The True Operating Cost of Daher Kodiak 900
The Daher Kodiak 900 is a rugged single-engine turboprop offering 9-seat capacity, exceptional bush capability, and proven reliability. Plan for $118,000–$152,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,180–$1,520 per hour. The Kodiak 900 dominates utility markets.
Quick Specs: Daher Kodiak 900
| Specification | Kodiak 900 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 (675 hp) |
| Fuel Burn | 38–44 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 130–160 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 3,200–3,600 lbs |
| Seats | 9 |
| Range | 800–1,100 nm |
TL;DR: Daher Kodiak 900 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $32,000–$42,000/year (insurance $8,000–$12,000, hangar $14,000–$18,000, annuals $8,000–$10,000, training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $86,000–$110,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $118,000–$152,000/year (~$1,180–$1,520/hour)
- Finance a $4,200,000 Kodiak 900: Add $61,000/month ($732,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$75,000–$96,000/year (~$1,500–$1,920/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$204,000–$262,000/year (~$1,020–$1,310/hour)
Utility Turboprop Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $8,000–$12,000/year for $1.5M–$2M hull
- Hangar: $14,000–$18,000/year (utility facility)
- Annual inspection: $8,000–$10,000 labor
- Crew training: $2,000–$2,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 41 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$225/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $8–$12/hour
- Engine reserves: $18–$24/hour ($75K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
- Maintenance: $30–$50/hour
- Landing fees: $20–$50/landing
- Avionics: $15–$25/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 2,050 | $11,275 | $225 |
| 100 | 4,100 | $22,550 | $225 |
| 150 | 6,150 | $33,825 | $225 |
| 200 | 8,200 | $45,100 | $225 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34
- PT6A-34: 3,500 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $75,000–$95,000
- Engine reserve: $85,000 ÷ 3,500 = $24.29/hour
- Reliability: Proven turboprop with excellent support
Utility Turboprop Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $4,000–$6,000/year
- Airframe systems: $2,000–$3,000/year
- Landing gear service: $1,500–$2,500/year
- Avionics: $1,000–$2,000/year
- Budget: $50–$80/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Utility Insurance
- $1,500,000 hull: $8,000–$10,000/year
- $2,000,000 hull: $11,000–$14,000/year
- Bush operations: +15–25% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Hangar | $1,200–$1,500 | $14,400–$18,000 |
| Tie-Down | $300–$500 | $3,600–$6,000 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $37,000 | $32,000 | $69,000 | $1,380 |
| 100 | $37,000 | $64,000 | $101,000 | $1,010 |
| 200 | $37,000 | $128,000 | $165,000 | $825 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $4,200,000 Daher Kodiak 900, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $732,000/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $101,000 | $732,000 | $833,000 | $8,330 |
| 200 | $165,000 | $732,000 | $897,000 | $4,485 |
Financing the Daher Kodiak 900
- Purchase price: $3,800,000–$5,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $3,200,000–$4,250,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $55,000–$115,000
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, aviation experience, $500,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $1.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support utility aircraft financing.
Daher Kodiak 900 vs. Competitors
- vs. Cessna Grand Caravan: Kodiak 900 twin redundancy; Caravan single-engine standard
- vs. Quest Kodiak 100: Kodiak 900 more power; 100 lighter
Get prequalified for utility aircraft financing »
Sources: Daher Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS