The True Operating Cost of Quest Kodiak 100
The Quest Kodiak 100 is a rugged single-engine turboprop offering 6-seat capacity, exceptional bush capability, and proven reliability. Plan for $95,000–$125,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $950–$1,250 per hour. The Kodiak 100 dominates bush aircraft markets.
Quick Specs: Quest Kodiak 100
| Specification | Kodiak 100 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 (550 shp) |
| Fuel Burn | 32–38 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 105–140 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 23,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 2,200–2,600 lbs |
| Seats | 6 |
| Range | 700–1,000 nm |
TL;DR: Quest Kodiak 100 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $25,000–$35,000/year (insurance $10,000–$15,000, hangar $10,000–$14,000, annuals $4,000–$6,000, training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $70,000–$90,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $95,000–$125,000/year (~$950–$1,250/hour)
- Finance a $2,800,000 Kodiak 100: Add $40,700/month ($488,400/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$60,000–$80,000/year (~$1,200–$1,600/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$165,000–$215,000/year (~$825–$1,075/hour)
Bush Aircraft Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $10,000–$15,000/year for $1.2M–$1.6M hull
- Hangar: $10,000–$14,000/year (bush facility)
- Annual inspection: $4,000–$6,000 labor
- Crew training: $2,000–$3,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 35 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$192/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $6–$10/hour
- Engine reserves: $18–$23/hour ($65K ÷ 3,000 TBO)
- Maintenance: $25–$40/hour
- Landing fees: $15–$40/landing
- Avionics: $10–$20/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1,750 | $9,625 | $192 |
| 100 | 3,500 | $19,250 | $192 |
| 150 | 5,250 | $28,875 | $192 |
| 200 | 7,000 | $38,500 | $192 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27
- PT6A-27: 3,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $65,000–$80,000
- Engine reserve: $72,500 ÷ 3,000 = $24.17/hour
- Reliability: Proven bush turboprop with excellent support
Bush Aircraft Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $3,000–$4,500/year
- Fuel system maintenance: $1,500–$2,000/year
- Landing gear service: $1,500–$2,500/year
- Avionics: $1,000–$1,500/year
- Budget: $35–$55/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Bush Aircraft Insurance
- $1,200,000 hull: $10,000–$12,000/year
- $1,600,000 hull: $14,000–$18,000/year
- Bush operations: +20–35% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Bush Hangar | $800–$1,200 | $9,600–$14,400 |
| Tie-Down | $200–$400 | $2,400–$4,800 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $30,000 | $35,000 | $65,000 | $1,300 |
| 100 | $30,000 | $70,000 | $100,000 | $1,000 |
| 200 | $30,000 | $140,000 | $170,000 | $850 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $2,800,000 Quest Kodiak 100, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $488,400/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $100,000 | $488,400 | $588,400 | $5,884 |
| 200 | $170,000 | $488,400 | $658,400 | $3,292 |
Financing the Quest Kodiak 100
- Purchase price: $2,400,000–$3,200,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $2,000,000–$2,750,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $35,000–$85,000
Lender Requirements: 600+ credit, aviation experience, $400,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $1.2M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support bush aircraft financing.
Quest Kodiak 100 vs. Competitors
- vs. Cessna Caravan: Kodiak 100 turboprop efficiency; Caravan piston proven
- vs. Daher Kodiak 900: Kodiak 100 lighter; 900 more power
Get prequalified for bush aircraft financing »
Sources: Quest Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS