Quest Aircraft has successfully flown its second Kodiak turboprop single, which is the first fully conforming production prototype. The aircraft launched last Friday from Quest’s facility at Sandpoint (Idaho) Municipal Airport and joins the initial Kodiak prototype that is engaged in FAA certification flight tests, the company said Tuesday. “With our second aircraft now flying, we’re entering the final flight-testing phase of the Kodiak and its systems under a variety of rigorous conditions,” said Quest CEO Paul Schaller. Changes from the first prototype include an environmental control system, oxygen for all seats and a new split cargo door with integrated steps. Several new interior options will also be introduced for production flight testing. The Kodiak is a 10-place single-engine turboprop utility airplane, with aluminum construction, STOL performance and a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. It’s designed to be float capable. The first customer aircraft is currently on the production line and expected to be rolled out in late spring. FAA certification is expected by this summer, and the company said it has a three-year backlog of orders in hand.
First Flight For Second Quest Kodiak
Key Takeaways:
- Quest Aircraft successfully flew its second Kodiak turboprop single, the first fully conforming production prototype, which joins the initial aircraft in FAA certification flight tests.
- This new prototype incorporates several enhancements, including an environmental control system, oxygen for all seats, a new split cargo door, and updated interior options.
- FAA certification for the 10-place utility aircraft and the rollout of the first customer aircraft are expected by this summer, with Quest Aircraft currently holding a three-year backlog of orders.
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