PRIEST RIVER, Idaho — Aerocet, Inc. has successfully completed the first flight trials with the Quest Kodiak on Aerocet model 6650 composite amphibious floats.
This is a “substantial milestone” towards certification of the floats, which are designed specifically for the Kodiak, which is manufactured by Quest Aircraft in Sandpoint, Idaho, Aerocet officials noted.
Flight testing by multiple pilots has proven the floats to be very stable on and off the water, company officials add.
“We have found no bad habits and are comfortable with all handling,” says Tom Hamilton, owner of Aerocet. “I personally have tried several bad operating techniques on the water with benign results. This is just what we were looking for. So far, in the aerodynamic testing, the stability of the plane is very close to the baseline performance without floats simply by application of stock dual ventral fins.”
According to Matt Sigfrinius, Aerocet’s general manager, the floats are significantly lighter with the use of carbon fiber, giving owners more useful load. They incorporate the Aerocet-patented oil bath wheels on both the main and nose wheels, virtually eliminating bearing maintenance, he noted. Each float has three large lockers for baggage.
Two big benefits of the composite construction are no leaking (due to rivet free hull construction) and reduced maintenance costs as the hulls never suffer corrosion issues, company officials note.
The prototype floats were installed on the Kodiak by Ace Aviation of Renton, Wash. Initial feedback from the FBO indicates that the Aerocet float kit is “incredible how it comes together, an uncomplicated and clean installation.”
The Kodiak being utilized in the flight program is leased from Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), which uses aircraft, sometimes equipped with Aerocet floats or cargo pods, for mission and philanthropy work in areas that are typically remote and hard to reach.
The MAF Kodiak and Aerocet amphibious floats will be on display at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, booth number 256.
For more information: Aerocet.com