Certification Process Nearing Final Approval
July 26, 2010, Oshkosh, WI...Quest Aircraft Company has completed all flight testing and structural testing on the KODIAK’s Ice Protection System (IPS) and is awaiting operational certification. The system, known as TKS / Weeping Wing, is manufactured by CAV Aerospace, widely recognized as the most effective ice protection available for today's General Aviation aircraft for flight-into-known-icing (FIKI).
“Since receiving our type certification in 2007, we have continued to work on enhancements and improvements to the KODIAK,” stated Paul Schaller, Quest Aircraft’s President and CEO. “Ice protection is an option that will enhance the KODIAK’s safety and dispatch reliability, and one that many of our customers have been looking forward to having available to them.”
IPS can be retrofitted to existing KODIAKs or installed new during production. The system does not require additional external fittings such as a cargo pod but rather fits to the standard airframe. It will protect wing leading edges, vertical tail, horizontal tail, landing gear, struts, propeller and windshield. The robust system also meets flight-into-known-icing requirements (FIKI).
“All of our testing has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the KODIAK IPS,” Schaller added. “This proven technology sets the highest standard for ice protection and reflects the versatility characteristics inherent in the KODIAK.”
The KODIAK’s rugged aluminum construction combines superior STOL performance and high useful load. It offers proven turbine reliability with the Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine, is capable of working off floats without structural upgrades and has the ability to land on unimproved surfaces. The KODIAK can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross takeoff weight of 7,255 lbs and climb at over 1,300 feet per minute. A 3-panel Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite is standard equipment on the KODIAK. Quest also offers Synthetic Vision Technology for the G1000.
Quest Aircraft Company, LLC is the manufacturer of the KODIAK, a 10-place single engine turboprop utility airplane, designed for STOL use and float capability. Headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho, Quest was established in 2001 and employs 215 skilled personnel. Quest has seen strong market acceptance in key market segments, including personal use, Part 135 operations, government, and humanitarian organizations The Company began customer deliveries of the KODIAK in December 2007.
Media Contact: Julie Stone
Office: (912) 898-8673 ▪ Mobile: (912) 398-0498
jstone@questaircraft.com