KODIAK s/n 1 on display at the Alaska State Aviation Trade Show
May 13, 2005, Anchorage, AK...Quest Aircraft's KODIAK makes its official worldwide debut today at a press conference prior to the opening of the Alaska State Aviation Trade Show. The KODIAK, which has logged more than 100 hours toward FAA certification, was flown to Anchorage from Quest's design and production headquarters in Sandpoint, Idaho. Today marks the first day the company is taking orders for the aircraft from the public. Base price for the KODIAK is $1,111,000.
"We have been extremely pleased with the performance of the KODIAK so far in flight test,” stated Paul Schaller, President and CEO. “All the performance numbers are coming in as expected and we're pleased to share them with prospective customers, press and the public here in Alaska and on our web site.”
The KODIAK's rugged aluminum construction combines superior STOL performance and high useful load. It offers proven turbine reliability with the Pratt & Whitney PT6 750 shp turbine engine, and has the ability to land on unimproved surfaces. The creative wing design allows the KODIAK to take off in under 700 feet at full gross takeoff weight of 6750 lbs with a useful load of 3450 lbs and climb at over 1700 feet per minute.
“We decided to debut the KODIAK in Alaska near its namesake location because the aircraft is well-designed for the way Alaskan operators fly and as the new generation of back country aircraft, it updates the venerable Beaver and Otter which have proven to be so useful here,” Schaller continued. “The STOL wing gives the aircraft good handling qualities in a wide variety of conditions and the robust landing gear allows the KODIAK to easily handle unimproved airstrips. And it is designed for floats and amphibs.“
Quest Aircraft has its origins in the humanitarian and mission aviation market where rugged design for highly reliable remote operations is essential. Quest has a long term commitment to this market. The mission for which the aircraft was developed is reflected in the values and purpose of the company and its personnel.
The KODIAK will return to Sandpoint to continue the flight test program with stops in Juneau and Ketchikan. Certification is well underway and planned for completion in early 2006, with customer deliveries immediately following. Work is nearing completion on the 57,000 square foot expansion to Quest's Sandpoint facility that will house the KODIAK production line.
Quest Aircraft, LLC is the manufacturer of the KODIAK, a 10-place single engine turboprop utility airplane, designed to be float capable. Headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho, Quest was established in 2001, and currently employs more than 50 skilled personnel.
Media Contact: Julie Stone
Office: (912) 898-8673 ▪ Mobile: (912) 398-0498
jstone@questaircraft.com