Seasoned Veteran Joins Quest Aircraft’s Management Team
New Position Highlights Company’s Progress Toward Certification and Customer Deliveries

May 7th, 2007, Sandpoint, ID...Quest Aircraft recently hired Steve Zaat to serve as the company’s Director of Customer Service. This new position is the first of several the company expects to fill in the next few months as the KODIAK receives full type certification (TC) and customer deliveries begin.

Zaat brings 35 years of experience to the position, including 26 years with the U.S. Army, 16 of those years as an Aviation Maintenance Officer. Prior to joining Quest, Zaat was with The Boeing Company as Senior Manager of Business Development in their Advanced Logistics Support Systems division focusing on supporting aircraft in the field with innovations in technology and new business processes designed to reduce customer total ownership costs while maximizing effectiveness, availability and safety.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Steve to the Quest team,” said Paul Schaller, President and CEO. “His background and hands-on experience will allow us to build a total service and support organization that provides the key elements critical to successful customer satisfaction, both during the initial delivery process and continuing through their KODIAK ownership.”

Zaat holds a single and multi-engine, as well as helicopter, commercial pilot’s license. He is instrument-rated in both airplanes and helicopters and is a Certified Flight Instructor. He is also a licensed Airframe & Powerplant mechanic. Zaat is a graduate of the Naval Test Pilot School, Defense Systems Management College Program Managers Course, and US Army Command and General Staff Officers Course. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Studies with a major in Aircraft Maintenance Technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has a MS and PhD in Material Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

Quest is currently developing the Quest Learning Center at its Sandpoint headquarters facility, which will offer transition-training for pilots and crew as they take delivery of their KODIAK. The Learning Center will also offer recurrent training as the number of KODIAKs in the field grows. As Director of Customer Service, Zaat will supervise the Learning Center as well as oversee the maintenance and product support operation. A customer response center and logistics capability are also under development.

Quest has seen strong market acceptance in key market segments, including personal use, Part 135 operations, government, and humanitarian organizations. Customer orders have exceeded expectations and the company has a 3-year backlog, which it plans to bring down once TC is received and production ramps up.

Quest Aircraft, LLC is the manufacturer of the KODIAK, a 10-place single engine turboprop utility airplane, designed to be float capable. Headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho, Quest was established in 2001 and currently employs more than 100 skilled personnel. First flight of the KODIAK took place on October 16, 2004. FAA certification is anticipated during 2Q 2007, with customer deliveries beginning shortly thereafter.

Press Contact:
Julie Stone
(912) 898-8673 ofc
(912) 398-0498 mobile