When our company was just an idea, we knew our main aim would be to know our clients: what they wanted, what they needed, their experiences and goals – their stories. It is great when we can talk with a valued customer and hear the insights that led to purchasing the Kodiak 100, and how it has helped. Our latest conversation was with a recent buyer and long-time flyer, who shared his motivations for upgrading to the Kodiak 100 Series II.
THE MISSION
Straight and simple, his motivation was carrying the whole family and their load whenever and wherever they were going – safely and comfortably. He needed a more spacious and versatile single engine turbine that would hold eight people plus cargo – safely taking off from and landing at small airports, which required both more power and lower speeds.
THE “BEFORE” EXPERIENCE
What should have been straight and simple wasn’t though. Our client had an A36 1991 and a King Air 90, which “couldn’t go anywhere; it might tear something up”. He had different planes to carry family and conduct business because neither could do everything needed.
Overloading was an issue in the smaller plane, so our client needed more room. He was also looking for sturdy landing gear and advanced avionics for any weather, all providing comfort and safety for the family. Having grown up on a farm and with family living in Alaska, he also understood that maneuverability, operating range, and power for short takeoff and landing (STOL) were necessities.
THE DECISION
Seeing the Kodiak 100 up close at OshKosh, where its responsiveness and power were displayed alongside its roomy and advanced cockpit with a G1000 in the dash – it was clear. Our client witnessed firsthand a smooth-flying turbine-powered aircraft that had plenty of room to work, while gliding the slopes and pulling the throttle – “like flying a big strong truck with a sports car feel”.
They had considered a Caravan before but could now see and feel the difference – The Caravan was lazy and slow, while the Kodiak could sprint and run a marathon.
THE KODIAK 100 SERIES II
The Kodiak 100 Series II is now our client’s most fun and exciting plane. The pilot, crew and entire family appreciate the thought put into its design and the quality in every part – “It looks good on the ramp and performs in the air. Wherever it lands, it feels like it’s supposed to be there. To them, this aircraft was everything the Caravan wanted to be.
With the paint schemes that made his Kodiak more personalized, our client – from family to crew – feels comfortable and at home in an incredibly safe and versatile aircraft.