RAF THANKS DAHER KODIAK FOR AVID SUPPORT

When Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher-Kodiak Aircraft, learned that a 350-pound 10-gauge steel bear box needed to be delivered to Montana’s Schafer Meadows, he enthusiastically offered to fly the mission in a Kodiak. His avid support stemmed from Daher Kodiak’s cordial relationship with the RAF, kindled in 2022.

RAF Director and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Chairman Pete Bunce included the RAF in GAMA events, where the relationship began with pilot and aircraft-innovator Chabbert. When Daher acquired Quest – Kodiak in 2019, Chabbert was introduced to the backcountry capabilities of the Kodiak. In 2022, having learned that some active backcountry airstrips are located in Wilderness Areas with no access roads, he approached the RAF with an offer to loan one of the Sandpoint, ID-based corporate Kodiaks to help complete RAF missions in Idaho and Montana.

“In 2023, we used the donated Kodiak to move an AmeriCorps trail crew from Missoula into Moose Creek Forest Service airstrip to work on the runways; then later that fall, transported fence material and volunteers in to replace jackleg fence around the ranger station to contain their pack animals; and moved several loads of shingles to the Shearer Airstrip for the guard station there,” RAF President Bill McGlynn explained.

By then, Chabbert had arranged for his company to take a new Kodiak 100 and prominently brand it with RAF colors, both for hardy use in the backcountry, and display at Daher Kodiak’s AirVenture scene.

In October 2024, the RAF is using the Kodiak to airlift material, supplies and people into Moose Creek to replace the two outhouses that burned in the recent forest fire; and complete the fence project.

“Because the Kodiak is such a capable backcountry aircraft – hauling ten people at a time, or 248 cubic feet of cargo, it’s a game-changer for accomplishing significant missions for the RAF,” McGlynn said, adding, “We can’t thank Daher enough for their wonderful support of backcountry aviation by way of this gift to the RAF.”

RAF Chairman John McKenna said, “A relationship with a company like Daher Kodiak is a real plus to the RAF. You are judged by the company you keep, and who could ask for better company?”

Submitted September 30, 2024
By Carmine Mowbray