Aerocet
Aerocet Inc. is a privately held Idaho-based manufacturer of composite and carbon fiber aircraft floats and cargo pods, serving commercial seaplane operators, mission aviation groups, and sport pilots using Cub Crafters, Daher Kodiak 100, Cessna, De Havilland, and Piper airframes via a North American dealer network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersPriest River, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Aerocet does
Aerocet Inc. is a privately held, founder-owned manufacturer based in Priest River, Idaho, that designs, engineers, and hand-builds composite aircraft floats for the general aviation seaplane market. Founded approximately 30 years ago by CEO Tom Hamilton, the company pioneered the first commercially successful composite aircraft float and today holds a self-described #1 position in the composite float segment. Its product line spans seven float models — the amphibious 1500 (Carbon Cub / Sport Cub), 3400 (Cessna 180/185/206, Bush Hawk, Waco), and 6650 (Daher Kodiak 100), plus straight-float variants 2200 (Piper PA-18 / Cessna 170/172), 3500L (Cessna 180/185/206), 5850 (De Havilland DHC-2 Mk I Beaver), and 6750 (Daher Kodiak 100) — supplemented by the Cessna 206 Cargo Pod accessory.
Core technology centers on rivet-free composite and carbon fiber construction with watertight compartments (six to nine per float), double-fluted hulls for hydrodynamics, replaceable aluminum wear strips, and — on amphibious models — hydraulic retract systems with gear advisory, oleo shock absorption, and pressure-adjustable landing gear. The company sells exclusively through a quote-based pricing model, distributing via a regional North American dealer network (West Coast, Central US & Canada, West Canada, East Coast, Alaska, Quebec) alongside direct factory sales and dedicated parts/service channels. Customers are commercial seaplane operators, mission aviation organizations serving remote regions, sport/adventure pilots, and utility/freight operators using certified airframes from Cub Crafters, Daher, Cessna, De Havilland, and Piper.
Aerocet generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales of float sets and the cargo pod, with a recurring parts and service stream supported by an extensive documentation library (maintenance manuals, service letters, flight manual supplements). The firm is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, M&A activity, or external investors, and is operated by a long-tenured team in a single Priest River manufacturing facility.
Aerocet firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Aerocet
- Legal name
- Aerocet Inc.
- Website
- https://aerocet.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Aerocet Inc. is a privately held Idaho-based manufacturer of composite and carbon fiber aircraft floats and cargo pods, serving commercial seaplane operators, mission aviation groups, and sport pilots using Cub Crafters, Daher Kodiak 100, Cessna, De Havilland, and Piper airframes via a North American dealer network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Aerocet industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aviation Floats (Aircraft Seaplane Floats)
- NAICS
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)
- SIC
- Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Composite Structures & Layup Manufacturing (IMABAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Structural Assemblies & Integration (Airframe Subassemblies) (IMABAEAD)
Keywords
Where Aerocet is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Priest River
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Aerocet business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Aircraft Float Sales: Aerocet generates revenue primarily through the manufacture and sale of composite aircraft floats for various aircraft models including Cub Crafters, Piper, Cessna, De Havilland Beaver, and Daher Kodiak 100.
- Cargo Pod Sales: Sale of composite cargo pods for Cessna 206 aircraft, providing additional storage capacity with minimal impact on aircraft performance.
- Parts & Service: Sales of replacement parts and service support for all Aerocet float models through [email protected] and [email protected] contacts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Quote-based pricing - Contact for details |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels9 records
Marketing channels5 records
Aerocet product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Aerocet designs, engineers, and hand-builds composite and carbon fiber aircraft floats (amphibious and straight) for specific airframes including Cub Crafters Carbon Cub/Sport Cub, Piper PA-18 Super Cub, Cessna 170/172/180/185/206, De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, and Daher Kodiak 100. The company also sells supporting accessories such as the Cessna 206 composite cargo pod and provides replacement parts and service support for the entire float installed base, supplying customers worldwide primarily through regional dealers and direct factory sales.
Product overview
Aerocet manufactures a comprehensive line of aircraft floats for general aviation, commercial seaplane operators, and mission aviation applications. The product portfolio includes amphibious floats (1500, 3400, 6650) with retractable landing gear and straight floats (2200, 3500L, 5850, 6750) for various aircraft platforms. The flagship offerings utilize advanced composite and carbon fiber construction technology. Supporting the float lineup is the Cessna 206 Cargo Pod, an accessory that increases payload capacity. All products are hand-crafted at their facility in Priest River, Idaho, and are designed for compatibility with specific aircraft models including Cub Crafters Carbon Cub/Sport Cub, Piper PA-18 Super Cub, Cessna 180/185/206 series, De Havilland Beaver DHC-2, and Daher Kodiak 100.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Aerocet 1500 Amphibious Float Lightweight carbon fiber amphibious float designed for Cub Crafters Carbon Cub and Sport Cub (CC11) aircraft, providing 1,550 lb buoyancy, an oleo shock landing system, six watertight compartments, and 281 lb installed weight per float set for adventure and recreational seaplane flying.
- Aerocet 2200 Straight Float Composite straight float for Piper PA-18 Super Cub, Cessna 170A & B, and Cessna 172 aircraft, featuring a double-fluted hull design, 2,230 lb buoyancy, and 2,478 lb maximum flotation.
- Aerocet 3400 Amphibious Float Amphibious float for Cessna 180/185, Cessna 206 series, Bush Hawk, and Waco aircraft, featuring a hydraulic retract system with gear advisory, 3,397 lb buoyancy, and 3,775 lb maximum flotation for versatile land-water operations.
- Aerocet 3500L Straight Float Composite straight float for Cessna 180/185 and Cessna 206 series aircraft with a double-fluted hull, 3,515 lb buoyancy, and six watertight compartments with integrated storage lockers.
- Aerocet 5850 Straight Float Composite straight float specifically designed for the De Havilland DHC-2 Mk I piston Beaver, featuring double-fluted hull construction, 5,850 lb buoyancy, six watertight compartments, and two storage lockers per float for bush and utility operations.
- Aerocet 6650 Amphibious Float Amphibious float for the Daher Kodiak 100 with carbon fiber construction, hydraulic retract system with gear advisory, 6,666 lb buoyancy, and nine watertight compartments with six storage lockers for utility and passenger-class seaplane operations.
- Aerocet 6750 Straight Float Composite straight float for the Daher Kodiak 100 with 6,750 lb buoyancy, 7,500 lb maximum flotation, six storage lockers, and stout attach fittings supporting increased gross weight capability for utility and cargo operations.
- Cessna 206 Cargo Pod Composite cargo pod accessory for the Cessna 206H that adds 300 lb of payload capacity, features an aerodynamic shape with a forward access door and Juneau White UV-resistant gelcoat finish, and minimizes impact on aircraft performance for mission and utility operators.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1550 lb buoyancy for 1500 model
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Aerocet
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Aerocet technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Aerocet partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered regional.
- Ace AviationregionalWest Coast dealer for Aerocet aircraft floats. One of the most experienced and trustworthy professionals in the seaplane industry, with attention to detail and understanding of client needs and safety requirements.
- Seaplanes NorthregionalWest Coast dealer for Aerocet aircraft floats. Part of the trusted dealer network with focus on safety and dependability for flying aircraft.
- Park Rapids AviationregionalCentral US & Canada dealer for Aerocet aircraft floats. Regional dealer providing sales and support for the central North American market.
- Seaplanes West (Acorn Welding)regionalWest Canada dealer for Aerocet aircraft floats, operating under Acorn Welding. Provides coverage for the western Canadian seaplane market.
- Acadian SeaplanesregionalEast Coast dealer for Aerocet aircraft floats. Serving the eastern North American seaplane market with experienced professionals.
- Alaska Aircraft SalesregionalAlaska dealer for Aerocet aircraft floats. Serving the important Alaska market with its extensive seaplane operations and lakes/rivers access.
- Northland Aviation FairbanksregionalAlaska dealer for Aerocet aircraft floats, specializing in the Fairbanks region and interior Alaska operations.
- Bel Air AviationregionalQuebec dealer for Aerocet aircraft floats. Serving the Quebec region of Canada with local seaplane expertise.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Aerocet competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Textron Aviation (Cessna): Cessna manufactures the 170/172/180/185/206 aircraft platforms supported by multiple Aerocet float models. It is a key OEM whose fleet drives float demand and an industry incumbent in general aviation.
- Cub Crafters: Cub Crafters is the manufacturer of the Carbon Cub and Sport Cub aircraft for which Aerocet designs the 1500 float. It is a strategic OEM customer and adjacent participant in the STOL/backcountry aircraft market.
- Piper Aircraft: Piper produces the PA-18 Super Cub, a platform Aerocet equips with its 2200 float. It is a major general aviation OEM and adjacent incumbent in the light aircraft market.
- De Havilland Canada: De Havilland Canada is the manufacturer of the DHC-2 Beaver, the platform Aerocet's 5850 floats are designed around. It is a heritage bush/utility aircraft OEM and a strategic Aerocet customer base.
- Daher: Daher manufactures the Kodiak 100 aircraft that Aerocet serves with the 6650 amphibious and 6750 straight floats. Daher is a strategic OEM customer and adjacent aerospace participant in utility turboprop aircraft.
Direct peers
- Edo Floats: Edo Floats is a historic aircraft float manufacturer with deep legacy in seaplane floats for utility and general aviation. It directly competes with Aerocet across similar aircraft platforms and customer segments.
- Wipaire: Wipaire is the leading direct competitor to Aerocet in the amphibious and straight aircraft float market, producing composite and aluminum floats for similar Cessna, Piper, and De Havilland platforms. It is the closest comparable by product category, customer base, and go-to-market.
Emerging players
- Zenith Aircraft: Zenith Aircraft manufactures STOL and light sport aircraft popular in the bush/floatplane community, often paired with aftermarket floats. It is an emerging participant in the same end-user ecosystem Aerocet serves.
- Zenair: Zenair designs and sells the STOL CH 750 and related light aircraft, commonly equipped with floats for seaplane operations. It overlaps with Aerocet's customer base in the recreational/amateur-built floatplane segment.
Regional players
- Airframes Unlimited: Airframes Unlimited performs float-equipped aircraft modifications and STC work in the Alaska/bush aviation market, often interfacing with Aerocet and competing float brands. It is a regional aftermarket and installation peer.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Aerocet social profiles
Digital presenceAerocet financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Aerocet leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Aerocet funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Aerocet M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Aerocet
What does Aerocet do?
Aerocet designs, engineers, and hand-builds composite and carbon fiber aircraft floats (amphibious and straight) for specific airframes including Cub Crafters Carbon Cub/Sport Cub, Piper PA-18 Super Cub, Cessna 170/172/180/185/206, De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, and Daher Kodiak 100. The company also sells supporting accessories such as the Cessna 206 composite cargo pod and provides replacement parts and service support for the entire float installed base, supplying customers worldwide primarily through regional dealers and direct factory sales.
Is Aerocet a public or private company?
Aerocet is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Aerocet founded?
Aerocet was founded in 1994. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Aerocet based?
Aerocet is headquartered in Priest River, United States, in the North America region.
How does Aerocet make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Aircraft Float Sales are the primary driver. The others are cargo Pod Sales and parts & Service.
Who are Aerocet's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Textron Aviation (Cessna), Cub Crafters, Piper Aircraft, De Havilland Canada and Daher. Direct peers are Edo Floats and Wipaire. Emerging players are Zenith Aircraft and Zenair. Airframes Unlimited is listed as a regional player.
Does Aerocet have an API?
No public API is recorded for Aerocet.
What industry is Aerocet in?
Aerocet's product category is Aviation Floats (Aircraft Seaplane Floats). Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAEAB, Composite Structures & Layup Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMABAEAD, Structural Assemblies & Integration (Airframe Subassemblies). Its NAICS code is 336413 and its SIC code is 3728.