ICON Aircraft announced Tuesday that the FAA has granted its A5 amphibious light sport aircraft (LSA) type certification in the primary category.
ICON says the certification will allow it to enter new markets, launching a “new phase of growth” for the company. Among other advantages, the new approval gives ICON a much clearer certification path in countries that don’t recognize the U.S. light sport category or those where the company would otherwise be required to go through a waiver process similar to the one it completed with the FAA to receive a weight exemption for the heavier-than-standard A5.
- READ MORE: Icon A5 Light-Sport Aircraft Review
The primary category certification also clears the way for the company to “take advantage of reciprocal agreements between the FAA and aviation governing bodies outside of the U.S.” to certify the A5 in regions and countries such as Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.
“Receiving FAA type certification for the ICON A5 in the primary category is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire ICON team,” said company CEO Jerry Meyer. “It allows us to expand our market potential around the world, and it underscores the commitment of ICON Aircraft to innovation and excellence in design…We are grateful for the collaborative partnership with the FAA throughout this process, and we extend our sincere thanks for their commitment to safety and efficiency.”
About the A5
The two-seat ICON A5 Certified Edition offers a top speed of 95 knots, 427 nm range with a 45-minute reserve, and useful load of 430 pounds. The aircraft is powered by the fuel-injected Rotax 912iS engine and comes equipped with the Garmin aera 796. It also features a folding-wing design and whole-airframe parachute system.
ICON noted that the certified edition of the A5 has the same specifications and performance as the S-LSA version but will require a private pilot certificate and seaplane rating to operate in the U.S. The A5 S-LSA will continue to require a sport pilot certificate with a seaplane endorsement. Starting price for the certified version is $439,000 while the S-LSA model starts at $394,000.
According to the company, the primary difference between the two versions is that the “Type-certified A5 is produced under a production type certification under a higher level of scrutiny and documentation by the FAA.”
ICON began delivering the A5 to customers in 2017. The company reports that it has now shipped more than 210 A5s to clients across 13 countries. The model is manufactured at ICON’s facility in Tijuana, Mexico.
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