TTA Delivers with Effective, Efficient, Safe Solutions that Help Ensure the Safety and Airworthiness of Small Aircraft
In this ongoing series, Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA) shines a light on the many different aircraft types presently in service around the world. Join us as we explore the roles they play in the industries they serve and the challenges they may see in performing their important duties day-by-day, year-after-year, all across the globe. We also wish to underscore the key role that MROs like TTA play behind-the-scenes in providing overhaul, repair, and modification of engines and airframe accessory components that keep such aircraft flying properly, safely – and long into the future.
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Kodiak 100 Tackles Aerial Mapping, Wildfire Support, Medevac Services, Adventure Travel, and More
If there’s a “jack of all trades” that also can take off and land on short runways too, it’s the Kodiak 100. With a high-wing design, this unpressurized, single-engine turboprop has a fixed tricycle landing gear and is suitable for STOL operations from unimproved airfields.
“From the time of the first aircraft delivery in early 2008 to several design upgrades through the years, this aircraft has been an invaluable asset for a diverse group of customers,” says Stanley Kowlessar, president and general manager, Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), an experienced FAA/EASA Certified 145 Repair Station located in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
The Kodiak 100 has been an invaluable asset for a diverse group of customers.
For example, in the early days, the Kodiak 100 gained fame for its humanitarian and medevac missions. “Today, this workhorse aircraft still serves a vital mission – as an air ambulance for remote outposts across the globe,” Kowlessar adds. This aircraft is also invaluable in fighting the spread of wildfires as it provides air fire-suppression support. Kodiaks can fly both low and slow. So, for up to 10 hours, they can stay in the air monitoring a targeted area on the ground and sending back real-time updates.
Other top missions? The Kodiak is often tapped for aerial mapping, anti-poaching surveillance to protect wildlife or intelligence gathering. In addition, the aircraft can transport consumers eager for a fun afternoon of “parachute jumping” or, alternatively, drop them in the wilderness for trekking and other adventures. And the Kodiak 100’s list of “top missions” goes on.
Roots in the Pacific Northwest
Engineered in the early 21st century, the Kodiak is a modern aircraft that took roots in the Pacific Northwest. Designed and produced to bring services and heavy supplies to the highly remote region, the Kodiak 100 was first introduced in 2007 by Quest Aircraft Company. Subsequently, that firm was acquired by the Daher Group, now considered among the world’s top 10 business-aircraft manufacturers.
Not surprisingly, the Kodiak has undergone design and feature upgrades over the years, simply improving on an already-great product. “Nearly 15 years after it was first introduced, the next-generation Daher Kodiak 100 Series 3 reflects continuous improvement in the series,” explains Kowlessar. “It’s rugged, yet modern, and the newest STOL definitely delivers versatility.”
Fitted with floats, it can land on water. New advanced avionics help reduce the pilot’s workload and improve situational awareness. With its large cargo door, it can provide hefty carrying capacity. But it’s far more than simply utilitarian. With up to 10 seats, the Kodiak also has panoramic windows so any passengers can soak in the scenic views while flightseeing.
Keeping these workhorses in superb operating condition is critical to fulfilling the mission.
“Keeping these workhorses in superb operating condition is critical to fulfilling the mission, whatever that may be,” says Kowlessar, who adds that TTA has expanded services and solutions for all its maintenance, overhaul, and repair (MRO) clients during the past several years. At a time when others were “cutting back,” TTA was strongly focused on growth – adding more staff and technicians, as well as significantly increasing the firm’s parts inventory and its services capabilities.
Offering original equipment, PMA, and DER solutions, TTA’s MRO services include hydraulic, pneumatic, electric power, fuel electrical mechanical, ignition exciters, and emergency batteries, to name a few. Of late, Kowlessar confirms that the company is seeing increased business from Kodiak owners and operators, both corporations and individuals, as the aircraft’s use grows across the globe.
“Our skilled MRO technicians are dedicated to keeping these Kodiaks flying in tip-top condition through approved parts and MRO solutions,” he emphasizes. “So, give us a call to explain your needs, and we’ll let you know how we can assist.”
The Critical Mission Specialist
Bottom line? In the world of aviation, the Kodiak 100 is a critical mission specialist, designed and built for handling diverse tasks – many of them challenging and in all-weather conditions. Day after day, this short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft goes where most aircraft can’t. Simply put, it has the engine and power to get up and out quickly – in less than 1,000 feet.
TTA helps to keep aircraft in prime shape so they’re ready to tackle the next big mission.
Daher says that it can fly for up to 1,000 miles with amazing fuel economy. As a result, the all-purpose Kodiak 100 clearly benefits individuals, companies, governments, societies, and the world at large. Rest assured, TTA is dedicated to helping keep these aircraft in prime shape so they’re ready to tackle “the next big mission.”
Thrust Tech Accessories, based near South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) supports multiple regional airlines across the U.S., along with overseas air carriers, and rotorcraft operators in numerous countries around the globe. It also supports corporate and private aircraft owners and operators. To find out more about TTA’s wide-ranging capabilities to support your aircraft or fleet and to obtain competitive program bids, contact us via email at TTAsales@TrustTech.com or call 954-984-0450.
Please Also Read:
In addition to this feature on Kodiaks, review stories about other unique and hard-working aircraft including the mission of Rotorcraft in service to public safety; and the highly specialized Crop Dusters that are a vital tool for the nation’s high-production farmers.
UNSPLASH PHOTO CREDIT: Vlad Hilitanu.
