Category | News and Articles

Charlie Wiplinger Named CEO of Wipaire

  • Charlie Wiplinger Named CEO effective January 1, 2020
  • Bob Wiplinger announces semi-retirement and becomes Chairman, effective January 1, 2020

South St. Paul, Minnesota, January 2020 – Wipaire announces Bob “Wip” Wiplinger has entered semi-retirement and his son, Charlie Wiplinger, is taking the helm as CEO. Bob served as President since 1979 when he purchased the company from his father and founder, Ben Wiplinger. He will continue to serve as Chairman of the company. Charlie has held the title of President since 2011 and will now be President & CEO.

“My son represents the third generation of leadership. He’s been here his whole life and I know the company will continue to grow under his guidance. But, don’t worry, I’ll still be here, focusing on engineering and offering advice to the next generation, whenever somebody with gray hair can be helpful.” said a smiling Bob Wiplinger.

Charlie’s first role at Wipaire began in Line Service at the age of 16. After college graduation in 2003, he worked as an engineer until assuming the role of Vice President of Services which he held until becoming President in 2011.

Wipaire Partners with SPA for Lifetime Membership Benefits

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 22, 2019– Wipaire announces partnership with Seaplane Pilots Association [SPA] to increase support of pro-seaplane initiatives through membership. “Beginning July 22, 2019, all new owners of Wipline floats will receive complimentary lifetime membership with Seaplane Pilots Association. This increases awareness and participation for our customers on the many benefits of joining SPA” said Chuck Wiplinger, third generation President of family owned Wipaire, Inc.

“SPA serves as the resource for seaplane pilot education which is helpful for new float owners. Through lifetime membership, they’ll receive discounts on insurance, access to safety seminars and be able to enjoy our events and splash-ins” said Steven McCaughey, Executive Director of SPA. “Our lifetime members provide support critical to our advocacy. This includes our efforts to maintain open waterways and work with government entities to create pro-seaplane legislation. Partnering with Wipaire for lifetime membership supports the mission of SPA: Protecting and Promoting Water Flying. We truly appreciate this exclusive benefit being included with the purchase of new Wipline floats.”

With Record Q1 Sales, Fire Boss Makes Australian Debut at Avalon Airshow

South St. Paul, Minnesota, February 26, 2019 – For the first time, the Fire Boss will be on display in Australia at the Avalon Airshow. “In the middle of a record quarter of sales within Australia, we are excited to exhibit at the Avalon Airshow” said Stephen Johnson, Global Director of Sales, “This is a show of support to our customers and an opportunity to promote the capabilities and successes of the Fire Boss. This season, Fire Boss operators have flown hundreds of hours fighting fires throughout Australia. Reinforcing the capabilities of the product, a sales record of three new Fire Boss have been confirmed sold to operators in Australia. This positions them to support fire suppression efforts across the Pacific Rim.”

Built from an Air Tractor 802F, the Fire Boss is an initial attack firefighting aircraft with scooping capability. Setting it apart from larger and more expensive alternatives, this aircraft can scoop water from nearby lakes and rivers. It also has proven dispatch reliability, increasing revenue for operators while saving lives and property. The Fire Boss on display at Booth #EW1 at Avalon Airshow is owned by Kennedy Air, based in New South Wales.