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.

FMI: www.iconaircraft.com