The Icon A-5 is finally finished.
You know the Icon. It is a beautiful amphibious aircraft complete with angle-of-attack indicator. We have been watching its development for years, and the completed aircraft was at EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh this year.
I’ve got mixed feelings about this airplane. To paraphrase Teyve in “Fiddler on the Roof,” on one hand, it appears to be one more beautiful fun-filled airplane. I want one!
On the other hand, I just can’t stop myself from wondering, is this what we really meant when we set up the rules for an LSA (Light Sport Airplane)?
Originally, the LSA was to be a simple airplane with limited weight. Now comes the Icon, with retractable gear and rudder and weighing more than the original weight limit for LSAs.
Yes, I know the FAA exempted it. But a plane that lands on water or tarmac, with gear up or down and a water rudder to deal with too? I dunno about that.
I sincerely wish the Icon the very best. I hope it proves to be bulletproof and idiot proof and that it sells well and takes care of pilots. I really do.
But for right now, I still wonder.
About the Author
Ralph Hood
Certified Speaking Professional
Ralph Hood is a Certified Speaking Professional who has addressed aviation groups throughout North America. A pilot since 1969, he's insured and sold airplanes at retail and distributor levels and taught aviation management for Southern Illinois University.
Ralph Hood is also an award-winning columnist (he writes for several publications), a salesman and sales manager (he sold airplanes, for crying out loud!), a teacher (he taught college-level aviation management) and a professional public speaker who has entertained and enlightened audiences from Hawaii to Spain, and from Fairbanks to Puerto Rico.
- Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), National Speakers Association
- Past member, National Ethics Committee, National Speakers Association
- Past president of Alabama Speakers Association
- Member, Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame
- Past National Marketing Mentor, AOPA Project Pilot