Aero News Network, December 2nd, 2021: Daher’s Kodiak celebrated a milestone when it recently delivered the 300th plane, an important moment for the high-wing, turboprop workhorse. Introduced in 2007 as a STOL option for those needing reliable, capacious, hardy aircraft for remote missions, the Kodiak saw itself quickly pressed into service in humanitarian, medical, governmental, and special mission sectors. 

The Kodiak squared off with similar backwoods aircraft in offering an unimproved, dirt-strip performance takeoff distance of 1,000 feet, as well as a 1,000 nm range, performance metrics that obviated the need to choose between rotary aircraft and light jets. With a convertible, utilitarian interior, operators can quickly re-configure to suit passenger or cargo operations, as well as open up enough room for aerial ambulance service, skydiver delivery, or bulky survey equipment. The combination of a low stall speed, ultra-reliable PT6A-34 turboprop, spacious cargo door made the Kodiak a sweetheart for backcountry explorers needing a hardy, reliable adventure companion.

Daher’s purchase of the Quest Aircraft in 2019 saw some refinements come to the aircraft, improving the available avionics, safety features, cabin comfort, operational capability, and quality with the release of Series III. The Kodiak 100 has a larger tire size than ever before at 29 inches, as well as a higher landing weight of 7,255 lb. and a lower zero-fuel weight for increased payload. Those operators looking for a hard-working floatplane can look no further than the super lightweight carbon fiber floats, pitch latch propeller, and skin gap sealant. Since the acquisition, Daher has boosted the after purchase maintenance program into an all-inclusive 4-year span that covers scheduled maintenance up to the 4th annual inspection or 1,000 hours. Pratt & Whitney’s Gold-Level ESP, Garmin NavData, and CAMP Maintenance Tracking is also included.