[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9232]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING QUEST AIRCRAFT

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, a cornerstone of the American 
dream has always been the belief that those individuals with a good 
idea and a strong work ethic can become successful. In these tough 
economic times, it is inspiring to hear the stories of small businesses 
that have risen above the challenges they have faced and are making 
their dreams come true. That is why during National Small Business 
Week, I rise today to honor Quest Aircraft located in Sandpoint, ID
  Quest Aircraft was founded in 2001 by Tom Hamilton and David 
Voetmann. These men saw the need for development of a plane that could 
be used for humanitarian work in remote areas of the world. Tom and 
David brought on Bruce R. Kennedy to chair Quest's board of trustees. 
Bruce was a man who had a noteworthy aviation career, holding the 
positions of chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Alaska 
Airlines. Bruce helped bring Tom Hamilton's and David Voetmann's vision 
to fruition, chairing Quest's board of trustees until his tragic death 
in 2007. That same year, Quest started its first production run of the 
KODIAK airplane.
  The KODIAK airplane is a rugged short takeoff and landing, STOL, 
turboprop aircraft that requires only 1,000 feet of runway, making it 
ideally suited for the demanding nature of global humanitarian work. 
The KODIAK is currently in use around the world. While principally 
marketed for humanitarian missions, purchasers of the KODIAK include 
the U.S. Park Service, foreign governments, and private citizens.
  Despite the impact the global recession has had on the airplane 
industry, Quest Aircraft has persevered and expanded their company in 
recent years. Quest Aircraft has expanded from a staff of 14 in 2001 to 
currently employing nearly 200 people. Shortly after the first year of 
business, Quest Aircraft moved into its 27,000-square-foot facility at 
the Sandpoint, ID, Municipal Airport. By May 2007, the KODIAK received 
FAA type certification and began global deliveries that year. Keeping 
in line with the mission put forward by the founders of Quest Aircraft, 
approximately every 10th plane produced is subsidized by the profits 
the company brings in. This aircraft is then donated to a participating 
not-for-profit humanitarian organization. This is testament to the good 
that can be spread from a success story such as this, and serves as an 
inspiration to many who wish to find the successful intersection of 
humanitarian work and financial success.
  Small businesses like Quest Aircraft are on the cutting edge of 
technology and innovation. These businesses are often at the forefront 
of groundbreaking advances that provide much-needed solutions to the 
marketplace. Small businesses are the economic engines of our economy 
and critical to the national economic recovery. I have faith in the 
many small businesses that spring up in Idaho and around the United 
States today, and success stories such as Quest Aircraft should serve 
as inspiration for the future generation of innovators and 
entrepreneurs.

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