Quest Kodiak

Single Turboprop· 170 globally registered

The Quest Kodiak 100 is a rugged single-engine turboprop utility aircraft purpose-built for short-field operations in remote and austere environments. Designed by Idaho-based Quest Aircraft Company and first flown in 2004, the Kodiak was conceived specifically for missionary aviation organizations operating in places like Papua New Guinea, Alaska, and sub-Saharan Africa where paved runways are rare and payload capacity is critical. Its unpressurized cabin seats up to ten occupants, and the aircraft can operate from grass strips as short as 1,000 feet while carrying substantial cargo—a capability that has made it indispensable for humanitarian relief, medical evacuation, and backcountry supply missions. Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turbine engine producing 750 shaft horsepower, the Kodiak combines the reliability of turboprop power with the simplicity of a high-wing, fixed-gear design. Its robust landing gear, large tires, and exceptional slow-flight handling allow operations from unimproved surfaces that would ground most comparable aircraft. The type has found favor not only with mission organizations but also with skydiving operators, air charter services, and government agencies requiring a go-anywhere workhorse. With a maximum cruise speed around 175 knots and a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, the Kodiak strikes a practical balance between performance and operating economy for operators who prioritize versatility over speed. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with routes observed.