Float-Equipped Aircraft Will Support Variety of Missions
March 30, 2011, Sandpoint, ID...Quest Aircraft Company (Sun 'n Fun Booth #MD-32) has delivered a KODIAK to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The delivery took place yesterday in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the KODIAK will enter service immediately. The airplane is equipped with amphibious floats, making it extremely versatile for landing on all surfaces.
"The RCMP has extensive experience operating aircraft in remote locations and under challenging conditions," said Paul Schaller, Quest President and CEO. "The fact that they selected the KODIAK as a key addition to their fleet is a testament to the capabilities and the rugged reliability inherent in the aircraft."
The RCMP will use the KODIAK for aerial surveillance, border monitoring, general police work, and rescue support. The aircraft is equipped with a roll-up door in addition to the standard cargo door, allowing the RCMP to easily drop supplies and equipment in both routine and emergency operations. The aircraft is also outfitted with an air-to-ground communication system.
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, has the ability to land and take off from unimproved surfaces and is capable of working off floats without structural upgrades. 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 including Synthetic Vision Technology is standard equipment on the KODIAK.
Since beginning customer deliveries in late 2007 the KODIAK has since been deployed in more than 10 countries around the world. KODIAKs are in service with charter operators, small businesses, personal owners, skydiving operations, U.S. and international governments, and humanitarian organizations. In 2010, Quest delivered nine float-equipped KODIAKs to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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, the company was established in 2001 and began deliveries of the KODIAK in December 2007.
Media Contact: Julie Stone
Office: (912) 898-8673 ▪ Mobile: (912) 398-0498
jstone@questaircraft.com