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Quest Aircraft Company is pleased to announce that it has received FAA approval for an increase of 565 lbs to the maximum landing weight of the KODIAK. With the increase, the landing weight is now 7,255 lbs, same as the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight.
“We continue to enhance the performance parameters of the KODIAK as well as working on modifications and upgrades that customers have told us they are most interested in,” said Sam Hill, president and CEO. “The increase in the landing weight allows us to maximize the gross weight of the airplane and gives operators increased flexibility, especially in terms of carrying extra fuel. This will be a significant benefit for those flying to remote regions, as well as allowing owners to take advantage of the better fuel prices that are often available at their home airports or other locations.”
The increased landing weight upgrade is now standard on all new KODIAKs coming off the production line. It is available as an option for KODIAKs already in the field, and no structural upgrade is required. A service notice has been sent to all KODIAK owners, and more information is available at the Quest website.
“The increased landing weight is just one of the enhancements we have been working on,” Hill continued. “We have made significant progress on the Summit Executive Interior, and are expecting to receive FAA certification by the second quarter.” Other recent enhancements to the KODIAK include redesigned exterior lighting, fuel flow transducer upgrade, and an extension in the airframe fatigue life to 10,000 hours.
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.
Quest has seen strong market acceptance in key market segments around the world, including personal use, Part 135 operations, government, and humanitarian organizations. The KODIAK is certified in 16 countries, with several additional certifications imminent.
