Posted July 7, 2010 12:48 PM
By Peter Webber
Utility Aircraft
There has long been a tradition of utility aircraft working hard in communities worldwide. Proven hardy types such as the DHC2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter have been in service since the 1950’s. The aircraft have been updated and many have been re-engined to turboprop power.
Other types such as the Pilatus PC-6 Porter have continued to carve out a niche in supporting the community and general utility flying.
In recent years these types have been joined by two new types and it is these I would like to look at today.
From New Zealand comes the Pacific Aerospace PAC750XSTOL. Demand for this versatile aircraft has steadly grown since it was certified in 2004, and over 70 will have been built by the end of this year, production running at about 20 units a year. The type has proven to be very popular with parachute clubs, being able to lift 17 jumpers to 12000 feet in under ten minutes, and getting back to the ground before the parachutists, ready to go again!
In the utility role it can carry 10 passengers or over 4000 lb of cargo, or a combination of both. The PAC 750XSTOL is used in South Africa by NatureLink on United Nations Humanitarian Air Services / World Food Programme contracts. In Nepal Air Kasthamandap have a fleet of 3 serving some of the highest airfields in the world.
Like our other aircraft the Kodiak, it is also finding growing use working with Missionary Aviation companies, especially in Papua New Guinea. The aircraft is also in the running to be adopted as a new light utility transport aircraft being sought for the Afghan Air Force, in a joint Afghan/USAF program.
The other new aircraft in this field is the Quest Kodiak. First customer deliveries were as recent as 2008 and some 40 aircraft are now in service. The aircraft was designed to be adaptable as possible, it has a wide opening double door to allow the loading of bulky freight. Like the PAC750, it was designed to have a Turbine engine, fuel for which is much easier to find than Avgas for older piston engines.
The aircraft was designed from the outset for the Missionary Aviation market. The company has financed development and production of the Kodiak with funds from various mission groups. As a return on this investment, the organizations receive discounts on the aircraft, and every 10th Kodiak is paid for by the sale of the other nine airplanes sold at retail.
Recently the Kodiak has added another string to its bow. Working with the float manufacturer Wipaire, the type is now certified for amphibious float operations, opening up yet more of the world to the type.
These two aircraft have joined a long tradition of aircraft serving the local community. Both types are priced around $1.5 million new and bring with them the performance of modern engines and the latest avionics. Both are sure to be around for a long time to come.
Company links:
Pacific Aerospace www.aerospace.co.nz
Quest Aircraft www.questaircraft.com
Wipaire www.wipaire.com
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