircraft before he could take it on its maiden voyage. His passion for aviation grew stronger as he went on to study aerospace engineering at the University of Minnesota before moving to California to work for Douglas Aircraft for a period of time. He then returned to Minnesota to work for Northwest Air Activities and Peterson-Curtiss Flying Service at the St. Paul Airport. At the age of 25, Ben was one of only six certified aircraft mechanics working in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Ben was drafted into the Army Air Forces of the United States before Pearl Harbor and spent time working in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he developed a pre-oiling system to help the performance of the bombers. He was awarded several decorations by the military for this engineering contribution.

After WWII, Ben returned once again to his roots in Minnesota and began converting surplus military aircraft into corporate aircraft at South St. Paul Airport. By the close of the 1940s, Ben was operating Wiplinger Aircraft Service, an FBO offering fuel service, aircraft sales, maintenance, restoration and upholstery.

During the 1950s, Ben grew and expanded his scope of services. He purchased his first seaplane in 1951 and began flying north on fishing expeditions, thus beginning his passion for seaplane flying. He even developed an improved hydraulic system for his Edo floats. Ben sold 3M their first corporate aircraft, N3M, in 1956 while still pursuing his interest in seaplanes. One of 3M’s current aircraft still carries the same registration number. In 1959, Ben sold his FBO business to focus on the next chapter of Wiplinger Aircraft.

Milestones