Aero consulting Services built a float kit for the 182. Based in Manitoba Canada originally. The company has been purchased and does not like to return phone calls or answer questions. I have found zero info on this float kit. There are a few with this kit running around the state. There are some obvious external differences compared to the seaplanes west kit.

Anyone have experience with these?

I think this is the red lake aero kit, which is not stc'd anymore. Eddie peck (edo float re-builder) looked at buying the product but I think backed out.
Twitchells sea plane base in maine has a few 182's with the kit and they work great. Kit was priced as it should be as well, at like 4-5k.
Not much different then a 180 kit minus where the pork chops mount.

jake

For years I've read about "pork chops" with regards to float planes, and never knew what it was. I asked a floatplane pilot I know about it, and he'd never heard of it. Then again, he's not a real hands-on type. So can someone tell me what a pork chop is, and/or better yet post a photo? Thanks.

Porkchops go in place of the gear leg for attaching floats.

Now I know, thanks. Is the part that adapts from gear attach to float fitting attach for other make airplanes also called a porkchop?

PAMR MX wrote:Porkchops go in place of the gear leg for attaching floats.

Wow! Those babies are hammered! What's the extra hole for there?

hotrod180 wrote:Now I know, thanks. Is the part that adapts from gear attach to float fitting attach for other make airplanes also called a porkchop?

It's a convertible term, on some airplanes they're referred to as a "spud".

Conversely, the porkchop on a deHavilland Beaver is a permanently installed fitting which excepts both the lower end of the wing strut and the main bolt for either the landing gear or forward float strut and flying wire.

Halestorm. The extra hole is for one of the brace wires. On one side, one of the bolts for the strut is an eye bolt that the wires attach to. On the other, they attach to that extra hole. This provides enough distance between the two brace wires where they intersect that they (shouldn't) don't rub. They come very close, so sometimes you'll find a bit of tubing separating them, or they'll be separated with a big of tubing, then lashed together to limit movement.

Hmmm, every Cessna I've put on floats that eyebolt for the flying wire was the same one that holds the top of the strut on the porkchop. Never seen more than a total of 2 holes, is that third hole a 182 thing? I've only done 180/185, 206, and 172.

You know you're an ace if you remember to slide the piece of hose on the flying wire before you install it, use lots of grease!

I'll get some photos.

This is from awhile back, but I am trying to find info on the original subject of the post re: the ACS float kit. I am considering importing a 182 from Canada with the kit installed but need to make sure the STC is legal. Thanks.

This is from awhile back, but I am trying to find info on the original subject of the post re: the ACS float kit. I am considering importing a 182 from Canada with the kit installed but need to make sure the STC is legal. Thanks..

Since I can't answer your question directly and in keeping with the spirit of the Internet I'll offer some unsolicited advice. Unless you are going to do the airworthiness conformity yourself you might want to hire a DAR.
Locally here in Washington is a DAR named bill andreychuk who specializes in old seaplane conformity inspections, he does all our imports for Kenmore airplanes, shoot me a PM if you would like his contact info. Even if you don't hire him he might be able to answer your question.

That STC was approved in the US. If it's orphaned now, you still should be able to get it approved. As halestorm suggested, talk to a DAR who knows floats.

MTV

I was never able to reach the current STC holder. I decided to sell my 182 and buy a 180 with a float kit rather then convert my 182.

It has already been said but if the airplane has the proper paperwork for the STC it shouldn't be an import issue.

I have looked at a few airplanes with the ACS float kit around Lake Hood. I have only found two. The doublers are smaller then the Seaplanes West conversion. The float fittings are a little more light duty. It does not include a firewall beef up plate other then some internal doublers.
I dont think there is anything wrong with those "issues" if your not going to be abusing the airplane in big waves.

Good luck.

Is this STC the one that uses a single front strut mount off the nose gear fittings?

I asked about this kit and was cautioned that it isn’t particularly robust for rough water, or if you have a bit of a rough landing.

The struts will be specific to the floats and the airplane. Are you buying the airplane with the floats, or planning to aquire floats separately?

Pinecone wrote:Is this STC the one that uses a single front strut mount off the nose gear fittings?

No it attaches similar to all Cessna 182, 172 float kits.

Here are some photos of an ACS kit for whatever.

I met a fellow pilot from R.I recently having breakfast at Katama grass strip on Martha's Vineyard that had a 182 on anfibs. Very nice setup.

A fellow I knew in Alaska had one of these on EDO 2870 floats. Plane seemed to work fine. I'm pretty sure it was significantly overloaded at times, but seemed to perform okay. He's gone now, and I have no idea where the plane is, but he put a fair number of hours on the thing.

MTV

There's a C-182 in Fairbanks, AK. on 2870's that's for sale. Nice plane that I've ridden in a couple of times. Not sure of the details but the owner installed the float kit and restored the floats. If more pics are needed I can post them or connect to the owner who lives in New Mexico.

Gary