Page 13 - Twin and Turbine September 2017

Throughout our walk around, a theme emerges. I continually hear words like “overbuilt,” “rugged” and “robust.” Mark highlights the design features that make the Kodiak unique in its class, the wing, flap tracks, landing gear, and fuselage to name a few.
“The wing design is what really makes it stand apart from any other airplane,” said Brown. “No other Part 23 airplane has this same patented design.”
To increase safety and controllability during low and slow f light, the designers at Quest patented a “discontinuous leading edge” design, placing a break directly where the aileron begins. So, if the Kodiak were to stall, the pilot still has full aileron control, significantly reducing the chance of a spin. Mark demonstrated this unique feature during our flight (providing fair warning to our passengers prior to). Sure enough, the airplane continued to respond to Mark’s directional control despite stall conditions, a scenario completely new to me.
Jumping Inside
The Kodiak can seat up to 10, with eight in the back and two upfront. Quest offers three interior options, starting with the utilitarian Tundra, and then the increasingly outfitted Timberline and Summit interiors. The aircraft I flew in was equipped with the Timberline interior, configured with five roomy seats in the passenger area. Passengers can also find accessible USB ports, cup holders, reading lights and storage pockets.
“We get numerous comments about the room in the back,” said Young. “For longer trips especially, it’s a huge bonus for families. Kids have plenty of room to spread out and entertain themselves.”
Moving into the cockpit, the standard-equipped Kodiak features a G1000 avionics suite, arranged in a simple and familiar layout to those accustomed to Garmin glass. With a loaded standard panel, the option list is minimal. But customers have the option to order XM WX Satellite weather, weather radar, TCAS, Stormscope and Jeppesen-enabled Chartview. Though the aircraft is a single-pilot airplane, you’ll find a two-PFD suite that can be flown with a crew. A nice feature
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