quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
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quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Hi all. have a question for all u float plane pilots. First of all I'm not a pilot and so i know nothing of aircraft ,I'm in the market for a new mid size jet for my business as u will see my other post. but my dad is a pilot, and hes turning 65 this year. he loves to fly and he always wanted 2 get his float plane endorsement. he's got lots of hours twin and single ifr rated but no turbo prob exp.. . so i have 2 question for you. 1, recommend a company that will train him in either vancouver or victoria. 2nd) i'm going to buy him either plane for his retirement this year. i'm leaning toward the turbo beaver as we are canadian and there are lots of them out on the west cost & solid reputation, but i would like to hear opinions about the quest kodiak. remeber it's going to be on floats. so i would love to hear your opinion about the aicraft. thnaks for the help. jb
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Since you have money to burn can you send a few hundred grand in my direction? I'll even give your pops a free float rating.
"I don't know which is worse, ...that everyone has his price, or that the price is always so low." - Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes)
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
ya, i've been very, very , very lucky. made a few dollars. lots of guys have more $$. anyways, ma take u up on rating lol. know tell which airplane lol.
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Can't speak as to the specific aircraft having never flown either. However I can say that a piston Beaver is a marvelous machine and I can only imagine the turbine is even better, albeit considerably less nostalgic. I would imagine that the Beaver would be a better option just from a support standpoint--lots of parts, engineers, etc. out there that are familiar with them as opposed to the Kodiak which is somewhat of an oddity. Why is the Caravan not in the mix if the Kodiak is? Again, never flown one but from what I understand they are fast, comfortable, IFR, autopilot, great range, lots of support...sounds like a nice 'personal' plane.
All that being said, what would he be using it for? Does he actually NEED the capabilities of these aircraft (ie: hauling 4 or more guys and a jag of gear around in and out of small lakes) or is it just a status symbol? Would something more like a 185 fit the bill? If you have your heart set on a turbine, how about a turbine 206?
As much as I enjoy looking at a cream puff hangar queen private turbo Beaver, it always makes me a little sad. It just seems so wrong and insulting for them to end up as some rich guy's once a year toy. Like people having tigers for pets and shit. A majestic beast like that should be in their rightful place at the top of the chain in their natural environment and a Beaver's natural environment is one of hard work, moose guts and fuel drums and real bush pilots, not someone flying their wallet around. That being said, if I had the dole to afford one, I'd probably have one....with a big cage in the back for my tiger.
In summary:
If it's just for him to go fishing with a couple buddies now and then......get a nice 185 and pimp it out (they can be turned into really beautiful machines.)
If it's just for him to go fishing with a couple buddies now and then but you want a turbine.....get a turbine 206.
If you really insist on a machine that will in all likelihood never be used to it's full potential......get a Caravan with all the bells and whistles.
All that being said, what would he be using it for? Does he actually NEED the capabilities of these aircraft (ie: hauling 4 or more guys and a jag of gear around in and out of small lakes) or is it just a status symbol? Would something more like a 185 fit the bill? If you have your heart set on a turbine, how about a turbine 206?
As much as I enjoy looking at a cream puff hangar queen private turbo Beaver, it always makes me a little sad. It just seems so wrong and insulting for them to end up as some rich guy's once a year toy. Like people having tigers for pets and shit. A majestic beast like that should be in their rightful place at the top of the chain in their natural environment and a Beaver's natural environment is one of hard work, moose guts and fuel drums and real bush pilots, not someone flying their wallet around. That being said, if I had the dole to afford one, I'd probably have one....with a big cage in the back for my tiger.

In summary:
If it's just for him to go fishing with a couple buddies now and then......get a nice 185 and pimp it out (they can be turned into really beautiful machines.)
If it's just for him to go fishing with a couple buddies now and then but you want a turbine.....get a turbine 206.
If you really insist on a machine that will in all likelihood never be used to it's full potential......get a Caravan with all the bells and whistles.
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Strongly recommend the Seaplane Academy in Nanaimo for training and advice. The owner has time on everything from Twin Otters to Thrush Commanders on floats, to Aztecs on Floats. And he's a hell of a nice guy.
bmc
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
For the price of a Turbine 206 I'd be sticking with the Beaver and even if it's just to take 3 or 4 buddies fishing for the weekend, with that much money I'd need a Beaver to haul the crap I'd have.... hmmm, maybe a turbine otter?? Oh how I'd love to go shopping with someone elses wallet. Get some good training and have fun. You are in a world us "bush" guys could only dream of. Better check my ticket... $50M would keep the frost off the pumpkin and the jet fuel burnin. There are Brookie Rivers out there that are only known to us dreamers. Keep us posted.
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
thanks for all the opinions guys. I understand that viking does the remanufacturing and is making replacement parts for beavers and otter and new twin otters and they have several aircraft on the market but what about a boss beaver? what's the difference? thanks again for all the advise. cheers jb.
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
ok since you dad is ifr rated the kodiak is fully ifr capable /sans ice equipment. however they are a niche airplane and product support though not an issue now may be when the enevitable time to sell .
the turbine (orginal 60 manufactured by dehavailland of canada) mark3 beavers can be used for ifr commercially if properly outfitted auto pilot etc . though any beaver for private use only can be flown ifr if properly equipped but you in canada cannot take a piston machine in this case a piston beaver convert it to turbine then fly it commercially . only private use .
product support is good with viking and there are many good ame's to keep them flying . the beaver was designed to be best in the bush
/ young 20's somethings at their favourite watering hole on friday nite excluded
the kodiak is a very good aircraft but not ice certified in canada yet (soon but not quiteyet ) now every one don't go postal I m talking about on wheels not floats of course . the most obvious difference is new airframe with modern avionics vs tried n true trike gear vs taildragger when theyare on wheels.
If it were me orginal mark 3 beaver (turbine ) with upgraded pt6- 34 / 6000lb gross kit/ long range fuel / alaska door/ baggage extension for fishn rod tubes/ an stec 65x auto pilot integrated into a garmin 600 glass flt deck and radio stack . sweet oh of course an approved 6stack cd /mp3 dvd player with a in flight video record capability / leather chairs with lamb woolskin for the pilot and front pax since it doesnt break the sound barrier ya might as well be comfy . your dad will appreciate the deatails / and a stair kit / get a one off stc for a check plate aluminum floor for the back area . and see if aerocet makes a approved set of amphib floats .
all painted in an imron soft jet glo white with burgandy accents.
hey and since you are going that far make sure that the new panel is designed for ergonomic and flo sjust like the biz jets are. fly safe.
the turbine (orginal 60 manufactured by dehavailland of canada) mark3 beavers can be used for ifr commercially if properly outfitted auto pilot etc . though any beaver for private use only can be flown ifr if properly equipped but you in canada cannot take a piston machine in this case a piston beaver convert it to turbine then fly it commercially . only private use .
product support is good with viking and there are many good ame's to keep them flying . the beaver was designed to be best in the bush


If it were me orginal mark 3 beaver (turbine ) with upgraded pt6- 34 / 6000lb gross kit/ long range fuel / alaska door/ baggage extension for fishn rod tubes/ an stec 65x auto pilot integrated into a garmin 600 glass flt deck and radio stack . sweet oh of course an approved 6stack cd /mp3 dvd player with a in flight video record capability / leather chairs with lamb woolskin for the pilot and front pax since it doesnt break the sound barrier ya might as well be comfy . your dad will appreciate the deatails / and a stair kit / get a one off stc for a check plate aluminum floor for the back area . and see if aerocet makes a approved set of amphib floats .
all painted in an imron soft jet glo white with burgandy accents.
hey and since you are going that far make sure that the new panel is designed for ergonomic and flo sjust like the biz jets are. fly safe.

Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
If this was true there are a lot of turbine otters out there working illegally. Not to mention that Viking advertises on their website that they can convert a piston beaver to a turbine for commercial ops.oldncold wrote:
the turbine (orginal 60 manufactured by dehavailland of canada) mark3 beavers can be used for ifr commercially if properly outfitted auto pilot etc . though any beaver for private use only can be flown ifr if properly equipped but you in canada cannot take a piston machine in this case a piston beaver convert it to turbine then fly it commercially . only private use .
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
This restriction onoy applies to IFR carriage of passengers on commercial flights.
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Hey CFMartin...
Would that be D18, D28 or D45?
bmc (bass player)
Would that be D18, D28 or D45?
bmc (bass player)
bmc
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Ahh...jb70,
Stop it, I have a bad limp already
Stop it, I have a bad limp already

- oldncold
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Sarg, if i was not clear enough before my apology, I will try correct the miscommunication.
In Canada:
1/ piston eng coverted to turbine for commercial ifr or night with paying pax not allowed
the usa has different regs which is why you may have seen on the wet coast kennmore flying as such.
2/commercial vfr with a stc'd conversion from piston to turbine ifr PRIVATE no problem .
only the 60 orginal turbo mark 3 beavers can be used in canada ifr for commercial ops or at night with pax. the rule states only orginal equipment manufactuer with aircraft equipped with turbine with a specific time engine proven failure rate can be flown single engine ifr in commercial operations
and must meet commercial standards.
hence the caravan /pc12 / piper meridian /tbm 700-850 / kodiak also approved for ifr in canada you get the picture now im sure. fly safe
In Canada:
1/ piston eng coverted to turbine for commercial ifr or night with paying pax not allowed
the usa has different regs which is why you may have seen on the wet coast kennmore flying as such.
2/commercial vfr with a stc'd conversion from piston to turbine ifr PRIVATE no problem .
only the 60 orginal turbo mark 3 beavers can be used in canada ifr for commercial ops or at night with pax. the rule states only orginal equipment manufactuer with aircraft equipped with turbine with a specific time engine proven failure rate can be flown single engine ifr in commercial operations
and must meet commercial standards.
hence the caravan /pc12 / piper meridian /tbm 700-850 / kodiak also approved for ifr in canada you get the picture now im sure. fly safe
- oldncold
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Getting back on topic
one other reason the turbo beaver is better too is the wing span on the caravan and Kodiak are longer which is a consideration in working around tight docks space and coves. . 


Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
http://www.erikssonaviation.com/pdf/Deh ... B-1965.pdf 975K
http://www.wipaire.com/sales/flypage_ac ... aft_id=177 1.2M
http://www.wipaire.com/sales/flypage_ac ... aft_id=149 1.57M
Go with the dhc/viking turbo Beaver
http://www.wipaire.com/sales/flypage_ac ... aft_id=177 1.2M
http://www.wipaire.com/sales/flypage_ac ... aft_id=149 1.57M
Go with the dhc/viking turbo Beaver
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
I'd like to chip in for the Turbo Beaver. What a wonderful aircraft. I'm sure the Quest Kodiak is a great machine too, but since your Dad is an enthusiast, he's bound to appreciate the historical relevance of the Beaver.
However, I do not personally like Wipair's "boss" beaver. For one thing, I do not find it aesthetically pleasing in the nose area. For another thing, in the pictures I have seen, they have deleted any reference to De Havilland Canada in the cockpit, having thoroughly re-done everything there whether it was necessary or not. It's almost as if, out of arrogance, they have decided to re-brand the aircraft and take credit for more than they deserve. I have a personal thing about Wipair however, so maybe some more research is required before you write off the "boss" Beaver. I hate that "boss" moniker too, btw. One thing I do like about the "boss" beaver is they kept the original curvy tail shape, which I do like.
Personally, I favour the original or the Viking Turbo Beaver. Bigger cabin than the "boss" beaver, plus a bit of historical significance for Canadians, and a hell of a performer too. Your Dad can fly it IFR if it's equipped anyway, as long as he isn't flying it commercially.
However, I do not personally like Wipair's "boss" beaver. For one thing, I do not find it aesthetically pleasing in the nose area. For another thing, in the pictures I have seen, they have deleted any reference to De Havilland Canada in the cockpit, having thoroughly re-done everything there whether it was necessary or not. It's almost as if, out of arrogance, they have decided to re-brand the aircraft and take credit for more than they deserve. I have a personal thing about Wipair however, so maybe some more research is required before you write off the "boss" Beaver. I hate that "boss" moniker too, btw. One thing I do like about the "boss" beaver is they kept the original curvy tail shape, which I do like.
Personally, I favour the original or the Viking Turbo Beaver. Bigger cabin than the "boss" beaver, plus a bit of historical significance for Canadians, and a hell of a performer too. Your Dad can fly it IFR if it's equipped anyway, as long as he isn't flying it commercially.
If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
I know nothing about the Kodiak except what I've seen from a distance.
As you're asking about float training in the YYJ/YVR area (OceanAir Seaplanes YYJ), I'm guessing you or your Dad are already on the coast. I would suggest you head over to Viking, and see if Don can give you a quick tour of C-GODH. Olivia is one of the nicest airplanes I've ever had the priviledge to sit in, wheels or floats. Check out the Immortal Beaver: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daZwPQqiBck to see what can be done. They sell themselves, really.
One thing nobody has mentioned, is the Insurance question: ie. will Dad qualify. Are you thinking Amphibs, because that could be another LARGE issue.
Perhaps you could get an instructor to teach Dad on whatever airplane it is you choose for him. Go for the DHC2T on Amphibs, and you might even be able to convice Don to train your Dad to whatever standard is required.
As an aside, your Dad must be one hell of a guy. I hope I can be a good enough Dad to my kids that they want to reward me in my Golden Years the way you are doing! Congrats!
As you're asking about float training in the YYJ/YVR area (OceanAir Seaplanes YYJ), I'm guessing you or your Dad are already on the coast. I would suggest you head over to Viking, and see if Don can give you a quick tour of C-GODH. Olivia is one of the nicest airplanes I've ever had the priviledge to sit in, wheels or floats. Check out the Immortal Beaver: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daZwPQqiBck to see what can be done. They sell themselves, really.
One thing nobody has mentioned, is the Insurance question: ie. will Dad qualify. Are you thinking Amphibs, because that could be another LARGE issue.
Perhaps you could get an instructor to teach Dad on whatever airplane it is you choose for him. Go for the DHC2T on Amphibs, and you might even be able to convice Don to train your Dad to whatever standard is required.
As an aside, your Dad must be one hell of a guy. I hope I can be a good enough Dad to my kids that they want to reward me in my Golden Years the way you are doing! Congrats!
Aviation- the hardest way possible to make an easy living!
"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace!" Michael Franti- Spearhead
"Trust everyone, but cut the cards". My Grandma.
"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace!" Michael Franti- Spearhead
"Trust everyone, but cut the cards". My Grandma.
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
If actually shopping, Rob Richey who runs the maint side of Kenmore Air in Seattle, tells me that one or possibly both their Turbo-Beavers are for sale.:
http://www.kenmoreair.com/sub_content.p ... nt_type=19
Have -27s installed I seem to recall. And are almost certainly original, from-factory DHC-2T's.
Give him a call.

http://www.kenmoreair.com/sub_content.p ... nt_type=19
Have -27s installed I seem to recall. And are almost certainly original, from-factory DHC-2T's.
Give him a call.

Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
[quote="Airtids"]One thing nobody has mentioned, is the Insurance question: ie. will Dad qualify. Are you thinking Amphibs, because that could be another LARGE issue.
quote]
If sonny boy can afford a new airplane for his dad, I don't think money is an issue.
Wish my kids were that well off!!
PS. Being a beaver driver, I'd go with the Turbo Beaver.
quote]
If sonny boy can afford a new airplane for his dad, I don't think money is an issue.
Wish my kids were that well off!!
PS. Being a beaver driver, I'd go with the Turbo Beaver.
What little I do know is either not important or I've forgotten it!
Transport Canada's mission statement: We're not happy until you're not happy
Transport Canada's mission statement: We're not happy until you're not happy
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Money isn't always the great enabler we sometimes hope. I've seen many occasions where coverage was not available, at ANY price. Now, if the folks in question are prepared to 'self insure' on the hull side of things, then no problem!! Liability is cheap, but you're still looking at covering the loss of a million-dollar-plus piece of equipment, and I doubt "sonny boy" got to the position he is by being stupid...Lost Lake wrote:Airtids wrote:One thing nobody has mentioned, is the Insurance question: ie. will Dad qualify. Are you thinking Amphibs, because that could be another LARGE issue.
quote]
If sonny boy can afford a new airplane for his dad, I don't think money is an issue.
Wish my kids were that well off!!
Tids
Aviation- the hardest way possible to make an easy living!
"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace!" Michael Franti- Spearhead
"Trust everyone, but cut the cards". My Grandma.
"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace!" Michael Franti- Spearhead
"Trust everyone, but cut the cards". My Grandma.
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Hi There
I have done a lot of research on the Quest Kodiak. I also have over 7000 hrs on the Beaver mostly on the west coast.
If the performance numbers on the Quest Kodiak are correct. Then in most situations. It blows the Beaver away.
I have never had an engine failure in a Beaver. So as far as I am concerned. The Beaver is 100% reliable as long as you fly it correctly and maintain it correctly. But what I have always wished formost in the Beaver is more power. Because I am usually always at max gross and more power is king. The cost of a Turbo Beaver does not make any sense for the money unless you do not care about money. A Turbo Otter makes more sense for almost the same money. I would go for The Quest Kodiak, if I was rich and a Beaver if I was poor. I can,t loose either way. In a Quest Kodiak, I can get a lot of work done, faster and more comfortable.
Blueace
I have done a lot of research on the Quest Kodiak. I also have over 7000 hrs on the Beaver mostly on the west coast.
If the performance numbers on the Quest Kodiak are correct. Then in most situations. It blows the Beaver away.
I have never had an engine failure in a Beaver. So as far as I am concerned. The Beaver is 100% reliable as long as you fly it correctly and maintain it correctly. But what I have always wished formost in the Beaver is more power. Because I am usually always at max gross and more power is king. The cost of a Turbo Beaver does not make any sense for the money unless you do not care about money. A Turbo Otter makes more sense for almost the same money. I would go for The Quest Kodiak, if I was rich and a Beaver if I was poor. I can,t loose either way. In a Quest Kodiak, I can get a lot of work done, faster and more comfortable.
Blueace
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
TurboBeaver. Proven, reliable, a Canadian classic.
The only thing missing is a cupholder.
The only thing missing is a cupholder.
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
Heliian wrote:TurboBeaver. Proven, reliable, a Canadian classic.
The only thing missing is a cupholder.
You sure got that right!!!
If you want to grow old as a pilot, you've got to know when to push it, and when to back off.
. Yeager
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qstkil0a ... re=related
. Yeager
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qstkil0a ... re=related
Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
[end thread]turbo beaver cause they're rad.
[/end thread]
[/end thread]
- barefootpilot
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Re: quest kodiak or a dhc turbo beaver on floats
I would suggest making a stop at the Telus hangar, they have both and can could give you a full break down. They have recently got the Kodiak thinking it was gonna be better than the Beaver, with speed, performance and range. But it hasn't lived up to anything that the manufacture was claiming it would do and are very disappointed in it. They have basically gone back to using the Beaver as first choice and the kodiak on if needed basis. Even heard they might think of selling it.
The Boss Beaver is a great machine but think that you should go with the full turbo beaver over it. The cost isn't much different and at least you get the more room and the extra 2 seats with the same performance.
Good luck..
The Boss Beaver is a great machine but think that you should go with the full turbo beaver over it. The cost isn't much different and at least you get the more room and the extra 2 seats with the same performance.
Good luck..