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21Dec
ICON A5 Overview
The ICON A5 is a revolutionary light sport amphibious aircraft (LSA) designed for adventure flying and recreational pilots. Manufactured by ICON Aircraft, the A5 is built to combine safety, ease of use, and versatility, making it an accessible and fun aircraft for both new and experienced pilots. With its folding wings, amphibious capabilities, and intuitive controls, the ICON A5 is a unique blend of innovation and practicality.
One of its standout features is the Spin-Resistant Airframe (SRA), which enhances stall recovery and improves safety. Additionally, the cockpit design is inspired by modern sports cars, featuring a simple and stylish layout that makes flying more intuitive. Whether operating from a runway, water, or a grass strip, the ICON A5 is built for adventure and freedom in the skies.
Description
The ICON A5 is a two-seat, amphibious light sport aircraft featuring a carbon-fiber fuselage and high-lift wings for enhanced stability. Designed to operate from both land and water, the A5 is a true amphibian, making it a versatile aircraft for exploration.
The folding wings allow for easy storage and transportation, making it practical for owners with limited hangar space. The cockpit features a Garmin G3X touchscreen display, providing pilots with advanced navigation and situational awareness. Unlike traditional small aircraft, the ICON A5 includes an angle-of-attack indicator to help pilots manage stall conditions safely.
Its Rotax 912iS engine is fuel-efficient and reliable, producing 100 horsepower while burning automotive or aviation fuel. The high-visibility canopy offers stunning views for both pilot and passenger, making it an excellent aircraft for leisure flying.
Specifications
| General Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ICON Aircraft |
| Role | Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft |
| Seating Capacity | 2 (Side-by-side) |
| Length | 23 ft (7.01 m) |
| Wingspan | 34.8 ft (10.61 m) |
| Height | 8.1 ft (2.47 m) |
| Empty Weight | 1,080 lbs (490 kg) |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) |
| Engine | Rotax 912iS, 100 hp (74.5 kW) |
| Propeller | 3-blade composite, pusher configuration |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 gallons (76 liters) |
| Range | 427 nautical miles (491 mi / 791 km) |
| Cruise Speed | 85 knots (98 mph / 158 km/h) |
| Maximum Speed | 95 knots (109 mph / 175 km/h) |
| Stall Speed (Flaps Down) | 39 knots (45 mph / 72 km/h) |
| Rate of Climb | 600 ft/min (183 m/min) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Takeoff Distance (Water/Land) | 640 ft (195 m) / 840 ft (256 m) |
| Landing Distance (Water/Land) | 590 ft (180 m) / 750 ft (229 m) |
Performance
The ICON A5 delivers an exceptional balance of safety, efficiency, and maneuverability. Its low stall speed (39 knots) makes it forgiving and easy to handle for new pilots, while its short takeoff and landing distances allow for operation from a variety of runways and water bodies.
The Rotax 912iS engine provides ample power for takeoff while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, offering a range of 427 nautical miles. With a maximum speed of 95 knots, the A5 is designed more for fun and exploration than high-speed travel.
One of the A5’s most impressive features is its amphibious capability, allowing it to take off and land on both land and water. Additionally, its Spin-Resistant Airframe (SRA) and Angle-of-Attack indicator improve flight safety, reducing the risk of accidental stalls.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the ICON A5?
The ICON A5 is a light sport amphibious aircraft designed for recreational flying on both land and water. - Who manufactures the ICON A5?
It is manufactured by ICON Aircraft, based in California, USA. - How many people can the ICON A5 carry?
The aircraft has two seats, arranged in a side-by-side configuration. - What kind of engine does the ICON A5 have?
It uses a Rotax 912iS, a 100-horsepower fuel-injected engine. - Can the ICON A5 fly at night?
No, the A5 is classified as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and is not certified for night flying. - What is the range of the ICON A5?
It can fly up to 427 nautical miles (491 miles) on a full tank of fuel. - How fast can the ICON A5 fly?
The cruise speed is 85 knots (98 mph), and its maximum speed is 95 knots (109 mph). - Can it land on water?
Yes, the ICON A5 is an amphibious aircraft, meaning it can take off and land on both runways and water. - Does the ICON A5 have retractable landing gear?
Yes, the landing gear is retractable for water landings. - What type of fuel does it use?
The A5 can use either automotive fuel (MOGAS) or aviation fuel (AVGAS). - Is the ICON A5 easy to fly?
Yes, it is designed for simplicity and includes safety features like the Spin-Resistant Airframe (SRA) and Angle-of-Attack indicator. - What is its stall speed?
The stall speed is 39 knots (45 mph), making it very forgiving. - Can the wings fold for storage?
Yes, the ICON A5’s wings fold for easy storage and transportation. - What is its maximum altitude?
The service ceiling is 15,000 feet. - How long is the takeoff distance?
Takeoff distance is 640 feet on water and 840 feet on land. - Does it have an autopilot?
No, the standard ICON A5 does not come with an autopilot system. - Can it be used for flight training?
Yes, many flight schools use the ICON A5 for sport pilot training. - How much does it cost?
The base price is around $389,000, depending on optional upgrades. - Is a pilot’s license required?
Yes, at minimum, a Sport Pilot License (SPL) is required to fly the ICON A5. - Is it available for purchase?
Yes, the ICON A5 is available for purchase through ICON Aircraft and authorized dealers.
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