The Kodiak plane donation by AFD marked its successful 25 years in business
last year and construction is now completed at the factory in Idaho that
developed the completely new design for bush aviation. The plane has been
delivered to MAF who are now undertaking flight tests, and adapting the aircraft for its specific role in Kalimantan.
AFD s aircraft, No 20 from the production line, has been registered as N 97 10M
for its delivery trip:
AFD moved to the Isle of Man in 1997 and it s due to our great success here in
Ramsey that our team has been able to provide the Kodiak for MAF, so it
seemed very fitting that when she flies across the Atlantic to the Island
thenheads across Europe and Asia - her registration number will clearly salute theIsland said David Dorricott, AFD's Managing Director
Fellow AFD Director, Alison Dorricott added We so much wanted the chance for
our staff team and others on the Isle of Man to share the thrill of seeing the
Kodiak before she enters service, so MAF have kindly agreed to let her visit
and we re busy planning an open day on October 17th at Andreas Airfield so
everyone can take a look and learn more about the vital work she will
undertake.
This will be the first time that a Kodiak aircraft has visited the British Isles
and the AFD Plane will also make appearances at air-shows in the UK and Channel sles before completing her passage to Kalimantan.
Ruth Whitaker, MAF s UK Chief Executive returned from a recent visit to the factory in Idaho having seen AFD s plane in build . The Manufacturers, Quest
Aviation, invited her to write a text on the airframe, and she chose a reference
from the Old Testament Is. 40 v.31 which reads:
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be
faint.
Highly appropriate to work in a country where a twenty minute flight can save a three-day trek through dense jungle!
AFD have provided a web page with more information about the Aircraft and the
Isle of Man Visit at www.afd.co.uk/kodiak
