Flightseeing at its finest

Since 2004, Hydravion Aventure has brought travelers, tourists, outdoor explorers and support teams deep into the heart of Québec’s wilderness. Founded by Alain Priem, a former French Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter pilot with more than 10,000 hours, the operation has always been rooted in a love for seaplane flying in remote, hard-to-reach places. In 2023, Priem expanded Hydravion’s capabilities with the addition of two Kodiak 100s on amphibious floats, elevating both the scale and reliability of the business.

Priem is joined by fellow French Air Force pilot and now co-owner, Fabric Bedu, whose experience and leadership have helped propel Hydravion Aventure forward. Rounding out the team is pilot-technician Sam Tardits, fluent in French and English – an essential asset for Québec’s tourism market, which includes French-speaking Canadians and many visitors from France. The team is supported by dedicated maintenance and reception crews at the company’s hydrobase in St-Étienne-des-Grès, located on the Saint-Maurice River near Trois-Rivières.

The Kodiak brings an elevated passenger experience to Hydravion Aventure’s flights – even when the mission is to remote locations. Bedu said this comfort important to customers, especially those who are accustomed to upper-end travel – from business jets to airline first class cabins. Equipped with  the ultra-reliable PT6 turboprop engine and five-blade propellers, the Kodiak’s noise levels are lower than the two- and three-blade props on the piston aircraft traditionally used in the company’s fleet. The result is a quieter cabin, easier passenger communications, and reduced fatigue for both guests and pilots. Inside, Hydravion Aventure equips every passenger with a headset for a more enjoyable and immersive flightseeing experience. “For us, the Kodiak 100 was a revelation in passenger comfort,” Bedu added.

The Kodiak 100’s  IFR capability and modern avionics – combined with its 165-knot cruise speed, excellent handling characteristics and demonstrated crosswind/tailwind performance at landing sites – enabled Hydravion Aventure to extend its flight range into more remote outposts and deeper stretches of wilderness. This allowed the company to unlock new services, new destinations and more reliable year-round service. Concerns about parts availability were quickly put to rest, the result of the Daher Aircraft customer Care network, its online parts marketplace and responsive support.

Hydravion Aventure operates 10 to 15 flights per day, with each Kodiak capable of flying up to eight 20-40-minute scenic trips depending on weather and daylight. Thanks to the Kodiak’s efficiency, the operation breaks even with just four passengers on board, keeping flights profitable while maintaining schedule flexibility.

The aircraft’s low-speed stability allows Hydravion Aventure pilots to slip into tight spaces along the rivers and lakes that form Québec’s natural parks – opening up opportunities for beach landings, wilderness exploration, and seasonal camps. Bedu emphasizes the operational advantage of the PT6A engine: “The PT6 starts every time, whatever the conditions. There is no warmup time, even when it's cold.” The Kodiak 100’s carbon-fiber Aerocet floats also minimize leaks and eliminate the need for constant pumping, reducing turnaround time and maintenance.