New factory opens to build Kodiak outback special

RARE but terrific news: a new aircraft factory opened last month. Quest Aircraft is developing the Kodiak, a ten-place single engine turboprop utility aircraft for use in bush and outback terrain.

The new factory at Sandpoint, Idaho will build the Kodiak which can operate on fl oats as well as wheels. The aircraft has just celebrated the anniversary of its first flight and during the past year, the Kodiak has logged more than 250 hours flight testing towards FAA certification. At the opening, Quest chief exec Paul Schaller said: “The last 12 months have seen a number of remarkable milestones including first flight, our public debut at the Alaska State Aviation Trade Show, worldwide exposure at EAA AirVenture, initial acceptance of customer deposits, and now the imminent start up of KODIAK production.”

More than 50 skilled personnel are employed by Quest, which already has orders for the first year’s production. The aircraft’s main markets are Alaska and remote areas where the only way of bringing in humanitarian relief is by air. Much of Quest’s startup funding has come from organisations working in such trouble spots. Photos show the Kodiak undergoing flight tests in the rugged - wild! – terrain of the Selkirk Mountains of Idaho. The allmetal Kodiak, powered by a 750hp P&W PT6A, is designed to carry a 3450lb payload, cruise at 190kt, and land and takeoff from a 750ft strip. W: www.questaircraft.com