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.