Airplane Goes To EAA's Young Eagles

The keys to the long-awaited/long-delayed first production ICON A5 amphibious airplane were handed to EAA Young Eagles Chairman Sean D. Tucker in an event at AirVenture Monday morning.

Tucker accepted the aircraft on behalf of the organization, alongside EAA Chairman Jack Pelton. The aircraft, Aircraft Serial Number 001 (ASN-001), will participate in Young Eagles flights that allow young people to experience aviation, often for the first time, to give them exposure to and inspire their interest in flying.

“Delivering the first product to a customer is a transformational milestone for any company,” said ICON CEO Kirk Hawkins. “ICON’s team has worked passionately over the years to create a truly amazing aircraft, and it delivers. Our mission is to make flying more accessible to the thousands who dream about it but consider it out of reach, including our youth. EAA’s Young Eagles shares that same vision and we couldn’t think of a more worthy recipient for the first ICON A5. Old, young, and in between, the A5 was specifically designed to change the way you experience personal flying–and it will. I can’t wait to see all the smiling faces of those youth who get to fly in it for the first time.”

“ICON has done a truly outstanding job bringing the A5 to market. We are excited that ICON has chosen AirVenture to deliver its first customer A5 to Young Eagles,” said Jack Pelton, EAA Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Cessna Aircraft. “EAA’s mission is to help support and grow General Aviation at every level. ICON’s mission couldn’t be more aligned with ours, and seeing them succeed benefits all of General Aviation. Many have tried and failed when it comes to bringing truly revolutionary aircraft to market in recent decades, so there is often understandable skepticism in our industry. But after flying the A5 myself and seeing it perform firsthand, I can say unequivocally that aircraft delivers on its promise. It’s incredibly easy to fly, safe, forgiving, and ridiculously fun. Not only is it the perfect aircraft to introduce young aviators to the thrill of flying, but I’m getting one myself.”

Prior to being handed over to Young Eagles, ASN-001 participated in ICON’s FAA audit in June and was the first A5 to receive an S-LSA airworthiness certificate. ICON says they are currently ramping up A5 production at their new facility in Vacaville, California.

(Staff images)

FMI: www.iconaircraft.com