The Kodiak 100 single-engine turboprop is a versatile aircraft and it’s now fulfilling a role as an air ambulance in the rural heartlands of America.
For 25 years, Airborne Flying Service has operated as an air charter company based in Hot Springs, Arkansas with an air medical operations location in Little Rock, Arkansas since 2016. It’s now taken on two Kodiaks leased from the non-profit American Heritage organisation for operations in the South Central U.S. region.
The first of these Kodiak 100s is supporting the ground and airborne network of LifeNet Emergency Medical Services, with Airborne Flying Service taking advantage of the airplane’s STOL (short take-off and landing) characteristics in extending operations to more airports near rural communities.
JB Kirk, Airborne Flying Service’s president, said the benefits of the Kodiak 100 in an air ambulance role include the aircraft’s operational cost effectiveness, its large loading door, an airframe that is lower to the ground, and the state-of-the art cockpit with integrated flight deck.
“The Kodiak 100 was a very deliberate choice after considering a full range of options, having made detailed analyses on capabilities and costs for new and used aircraft in single- and twin-engine versions,” said Kirk.
“Safety is the most important element of every flight we perform, and the Kodiak 100 fully meets our needs – especially at night and in bad weather – because it is simple and easy to use. Additionally, the PT6A-34 engine is a ‘bulletproof’ powerplant based on its proven reliability.”
In launching operations with the Kodiak 100, Airborne Flying Service is making the aircraft interoperable with ground ambulances through its development of a roll-on/roll-off capability.
This avoids the necessity of moving a patient on/off a stretcher during transfers, while reducing the time a patient is exposed during loading/unloading between the ambulance and aircraft.
It also facilitates the handling of heavier-weight patients. Transporting bariatric patients in the past has been challenging for the air medical transport industry because of smaller doors and less capable equipment.
“The airplane’s ergonomics are exactly what we need for emergency services,” continued Kirk.
“While its cross-section and payload are very similar to our twin-engine aircraft, the Kodiak 100’s acquisition and operating costs are much more attractive than a twin, and its lower landing speed opens many more runways for our services.”
The Quest Kodiak is now part of French company Daher which also manufactures TBM aircraft. The Kodiak is made in Sandpoint, Idaho, USA and the TBM in Tarbes, France.
The Kodiak 100 Series III is an unpressurized 8-10-seat airplane equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, and is capable of operating on uneven and unimproved runways, or on water in the amphibious version.
Its unique combination of robust construction and remarkable 3,530 lb. useful load has resulted in many additional applications for the Kodiak, including special missions, medevac, as a skydiving platform and more.