Tue, Jul 28, 2009
Currently Undergoing LSA ASTM Testing
By Gene Yarbrough
Kirk Hawkins, President of Icon Aircraft held a press conference
at the AirVenture Aeroshell Square Monday to offer an update about
Icon’s progress towards bringing the A5 light sport amphibian
to market.
ICON introduced the company and announced the A5 at last year's
AirVenture, describing the product as specifically designed to meet
LSA requirements and to engage new generations of pilots.
Hawkins said the aircraft is currently undergoing LSA ASTM
certification testing. The aircraft has completed the testing
series for ground operations as well as water-borne operations and
is in the test series for transitional operations at this time.
Hawkins indicated that testing is progressing nominally but is
producing better than expected performance figures.
Kirk Hawkins
While trying to quantify and communicate the performance for the
public Hawkins was reduced to “This thing rocks” when
describing his first flight. Hawkins said that the A5 exhibited
predictable handling characteristics with exceptional
“…sports car like performance.”
Hawkins said that the A5 was about more than just being another
LSA offering, it is about interacting with the world. With the
design intent to deliver a product that would be familiar and
comfortable to the public. Styling details cued from the automotive
world include buckets seats and rally style auto type gauges.
Hawkins said that most of the orders were from new, younger pilots
who are not previous aircraft owners.
ANN had been told that water demos for the A5 would be held on
Wednesday at Vett seaplane base, but a call from ICON Tuesday said
the flights are scheduled for Friday. We'll let you know if that
chages ... again.
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