On Display To Alaska Airmen

Quest Aircraft's KODIAK made its official worldwide debut Friday at a press conference prior to the opening of the Alaska State Aviation Trade Show in Anchorage, Alaska. The 10-place single engine turboprop utility aircraft was flown to Alaska from the company's design and production facilities in Sandpoint, Idaho.

"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."

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. The rugged aluminum airplane uses a reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6 750 shp turbine engine to get motivated. And motivate it does, allowing the Kodiak to take off in under 700 feet and climb at over 1700 feet per minute.

The airframe can carry heavy loads, up to a full gross takeoff weight of 6750 lbs with a useful load of 3450 lbs. A creative wing design along with the powerful engine provides STOL performance off of unimproved surfaces.

"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 said. "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 a long-term commitment to the humanitarian and mission aviation market where rugged design for highly reliable remote operations is essential. The values and purpose of the company and its personnel reflect the mission for which the aircraft was developed.

The KODIAK will return to Sandpoint to continue the flight test program after stops in Juneau and Ketchikan. Certification is planned for completion in early 2006, with customer deliveries to commence shortly afterward.

A 57,000 square foot expansion to Quest's Sandpoint facility is nearing completion. It will house the KODIAK production line.

FMI: www.questaircraft.com