Hawkins: "I May Have Just Had As Much Fun Flying As I've Ever Had"

Kirk Hawkins, founder and CEO of ICON Aircraft, completed his first flight in the prototype A5 on March 11, 2009, as part of the company's user trials.  Hawkins' flight took place at Lake Isabella in Kern County, CA where the company has completed more than 45 test flights.

"I walked into the test flight completely focused on evaluating the aircraft as a potential customer," said Hawkins. "As an experienced pilot who's flown everything from ultralights to fighter jets, I wasn't expecting the performance of the A5 to be anything out of the ordinary."

Prior to the flight, Jon Karkow, Lead Aero Engineer and Chief Test Pilot had been the only pilot to fly the A5.

"Combine this with the fact that I've watched much of the testing, flown chase on the A5, and been privy to the test reports, I expected my reaction to be, 'Yep, it flies just like I expected. Good job.' However, this was not the case," said Hawkins. "I think my first comment after the ground crew opened the canopy was, "Wow! This thing rocks! I may have just had as much fun flying as I've ever had."   

While a public report on flight tests has not been released, Hawkins noted key factors that clearly differentiate the aircraft from others on the market.

"“The water handling was absolutely superb," he said. "In fact, on my first takeoff I actually did not touch the stick until rotation. The A5 smoothly climbed up onto the step and accelerated effortlessly and quickly to takeoff speed. This is NOT typical for many seaplanes."

As for flight performance, "[t]he responsiveness and control forces while flying were uncharacteristically smooth and easy. The aircraft responded just like you'd expect a "sport" plane to respond: light, predictable and fun."

Hawkins also commented on the A5's visibility, saying he "felt like I was front row in an IMAX theater -- a very different experience than trying to see over the dash or around the nose of most conventional aircraft."

ICON Aircraft is an early stage Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) manufacturer. The company is currently in the process of completing Phase II Flight Testing to refine and optimize the aerodynamics and handling qualities. Flight testing of the prototype amphibiois aircraft is scheduled to continue throughout 2009.

FMI: www.iconaircraft.com