Category | Aircraft Services

Paint Refinishing

The Wipaire Paint Process

Avionics

Interiors

Maintenance

Pre-Paint Process

A Cessna Grand Caravan on a loaner set of Wipline 8750 floats sorely in need of an eye catching paint scheme.

We paint many aircraft directly out of the factory like this one but stipping an existing scheme to start fresh or modifying are both options.

Cessna Caravan Pre Paint
Wippy-Isolated-White

Preparing for the Base Coat

This aircraft came to us direct from the factory with no existing paint so stripping wasn’t necessary but it certainly needed a good wash down and some sanding to prepare it for the base coat. After the wash down all of the components that need to be protected from overspray are carefully masked off.

Wippy-Isolated-White

Primer Coat and Base Coat Applied

To provide a smooth base and good adhesion the aircraft and its components are given a coat of primer. This aircraft called for a white basecoat of paint so that was applied after the primer cured.

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Striping Laid Out

Following the same paint scheme as the customer’s existing 208 on Wipline 8000 floats this aircraft receives its striping layout. Then it is masked to prepare it for the first application of color and the surface is abraded to provide excellent paint adhesion.

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Adding the Color

The first color, a brilliant blue, is applied. Then another round of masking is applied and the gold highlight is carefully laid on.

Wippy-Isolated-White

Matching the Floats

One of the great things about buying floats from Wipaire is our ability to custom paint them to match your aircraft paint scheme. This brand new set of Wipline 8750 floats was given a matching white paint base and accent stripes to coordinate with the aircraft.

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The Finished Product

This aircraft now shines with its sharp new paint job. It is joined with its floats and ready to leave for its new home!

This aircraft now shines with it's sharp new paint job.

Ready to get started?

Provide some basic information on what services you are interested in and we will get in touch!

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Maintenance

Maintenance, Restoration, and Repair

Wipaire has been providing aircraft maintenance and float installations for over 25 years. Wipaire is an FAA certified repair station, as well as a Cessna Single Engine & Caravan Service Facility and a Viking Factory Endorsed Service Center.

1700 Henry Ave – Fleming Field (KSGS)
South St. Paul, MN 55075

FAA Repair Facility #RJWR390K 
EASA 145.6194

Aircraft we specialize in:

  • Air Tractor AT802 
  • American Champion
  • Aviat Husky
  • Beechcraft King Air 100, 200, 300 and 350
  • Cessna Single Engine
  • Cessna Caravan 208/208B
  • de Havilland Beaver, Otter, and Twin Otter 100, 200 & 300 series
  • Viking Twin Otter 400 series
  • Maule
  • Quest KODIAK

Our South St. Paul facility has over 83,850 sq ft of heated floor space with door openings up to 25 feet high and 70 feet wide. We can perform maintenance on your piston or turbo prop from oil changes to hot section, borescope, annual or even pre-buy inspections.

Airframe & Engine Services

Wipaire is proud to be an Authorized Cessna Caravan & Single Engine Service Station. In addition to standard maintenance and repair, we provide an array of services. These services include basic annual, full corrosion (CICP), and engine borescope inspections. Our maintenance team also provides installation of all available modifications and upgrades and is happy to work with you to complete a pre-buy inspection on aircraft you are considering for purchase.

Wipaire is proud to be a Viking Factory Endorsed Service Centre. In addition to standard maintenance and repair, we provide an array of services. These services include basic annual, full corrosion inspections, and engine borescope inspections. Our maintenance team also provides installation of our twin otter modifications and upgrades and is happy to work with you to complete a pre-buy inspection on aircraft you are considering for purchase.

Wipaire is your Authorized Service Center for Lycoming Engines. In fact, we are the 6th service center approved in the United States. As an Authorized Service Center, Wipaire will be trained to perform repairs and maintenance on Lycoming’s new iE2 Integrated Electronic Series engines as well as the new IO-233-LSA Light Sport Engine. Wipaire is excited to be part of this great partnership and looks forward to the future of Lycoming power.

Your aircraft is a major investment. When your annual is due entrust it to the experts at Wipaire. Whether your aircraft is on floats or wheels, we have the years of experience to ensure your continued safe operation.

Wipaire maintenance is proud to offer on- or off-site borescope inspection services. We are capable of inspections on all Pratt & Whitney PT6 series engines as well as a host of other applications including cylinders, exhaust systems, or tight space airframe inspections. We utilize the GE Inspection Technologies, Everest VP500 VideoProbe with 5mm probe and image capture capabilities. Images are saved to internal memory or external flash card and can be saved to your computer or e-mailed to your inspection department, a priceless tool in pre-buy inspections, aircraft leases, or scheduled borescope inspections per the engine manufacturer. Our technicians have been factory trained for efficient and thorough operations. Whether across the country or right next door, it is worth the call to Wipaire for your next borescope inspection.

Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines periodically require a compressor wash due to higher start temps and lower overall engine performance as well as salt water operations. Wipaire services utilizes the Tron Air compressor wash cart and Pratt & Whitney approved solutions for a fast and convenient turn around, minimizing down time to keep you in the air.

Call on Wipaire for all your air conditioning servicing needs. We are fluent in many aircraft cooling systems utilizing R134 Refrigerant. R12 Refrigerant service available upon request. Please call ahead.

Wipaire service utilizes the Power Systems CA-1550 Battery charger/analyzer to properly service Gill and Concorde batteries. Each manufacturer has their own requirements for not only initial servicing, but recurring capacity checks. This equipment allows us to properly perform these required checks. Visit Gill Batteries and Concorde Battery for the latest service information and instructions for continued airworthiness.

CONCORDE BATTERIES

Capacity Check Requirements

Piston:

Initial: 24 Months/600 HRS

Recurring: 12 months/200HRS

Turbine

Initial: 12 Months/600 HRS

Recurring: 3 Months/300 HRS

GILL BATTERIES

Capacity Check Requirements

Initial: 12 Months/800 HRS

Recurring: 6 months/400 HRS

Pratt & Whitney PT6A series engines require hot section inspections at various intervals depending on model. Wipaire has aligned itself with several engine repair facilities to guarantee you a competitive price and quick turnaround to keep you in the air. Our engine technicians are factory trained by Pratt & Whitney and are fluent with installations in the following aircraft: Cessna 208/208B, deHavilland DHCII-MKIII, deHavilland DHCII-MKI Turbo, and Air Tractor 802 just to name a few. Call today for a competitive quote and flexible scheduling.

Wipaire has the experience and capability to perform large airframe recovery, making it easy to completely recover and rebuild your aircraft, even beyond its original beauty. The equipment at Wipaire includes professionally-designed airframe alignment fixtures for the repair of major airframe damage. Other services include DER approved structural repairs and modifications, as well as insurance quotes and inspections.

Wipaire services can provide quality Cessna 208/208B landing gear inspections in accordance with Cessna CPCP and 208 service manual. We can disassemble, clean, inspect, replace damaged parts, paint, reassemble and ship in a timely manner. We can provide FAA form 8130-3 as well as a life limited status report for all life limited parts. Wipaire has invested in quality tooling to provide these services to keep you in the air.

Wipaire is proud to be an Authorized Cessna Caravan & Single Engine Service Station. In addition to standard maintenance and repair, we provide an array of services. These services include basic annual, full corrosion (CICP), and engine borescope inspections. Our maintenance team also provides installation of all available modifications and upgrades and is happy to work with you to complete a pre-buy inspection on aircraft you are considering for purchase.

Wipaire is proud to be a Viking Factory Endorsed Service Centre. In addition to standard maintenance and repair, we provide an array of services. These services include basic annual, full corrosion inspections, and engine borescope inspections. Our maintenance team also provides installation of our twin otter modifications and upgrades and is happy to work with you to complete a pre-buy inspection on aircraft you are considering for purchase.

Wipaire is your Authorized Service Center for Lycoming Engines. In fact, we are the 6th service center approved in the United States. As an Authorized Service Center, Wipaire will be trained to perform repairs and maintenance on Lycoming’s new iE2 Integrated Electronic Series engines as well as the new IO-233-LSA Light Sport Engine. Wipaire is excited to be part of this great partnership and looks forward to the future of Lycoming power.

Your aircraft is a major investment. When your annual is due entrust it to the experts at Wipaire. Whether your aircraft is on floats or wheels, we have the years of experience to ensure your continued safe operation.

Wipaire maintenance is proud to offer on- or off-site borescope inspection services. We are capable of inspections on all Pratt & Whitney PT6 series engines as well as a host of other applications including cylinders, exhaust systems, or tight space airframe inspections. We utilize the GE Inspection Technologies, Everest VP500 VideoProbe with 5mm probe and image capture capabilities. Images are saved to internal memory or external flash card and can be saved to your computer or e-mailed to your inspection department, a priceless tool in pre-buy inspections, aircraft leases, or scheduled borescope inspections per the engine manufacturer. Our technicians have been factory trained for efficient and thorough operations. Whether across the country or right next door, it is worth the call to Wipaire for your next borescope inspection.

Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines periodically require a compressor wash due to higher start temps and lower overall engine performance as well as salt water operations. Wipaire services utilizes the Tron Air compressor wash cart and Pratt & Whitney approved solutions for a fast and convenient turn around, minimizing down time to keep you in the air.

Pratt & Whitney PT6A series engines require hot section inspections at various intervals depending on model. Wipaire has aligned itself with several engine repair facilities to guarantee you a competitive price and quick turnaround to keep you in the air. Our engine technicians are factory trained by Pratt & Whitney and are fluent with installations in the following aircraft: Cessna 208/208B, deHavilland DHCII-MKIII, deHavilland DHCII-MKI Turbo, and Air Tractor 802 just to name a few. Call today for a competitive quote and flexible scheduling.

Call on Wipaire for all your air conditioning servicing needs. We are fluent in many aircraft cooling systems utilizing R134 Refrigerant. R12 Refrigerant service available upon request. Please call ahead.

Wipaire service utilizes the Power Systems CA-1550 Battery charger/analyzer to properly service Gill and Concorde batteries. Each manufacturer has their own requirements for not only initial servicing, but recurring capacity checks. This equipment allows us to properly perform these required checks. Visit Gill Batteries and Concorde Battery for the latest service information and instructions for continued airworthiness.

CONCORDE BATTERIES

Capacity Check Requirements

Piston:

    • Initial: 24 Months/600 HRS
    • Recurring: 12 months/200HRS

Turbine

    • Initial: 12 Months/600 HRS
    • Recurring: 3 Months/300 HRS

GILL BATTERIES

Capacity Check Requirements

Initial: 12 Months/800 HRS

Recurring: 6 months/400 HRS

Wipaire has the experience and capability to perform large airframe recovery, making it easy to completely recover and rebuild your aircraft, even beyond its original beauty. The equipment at Wipaire includes professionally-designed airframe alignment fixtures for the repair of major airframe damage. Other services include DER approved structural repairs and modifications, as well as insurance quotes and inspections.

Wipaire services can provide quality Cessna 208/208B landing gear inspections in accordance with Cessna CPCP and 208 service manual. We can disassemble, clean, inspect, replace damaged parts, paint, reassemble and ship in a timely manner. We can provide FAA form 8130-3 as well as a life limited status report for all life limited parts. Wipaire has invested in quality tooling to provide these services to keep you in the air.

Float Component Repair

Years of service can leave your axles in rough shape with corrosion, damage to seal areas or bad threads. Wipaire services can remove your axles from your drag link assemblies and install new axles, saving you thousands of dollars over replacements. All assemblies are returned with Yellow tags, log entries, and FAA Form 8130-3 documents.

Shock struts on Wipline Floats are required to be removed, disassembled, cleaned, and serviced with proper fluid per Wipline Service manuals. (See float model specific schedules below) All seals, scrapers, and O rings are replaced and new fresh MIL-H-5606 Fluid added. Wipaire can perform your shock strut servicing to coincide with your float inspection for minimal down time. All assemblies are returned with Yellow tags, log entries, and FAA form 8130-3 documents.

Wipaire is your Authorized Service Center for Lycoming Engines. In fact, we are the 6th service center approved in the United States. As an Authorized Service Center, Wipaire will be trained to perform repairs and maintenance on Lycoming’s new iE2 Integrated Electronic Series engines as well as the new IO-233-LSA Light Sport Engine. Wipaire is excited to be part of this great partnership and looks forward to the future of Lycoming power.

All Wipline Float powerpacks require cleaning of hydraulic reservoirs every 100 hours per Wipaire service manuals. They are a catch point for moisture, mold, dirt and debris. If you require additional repairs to your hydraulic powerpack assembly, Wipaire float experts can perform repairs quickly to keep you in the air. We can perform this during the off season or to coincide with your float inspection for minimal down time. All powerpack assemblies are thoroughly inspected, repaired as required and returned with Yellow tags, log entries, and FAA form 8130-3 documents.

Years of service can leave your axles in rough shape with corrosion, damage to seal areas or bad threads. Wipaire services can remove your axles from your drag link assemblies and install new axles, saving you thousands of dollars over replacements. All assemblies are returned with Yellow tags, log entries, and FAA Form 8130-3 documents.

Shock struts on Wipline Floats are required to be removed, disassembled, cleaned, and serviced with proper fluid per Wipline Service manuals. (See float model specific schedules below) All seals, scrapers, and O rings are replaced and new fresh MIL-H-5606 Fluid added. Wipaire can perform your shock strut servicing to coincide with your float inspection for minimal down time. All assemblies are returned with Yellow tags, log entries, and FAA form 8130-3 documents.

Hard landings, age and over gross wt. operations can damage your shock strut bushings. Let Wipaire service safely and quickly replace your bushings to minimize down time and keep you in the air. We will also check for compliance with all the latest service letters issued against these components.

All Wipline Float powerpacks require cleaning of hydraulic reservoirs every 100 hours per Wipaire service manuals. They are a catch point for moisture, mold, dirt and debris. If you require additional repairs to your hydraulic powerpack assembly, Wipaire float experts can perform repairs quickly to keep you in the air. We can perform this during the off season or to coincide with your float inspection for minimal down time. All powerpack assemblies are thoroughly inspected, repaired as required and returned with Yellow tags, log entries, and FAA form 8130-3 documents.

Modification Installation

In addition to Wipaire Modifications our maintenance department is able to install many 3rd party modifications to help you improve your aircraft. Select a topic below to learn more about some of these services.

Partners

  • Cessna Authorized Service Facility
  • Viking Factory Endorsed Service Centre
  • Lycoming Authorized Service Center
  • Ice Shield Installation Center
  • Wing-X STOL Distributor & Installation Center
  • LoPresti Speed Merchants Dealer & Installation Center
  • TimeTrac Dealer & Installation Center
  • Flint Aero Inc. Distributor & Installation Center
  • CorrosionX Treatment Center

Coordinated Services

Minimizing AOG time with a coordinated service experience and one-stop nose to tail repair, refurbishment and modifications.

  • Simplified Coordination of Services
  • Comprehensive Facilites
  • Maintenance, Paint, Interiors & Avionics in One Location
  • Ferry Service Available
  • Reputation for Quality and Convenience

Avionics

Installation, Upgrades & Repairs

Interiors

Custom Interiors, Repairs & Refurbishment

Paint

Strip & Refinish, Float Matching & Repairs

Avionics

Interiors

Paint

Ready to Get Started?

Provide some basic information on what services you are interested in and we will get in touch!

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FBO Services

View Services Pricing | View Storage Pricing | Additional Services

Offering fueling, detailing, aircraft storage, crew cars, car service and hotel arrangements, FBO Services will make your (and your aircraft’s) visit to Wipaire a convenient and professional experience. 

Line Service Hours:

Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 7:30am – 4:00pm

For more information, please contact Wipaire:
Phone: 651-451-1205

Contact Us
Ask a Question or Request a Quote

FBO Services Pricing

Full Service FuelingJet A/100LL/Premium$.60 per Gal
Crew CarsComplimentary With Other Wipaire Services$25.00/Night
Misc. Aircraft MoveComplimentary With Other Wipaire Services$20.00
GPU/Battery CartComplimentary With Other Wipaire Services$20.00

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Long Term Storage Pricing

Heated Indoor Storage (as available)
Small and Medium AircraftCubs, Huskies, Cessna 150-206,350-400, etc.$75 per Night
Larger AircraftTurbo prop, Twin engine, etc.$125 per Night
Float Storage
Large Floats6100-8750$200 per Month
Small Floats2100-4000$150 per Month

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Additional Services

Complimentary Services

  • Courtesy Shuttle to MSP / Hotels
  • Wi-Fi
  • Crew Cars

Facilities

  • Conference room
  • Flight planning/weather
  • Lake and Air® pilot shop – Visit the online shop at www.lakeandair.com
  • Access to world class maintenance, avionics, interiors and paint
  • Key keeping services for on-field customers. (Hangars & Aircraft)

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