KODIAK Production Ramping Up After Tough Times
Following a few tribulations along the way, Quest Aircraft says
that it is now moving forward on several fronts, including
increased production rates for the KODIAK. Earlier this year, a
recapitalization along with new funding from investors enabled the
company to expand and invest in a few key areas, including
production increases at its Sandpoint facility.
Quest's long term corporate strategy is focused on global growth
and expansion. The recent financing transaction allows for a more
aggressive pursuit of this strategy. Quest is positioning itself to
take advantage of the opportunities that are emerging as the global
aviation market continues to improve. The development of a more
expansive domestic and international sales network coupled with
additional Authorized Service Center operations will enable Quest
to grow along with increased market demand.
The company's executive leadership is also transitioning. Paul
Schaller, who has been Quest's Chief Executive Officer, is leaving
that position and will now serve as a consultant to the company.
Ron Wright, Director of Operations, will continue to oversee the
production facility in Sandpoint. Several new positions have also
been created. Steve Zinda has been named Director, Sales and
Marketing and Paul Duff is Director, Procurement. Both bring
substantial aviation and industry experience to Quest. Zinda and
Duff are based in Wichita, KS, where the company plans to locate
several key management positions.
Quest began customer deliveries of the KODIAK in late 2007, and
it has since been deployed in more than 10 countries around the
world in a variety of applications. KODIAKs are in service with
charter operators, small businesses, personal owners, skydiving
operations, U.S. and international governments, and humanitarian
organizations. This past summer, Quest delivered nine
float-equipped KODIAKs to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and
most recently to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
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.