27 July 2021
The Icon A5 amphibious aircraft is going through full type certification, allowing the US company to sell the A5 in countries that do not recognise its current Light Sport status.
Icon Aircraft announced at the EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh) that the A5 is set to receive FAA Type Certification in the Primary Category, allowing the company to further its global expansion plans.
The first Icon A5 Certified Edition is scheduled for completion in late 2021. It will feature a Garmin 796 avionics package, as well as the new ‘Signature’ livery design with three new colour options.
With the new Certified Edition, pilots around the world will be able to import and register their Icon A5 in their home countries.
For US customers, a Type Certified A5 has the advantage of simplified international travel requirements for flying to the Caribbean or operating the A5 from a yacht in foreign waters.
“International expansion has been a critical part of our business plan since day one,” said Jason Huang, President of Icon Aircraft.
“People in the US have been able to enjoy adventure flying in the Icon A5 for several years, and we will continue to produce the S-LSA version.
“But now we are excited to introduce the A5 to others around the world. Type Certification is one of the many investments Icon has made to grow our capabilities and improve the A5. We know it will be appreciated by our international deposit holders and sales partners, and we are all very excited for this day to come.”
Icon Aircraft also announced that the first production Icon A5 featuring the Garmin G3X Touch flight display was completed in June. Since the new avionics pacakge was announced, approximately 75 percent of orders have been for G3X Touch-equipped aircraft.
“Product innovation and safety are at the core of Icon’s DNA, and our continued focus on each is helping to fuel our increasing order book,” said Warren Curry, VP of Sales, Marketing, Flight Ops, and Service at ICON Aircraft.
“The introduction of the Garmin G3X Touch avionics configuration is the direct result of owner feedback. Along with the optional autopilot, this system greatly reduces pilot workload, further positioning the A5 as one of the safest small aircraft ever built.”
The current A5 order backlog is approximately five months and there are only three planes still available in 2021.
The company is expecting to deliver 31 planes this year and is aiming to deliver more than 50 A5s in 2022.
Stéphan D’haene, new SVP at Icon Aircraft
Stéphan D’haene is the new as SVP of Operations at Icon Aircraft. Previously with Italy’s Porto Aviation Group which produces the Risen microlight, D’haene will oversee all manufacturing operations, final assembly, quality control, and aircraft certification compliance.
“It’s great to join the incredibly talented team at Icon Aircraft,” said D’haene. “I’m looking forward to helping usher in a new era for the company, with a continued focus on scalability and growth.”
