Kodiak Anti-icing Approved

Operators of Quest Aircraft Kodiak turboprop singles are now eligible to equip their aircraft with TKS ice-protection, and receive approval for flight into known icing (FIKI). The word couldn't come at a better time, as the winter icing season is descending on North America with a vengeance this month. The big utility turboprop is used for a variety of missions, including Part 135 charter, government work, corporate transport, special operations and humanitarian relief. "We have seen interest [in the TKS option] from all of our key market segments," said Quest CEO Paul Schaller. Based in Sandpoint, Idaho, Quest manufactures the PT-6A-powered Kodiak, which is approved for operation on wheels and floats. It seats as many as10, including the pilot. TKS uses a "weeping" fluid system that coats wing leading edges, tail surfaces, struts, landing gear, windshield and propeller with anti-icing fluid. The system is available for retrofit on the existing fleet of Kodiaks. More than 6,000 TKS systems have been installed.