Business & GA

Quest Aircraft's first production Kodiak single-engined turboprop made its maiden flight on 16 March and is advancing towards US certification early in the second quarter.

The utility aircraft "performed as planned and met all specifications" during its 45min flight, says Sandpoint, Idaho-based Quest.

The first customer Kodiak, serial number 002, is scheduled to roll off the production line shortly after certification.

"Orders have exceeded expectations," says Quest, which has a three-year backlog for the $1.3 million, 10-seat aircraft targeted at owner flyers, charter operators and humanitarian organisations. The company is largely funded by missionary aviation groups, which have provided financing in return for receiving aircraft at cost.