Tuesday, July 21, 2015

ICON delivers its first A5


Posted: 07/20/15, 7:20 PM PDT | Updated: 2 hrs ago

ICON Aircraft Inc. hit another milestone Monday morning — delivering an A5 to its first customer.

At EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., ICON CEO Kirk Hawkins handed over the keys to the sea plane, Aircraft Serial Number 1 (ASN-001), to Sean Tucker, EAA Young Eagles chairman and aerobatic pilot, and EAA Chairman and former Cessna CEO Jack Pelton, who accepted the aircraft on behalf of Young Eagles.

Young Eagles is the EAA’s organization that allows children to experience general aviation, often for the first time, by taking them for flights.

“Delivering the first product to a customer is a transformational milestone for any company,” said Hawkins in a press statement. “ICON’s team has worked passionately over the years to create a truly amazing aircraft, and it delivers. Our mission is to make flying more accessible to the thousands who dream about it but consider it out of reach, including our youth.

“EAA’s Young Eagles shares that same vision and we couldn’t think of a more worthy recipient for the first ICON A5,” he continued. “Old, young, and in between, the A5 was specifically designed to change the way you experience personal flying–and it will. I can’t wait to see all the smiling faces of those youth who get to fly in it for the first time.”

Pelton expressed excitement with the delivery.

“EAA’s mission is to help support and grow general aviation at every level. ICON’s mission couldn’t be more aligned with ours, and seeing them succeed benefits all of general aviation. Many have tried and failed when it comes to bringing truly revolutionary aircraft to market in recent decades, so there is often understandable skepticism in our industry. But after flying the A5 myself and seeing it perform firsthand, I can say unequivocally that aircraft delivers on its promise. It’s incredibly easy to fly, safe, forgiving, and ridiculously fun. Not only is it the perfect aircraft to introduce young aviators to the thrill of flying, but I’m getting one myself.”

Both Pelton and Tucker spoke at Monday morning’s delivery event at AirVenture.

“I am very humbled and ecstatic to be taking delivery of this magnificent flying machine on behalf of Young Eagles,” Tucker said. “It’s exactly the perfect aircraft for our mission of showing the kids across America, many of whom would not otherwise be able to experience the magic of flying, that aviation is a fun and exhilarating adventure which empowers you to become the best you can be. “The A5 captures the essence of what drew me and so many others to aviation as children, and it shows how well aligned ICON’s and Young Eagles’ missions are,” he added. “Yeah baby! ICON, you rock!”

Prior to being handed over to Young Eagles, ASN-001 participated in ICON’s FAA audit in June and was the first A5 to receive an S-LSA airworthiness certificate. ICON is currently ramping up A5 production at their new facility in Vacaville.

ICON is celebrating the first customer delivery with a sales promotion that reduces the deposit for an aircraft from $5,000 to $2,000 until July 26. The promotion is available for deposits placed online or in person at the show and more information is available here: www.iconaircraft.com/a5/buy.

At the event, the company also debuted a new video, which is available online here: www.iconaircraft.com/theiconexperience.

For more information, visit www.iconaircraft.com.