ICON A5 Review: 11 Things NO ONE TOLD YOU About The ICON A5

[@jetjock12]

Spot on! As an owner for almost two years myself I can honestly say it was every bit as much fun as I thought it would be and I have never regretted my purchase.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

👏👏👏 thanks Gage! Can’t wait to go flying with you sometime! Hopefully soon!

[@dioncherry2711]

Please forgive my ignorance but where do you park after landing on water to get out and explore the city? A boat dock? Pull it onto land and store it where? I'm just trying to learn about options.

[@himmelsjager7182]

@@dioncherry2711 Probably boat dock

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@dioncherry2711 smartest thing to do is take it up a boat ramp and fold the wings and put it in a parking space with the brakes on. Works every time.

[@buzzkerr1]

This is outstanding. I have to say, as a retired Air Force pilot with over 8000 hours of flying and licensed CFI-II ATP multi-eng, this video makes me want to investigate even further. I too came into this world as an "airplane nerd." And I was blessed with a great 38 year career in aviation. At the age of 66, I felt it was time to retire my aviation passion for many reasons. And I have direly missed it for 2 years now. Again, this airplane with this presentation from Gary-James Knight has put me onto further investigation with the hopes of possibly owning one. The best video line he used (a selling point for me) was "the fun of flying." I did it as a career & job which was hard work. But flew my C-172 on the side for my "fun flying." Yes I can truly identify. Thanks Mr. Knight.

[@RaymondCore]

This airplane is the ONLY reason I play the Lotto.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

🤣🤣🤣 best comment!!!

[@awakenedone7577]

You'll have more chance investing in the stock market. Last year I was 25 and made a bunch of money. This year, I'm making even more buying stocks like tesla, nio, Cciv, plug and a bunch more ev and tech stocks like shopify, fastly, unity. Air bnb stock is expensive but still good

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@awakenedone7577 no doubt, still takes work to get good at though. Agree with you though

[@awakenedone7577]

@@GaryJamesKnight i was looking for icon stock lol but they haven't ipo'd yet.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@awakenedone7577 yea, not happening anytime soon either. We’re not changing the world with the A5 just adding some fun to it. I just bought some Roku though 😎

[@kf7bws]

AWESOME, well done. I am a retired computer network analyst and disabled war veteran. If I were able to afford an airplane this ICON A5 would be my first choice. This plane would be great for my two most important hobbies, flyfishing mountain lakes and amateur (ham) radio from remote locations.

[@benwilliamson4328]

I’ve been in love with this airplane since it came out. The only thing it’s missing is the room for a set or two of golf clubs. Even if it had that...I still couldn’t afford it though

[@whiskeytangosierra6]

I can afford it, but without room for golf clubs, what good is it? And the ones that have room for a foursome - too expensive to operate. On the road again...

[@benwilliamson4328]

@@whiskeytangosierra6 if you can afford it then you could afford a Cherokee 6 or a Saratoga. Both have room for clubs

[@mikejohnson5900]

It always makes me happy to see someone living their best life! Keep on doing it Gary!

[@PaulGarthAviation]

This was a really cool and informative format for explaining aviation stuff. Didn't realize the fuel burn was that good. I flew a Katana DA-20 from TOA to MYF and it was really similar in burn. I just heard you mention Rotax - 10:45 - that explains it... One of the best non-sales sales videos. Continued success!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Made my day with this comment. I love what I do so it's easy for me to pay attention to the nuance.

[@johnvandiermen616]

You sold me on the cup holder Awesome

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Not even kidding, cup holders in airplanes are underrated!!!

[@richardh5983]

Your truly living my dream, I'm a disabled vet and always dreamed of flying, sadly the publishers clearing house never showed up at my home in Feb :) Hopefully one day!!!!!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Rooting for you brother!!

[@ginofederici4780]

The window...the window...what a spectacular feature! Never knew about it. And, finally, knowing how to get in and out. The fuel strainer is a winner. OK. I'll admit... the cup holder as well!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Glad I could give you some perspective

[@cadenceandfamily2159]

Amazing how you can haul the plane with one person. I would love to have a plane like this in my garage. I would use it every summer. Can't see that being much maintenance, would be neat to take a plane and launch it at the local boat launch. This plane seems like it would be very safe as opposed to flying a bush plane with wheels and having to land on rocky shore lines

[@GaryJamesKnight]

The trailer is a game changer no doubt. I definitely don’t want to talk down on other airplanes though. All airplanes require respect, but the A5 is for sure is my plane of choice when it comes to fun flying!

[@airops423]

I own an Archer but would love to get into bush flying. The A5 seems like great fun for that!

[@Letsgobrandon790]

Good job maybe one day I will own one I have always liked the looks of it.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Hey I hope that you make it happen! I’m trying to get to a place to buy one as well!! Hopefully soon!

[@carthyjordan481]

It looks like a sports car.

[@NSResponder]

If someone wants to put one of these on board a yacht, 1) is it possible to fold the wings while it's on the water, and 2), is there any place where a hoist can be attached?

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I was at Air Venture the year it went on sale. Inside the tent was the plane and founder. Seemed like nobody was interested then. Things sure have changed.

[@johnreed8872]

Awesome Airplane and great review ! I'm starting a kit build very soon and could literally build three of them for less than a new A5 . Not to mention the savings on condition inspections , maintenance etc. Nevertheless , quite an impressive airplane all while remaining within LSA regs. Have to agree with the 1st commentor , I'll keep playing the lottery ! Thanks for the video and Blue Skies!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Yup, kit planes are definitely a cost effective way to get into flying. I don’t have the patience to build an airplane though!

[@williamweinheimer3930]

Let me know when the maiden flight is scheduled and I will wear my helmet.

[@BayshoreRealty]

Awesome video Gary! I thought I'd seen every A5 video on KZbin. I've been flying Powered Paragliders for many years and plan to step it up to the A5! Enjoyed seeing the trailers for the A5 on KZbin also. Maybe some videos on the practicality of A5 ownership/enjoyment? Again, great video!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

That’s a phenomenal idea! I definitely have plenty to say about that!!! Thanks for the idea, definitely going to start working that out, let me know when you’re ready to pull the trigger.

[@Emily_M81]

Icon didn't even show me the window thing when I first saw the A5 at an airplane show a couple years ago XD These planes remind of the love child of a jet ski and an LSA. Thanks!

[@tompaul3547]

Nicely done, Gary. Off to find more of your vids.

[@turbo1234ist]

Good choice to be a pilot. Got an A&P and after a few years walked awsy with lots of prior technical training. Unemployed more than employed. Bad managers, people breaking rules, FAA is another anomoly. Have fun.

[@jrandallgladden]

Gary, appreciate the straight forward review of the A5. Do more videos. Been watching since you moved from Florida. Couple of years from getting an A5 for myself and want to stay on top of it. Live in San Diego, but going through Austin with the family Sunday/Monday, if you are available, would love to grab a coffee and see the A5 up close.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I'm glad that you got some value out of this J. That's what I strive for. Unfortunately I'm leaving town on Sunday to head home for Thanksgiving, but 100% stay in touch man. Send me a dm on IG @garyjamesknight and I will send you my phone number. I can't do a demo at 1 year out, but I can absolutely give you a full walk around on the A5 I have in Austin. I'm not allowed to demo anyone further than 3-6 months out anymore though :(

[@dockmasterted]

I like the parachute, and the Rotax engine.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Personally, I could do without the parachute, but I do LOVE the rotax!!!

[@gerardvaneick3066]

I just listened to a KZbin video that you might be interested in by Dan Johnson "FAA, LSA light sport aircraft, LPA light personal aircraft rules proposal, update June 2021". I've watched this video several times. Lots of great information about what is coming in a couple years.

[@raul7293]

Thank you SO SO MUCH for this video. Very good job.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Hey thanks for watching!!

[@eamonshields2754]

Awesome Breakdown, This Will Be My First Plane ✈️ Im So Excited !!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Same!!! I can’t wait to get my own!!!

[@superduper1917]

Smart move on the maintence education or FAM course for Technicians! Like the smartest move a new company that wants to stand the test of time can make! Great decision making! Hell you might be able to turn it around for Icon! Proud of you!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Thanks, it’s not easy, or cheap for us to make happen, but it’s gotta be worth it.

[@troy9er]

I fly RC planes, helicopters, jets, acrobatic models. Got to fly a full size 330 extra a few years ago! What a blast, the pilot took off and handed over the plane in a couple hundred feet, I was able to do loops, rolls and high G pull outs from some crazy dives! What a gas! Someone asked me, do you want a pilot license? I said no I prefer walking UP to my crashes, thanks. I bought a F-3S Spyder last year mostly cause I herd they ran Rotax power plants. I also found out they make motorcycle motors for BMW bikes. The side case says BMW, but they are Rotax motors in some of their bikes. Love my F-3S.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Rotax has a phenomenal reputation. Didn’t know that about BMW, very cool!

[@Skyninja223]

Can you drop the gear while I'm water and taxi it up a properly sized boat ramp if needed? I'm speaking as if you didn't have the trailer on hand to dock it.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Absolutely, even when I have the trailer I get it out of the water on the gear and then put it on the trailer.

[@al3xuk]

Even though you weren't trying at all to sell this aircraft, I would definitely buy one now, luckily I have space to keep, take off and land one, Just not the funds yet to own. Excellent video.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Thank you very much, glad to hear that I helped. Plane does most of the selling on it’s own tbh.

[@gerardvaneick3066]

Hello from Tennessee; I have been rewatching some of your videos and it got me to thinking. What news is coming from Vacaville about the ICON A5. Come to find out that the newer planes are coming out with Garmin G3Xs. I was also reading the Dan Johnson's update from Sun-N-Fun on some of the proposed updates to Sport Pilots/Light Personal Aircraft (LPA). I know the A5 is certified at a certain weight "IF" the FAA increases the total weight to 2000 pounds. Does the A5 need to be recertified to meet that weight? Or would ICON have to build another plane to meet that weight class? Could a beefier ROTAX ie 914is, 915is or larger engine to meet Wing Load constraints? Thank you for your time in answering any of the above questions. And we are still patiently (no rush) waiting for that video explaining what the buttons & switches do. Push the switch and see just what happens. Push the same switch and see what happens. Just a thought maybe have a channel name change to"Knight Pilot James". To me it has a very good ring to it. Almost JEDI to it.

[@lawrenceellison2972]

Thanks for the video. Non sales, instruction, engineering, or hype. Very refreshing. “I will own an A5”. I wish all aircraft videos were done this way.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I appreciate the feedback Lawrence!!

[@woodygray7715]

Super Video Gary-James … I’m there on that hat and shirt and very close on the A5. I need to use the term around the house a bit to see what noise it makes! 😎

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Thanks!! It’s definitely a fun one to make! One step at a time 😎 if you get any pushback, sell the parachute 🪂

[@SecularSpinach]

i've been fascinated by this A/C since discovering it a week ago on YT. I'm sure glad I didn't, but I ALMOST turned this vid off during the first minute b/c I then thought it was going to be 32 minutes of EXACTLY what you then said it's not... a Flashy, "Hey Look at ME" thing. Sure glad I stuck past the minute-long intro, b/c I learned almost all the finer details i had been wondering about, which were not covered elsewhere, one of which - and I'm not kidding - was the CUP-HOLDERS as i'm a fellow Coffee-FREAK LOL! I would just ask next about storage bins/spaces be they Internal/External. You covered well the math of the weight considerations - but what about SPACE considerations. For example, If you calculated your weight/balance could include 80 pounds of gear for a camping stay of a night (or 2/3) - is there anywhere to safely stow say a few cubic-feet? But fantastic vid, TY...

[@qba-bomb3959]

I never even knew this plane existed until I played MS flight sim. And now I want to learn to fly and get one!!!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Awesome!!! Ready to buy today??

[@qba-bomb3959]

@@GaryJamesKnight I'm ready.... my bank account is not lol

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@qba-bomb3959 I’m in the same boat, see you up there!!

[@SteveBlackman-Cross]

It would be good to see the versatility of transporting on a trailer, into the water/garage.

[@yes.144]

Hope have a icon a5 is my favourite plane :”(

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Same!!

[@harrior931]

@@GaryJamesKnight bro i just seen you today in temple tx at the buc'ees you was fueling up your suburban you had the icon in the trailer real eye soar wanted to meet you but had to roll up the road

[@IconicFlight]

Great overview and behind the scenes!

[@rogergonsoulin9675]

Great job Gary you had all of the points I’m interested in. The price! For real? We need to get that down. Thanks for the work Roger

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I wish, unfortunately it’s only gone up since this video. Build it cheaper and I’ll come sell it though!!

[@Parkerarchitectural]

Good vid. Great gadget. Thank you for all the great info. FYI the “seawings” are called “sponsons” on a boat :)

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I couldn’t remember the pronunciation! Thanks!!

[@Parkerarchitectural]

@@GaryJamesKnight :) Thanks for replying. Im a Brit, sitting here on one of the Philippines 7000+ islands thinking the A5 would be just the perfect transport to enjoy the thousands of beaches and coves within a couple of hundred miles of my home :) Lovin’ watching all your vids :)

[@remorestagno3798]

Thanks "-" great and enjoyable FYI! Now I've got to get back to work so I can order one.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

You and me both!

[@madameblueberry2608]

Great video. I have a question, does this aircraft have an IFR rating?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Thanks, it does not unfortunately

[@mikedavis595]

Excellent video, it’s nice to see a “real” video about this plane and not a promotion. Well done.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Thanks Mike, just doing what I can with what I got 💪

[@user-hp2sb6ch4u]

Bro I’ve been watching your videos I’ve never been into aviation but I’ve been absolutely obsessing over the A5 for the past month

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Careful bro! This stuff is addicting!!!!!

[@Rezo3]

That 300E is super sweet too.

[@alexanderpuga3044]

Hopefully one day I am fortunate to take a demo flight in one. I am a big guy and partially disabled, but this one looks easier to get into that all others. I am 6'7" 300. but my height for this A5 might actually be a good thing. They look great!

[@lensmith1870]

Very good job very informative thank you very much for all your hard work to present that to us

[@njsarn]

GJ, thanks for all the good points about the A5. I'm waiting for the A5 or AX? with the 915iS engine to see if the max speed can be improved from 98 KTAS.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

If you want something faster you’ll have to get a different airplane. The A5 isn’t slow due to power, it’s slow due to drag because it’s designed for low and slow flying. Can’t have it all.

[@PaalSalvesen]

Great video! Excited to see the A5 in Naples this weekend, and your video inspired even further! Thanks!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

You buying one Paul? Happy to help you figure it out if necessary

[@johncase2031]

Nice plane. I like the sleek look and the folding wings, very 😎 l!

[@VetSemperFi]

I also absolutely love my Icon A5! She is a very strong plane. I've accidently flown her into trees, houses, mooring posts, and she keeps on going without a scratch. All I have to do is hit the 'Esc' button in MSFS2020. :)

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Baahaha!! good one!!

[@a914freak]

When I am ready to trade in my high wing cessna, I will buy my ICON from you sir. Thanks!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Thanks Kyle! That means a lot to me!

[@traxdiablo46]

The biggest dream for a man like me who will only fly this in ms flight simulator but i love this plane

[@tonybragassa6855]

Great video dude! What’s the maximum height for a pilot/passenger to still feel comfortable? Also, what’s the length of the plane with the wings folded back. I’ve read it’s 8’ wide, but can’t seem to find the length. Thanks man!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

We have several owners who are 6’4” so probably 6’5”-6’6” tops. It’s 23’ long as well.

[@sed6]

Your trailer video was great and this was even better! Keep it up! I had my demo flight two years ago, still saving up. Someday soon! Liked and sub #960 👍

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I believe you're gonna make it!

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

Awesome video. I’ve thought about becoming a demo pilot I’m in Boise

[@billfipp1719]

I liked the video... Thanx. One thing... what size pilot does it fit? I'm 6'1", will I feel cramped?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Highly unlikely, I’m 6’0” and feel fine

[@billfipp1719]

@@GaryJamesKnight Thanx... Such a beautiful plane. I was imagining myself in one and wondered if I would even fit... ;-)

[@billyc4673]

Awesome video, thanks. Look forward to checking out your other videos. I have no flying experience, but would love to go up in one. Is there a company out there that would take me on a tour?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

check out boundless aviation in South Carolina

[@kirkchartier7141]

Should have had the emergency chute if that is still on the aircraft. To me if flying and something fails I want the redundent safety of that feature.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

It does have an emergency parachute ;)

[@CarlosHernandez-wz5nr]

This is my dream plane to fly! Do you know the pathway to become a CFI for it?? Thanks for sharing! Carlos

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Get your CFI and start teaching seaplane and be 150lbs or lighter

[@damianhernanadez3083]

This was a great video on the in and outs of this beauty!! I’ve been looking around and genuinely haven’t found the answer to my questions, maybe you’d know; what’s the draft on this guy on the water? How low in water can the water rudder still operate safely? Thanks!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

The POH says 14” but I wouldn’t knowingly put it down in less than 3’ of water

[@lensmith1870]

I'm looking to buy one get on the list but you know I'm trying to do all my homework study everything see everything about it first

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I’m here whenever you’re ready

[@thomashutchinson1259]

Just curious how these hold up in salt water? I have a vacation house on the water with a boat lift. Thinking about parking the plane in there when I travel to my house. This seems like the ideal way to park my plane when I travel. However, just not sure how water tight the landing gear compartment is? I was going to buy a 42' boat, but I want this plane more than the boat. Besides, all of my friends have boats, but none of them have a plane parked in their boat lift.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

There is metal hardware, like anything exposed to the saltwater, you have to have a spraydown/corrosion prevention plan to avoid corrosion build up on the matal. That being said, the entire airframe is carbon fiber, it does not corrode in saltwater AT ALL. The hardware obviously will, but it’s minimal and accessible. I am currently flying an airframe with 200+ hours of saltwater time and ZERO corrosion issues. If you are super serious, call me 813-770-9452

[@robertdaggett1886]

Great video! I'm going to take coffee on tomorrow morning's demo flight in Naples!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Thank you!! Enjoy your flight and thanks for watching!!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Did you enjoy your demo flight Robert?

[@robertdaggett1886]

@@GaryJamesKnight Yes!! This reply is a year late, but it was fantastic!

[@trentjbrendel]

Great vid! The Jeep Wrangler comparison was pure gold. This aircraft is a absolutely amazing. I feel like Microsoft should add a livery pack for this aircraft in MSFS 2020 with the windows removed. Thanks for making great content!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Gonna pitch this to Microsoft and take all the credit 😆😆😆

[@trentjbrendel]

@@GaryJamesKnight by all means! You’ve got more sway than me. I’m just a lowly hobbyist.

[@Aviatorjr92]

Thank you for your videos. Does Icon A5 have autopilot?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Only a handful do, but it’s an available option

[@jonblade51]

Love the product. Have done ever since I saw Kirk Hawkins do one of his original video interviews on the plane before anyone could buy one. So content was A1 on the A5. Just gonna say however that, ( God Bless ya Gary-James) this whole video could have been absorbed in about half the time. 11 points at about a minute each, would have been perfect. I was just starting to scroll in the side pane at about 15 minutes in. Other than that, Cool plane congratulations on owning one. I see the price tag has more than doubled from its launch estimates by the way, too. Not the affordable experimental toy that Kirk originally saw it to be.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

No worries, I don’t take offense to any of it and I appreciate the feedback ! Tough to create something that makes everyone happy, but I’ll always try and do better. You’d be surprised how many people appreciate the length, probably will do an abbreviated version of this for people like yourself who want something bite sized. Also keep in mind that I don’t get paid to do this at all so I don’t consider myself a professional.

[@MabrysDad]

At 17:59 am I seeing the reflection of a heads up display on the windscreen? Looks like it might be a tach or something.

[@demetriousgains2594]

Great info video. Thanks!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@pwrbugl07]

Great video! Love this plane!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I appreciate the engagement!!

[@jmpars2552]

Hello Gary, Thank you for sharing. This plane is fascinating. I can stop looking for more. I would love to see it in FRANCE. Is there an importer in FRANCE or not yet ?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Not yet, we’re working on EASA approval first, so hopefully soon!!

[@ExtremeRecluse]

Would make a good charter or small air taxi in a very congested city with large rivers. They need to make a 4 seater.

[@GC987]

Very enjoyable walk through (if somewhat lengthy) Perhaps a part 1 : 5 things + part 2: another 5 things might have offered a more bite sized overview. Love your enthusiasm and straight talking style and content. Love the merch too - I just wanted to find a white tee shirt - no luck !?! Keep the Icon videos coming.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

No doubt, I’m going to upload the bite sized versions to my Instagram at some point

[@stephenf1381]

Definitely a cool ass plane. Icon should try to do for personal aircraft what Tesla has done for electric cars. If I ever buy a plane it will be an A5. Brilliant design all around.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Agreed!!

[@jack0939]

“You can use this as a seat in the water” As it also says clearly “No step” 10:20 lol

[@GaryJamesKnight]

So sitting is standing now??

[@putinvladimir6293]

@@GaryJamesKnight how long does it take to become a pilot?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@putinvladimir6293 depends on how much time you dedicate to it, 3 weeks to 1 year though

[@jtjones4727]

Now, if only I had the 260,000 dollars I need to buy one. There is one for sale near me with only 85 airframe hours. Guess I'll have to settle on that 81 Cessna 152 for the time being.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I love flying the 152. Always been a favorite airplane of mine.

[@Garrett901]

Great job Gary !

[@juangonzalez5176]

Awesome Review!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@allengrimes1158]

How about a stereo system for when your parked on the water?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Any problem can be solved if you throw enough money at it

[@henrycarlson7514]

So wise , Thank You. Glad that you admit that EVERY Thing brakes , and needs proper maitanance. So true coffee is life. Again Thank You

[@GaryJamesKnight]

“Brake” is a much scarier word than it needs to be for sure. Glad that part resonated with you.

[@henrycarlson7514]

@@GaryJamesKnight I meant break, Thank You , Happy flying

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@henrycarlson7514 I didn’t even notice it was the wrong word until you said it. I learned English from a native Spanish speaker. Needless to say, it’s easy for me to miss certain things. Likewise, and thanks again!

[@carmendcoleman]

Gary... How does one enter into ownership when not a millionaire? I am retired USAF Aircraft Maintainer and I now work for NASA...I make more than most but still cant justify this? What purchase options are there and why has ICON priced the common individual out? Any insider tricks to ownership? I am an A&P as well and want to get my license in the plane that I choose to purchase... Sonex or an AutoGyro are looking really good right now!

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Find a group of people interested and create a flying club. 4 owners would bring costs down below $1,000/mo. for each, that’s less than a new car + insurance payment. Buying a used one that doesn’t have the latest features or factory warranty would help as well. I’m no millionaire either, that’s how I’m going to do it.

[@Stanty16]

Couldn't help but smile when you got to the point about the merch lol. I have a couple A5 t-shirts, including the one you're wearing in this, and it really is a fantastically soft and comfortable shirt. Also "I own t-shirts from a light aircraft manufacturer" is a great answer when someone asks how much of a nerd I am :D Here's hoping to seeing an A5 in the flesh some day

[@GaryJamesKnight]

THANK YOU!! Glad I didn't leave that segment in there for no one!!

[@alanmcclure9546]

when you have too many in your hanger,, you can always dump one off on me, as its the only reason I play the Powerball since the A-5 was just a prototype in Hawkins Mad Science Lab. It is my wet dream.

[@gerardvaneick3066]

Thank you for your earlier comments (it's been a month or two). The fuel tester tube in the fuel tank filler tube was the first I have ever seen in any videos. The water rudder is talked about but rarely if ever shown in action. Also the bilge pump is talked about and mostly never shown. I have read that the the wing tips can be removed for transport (but never seen). Is there anything else that hasn't been discussed or shown about the ICON A5. I would like to know more. Thank you for your time.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

There not much to either of those items to be honest. The water rudder goes up and down, there’s a switch inside the cabin that controls it. The bilge pump is literally just a switch that turns it off and on and water comes out of the side. I will say though that a video that covers every single button and switch isn’t a bad idea though 😉

[@gerardvaneick3066]

@@GaryJamesKnight That sounds like a perfect idea. I know it may sound like a stupid idea but if you used two cameras and showed what happened when you pushed a switch/button. Maybe for an example the water rudder switch. And then showed what is happening (on dry land). Then the switch up and watch the water rudder go up into the stowed position and so on. When you say or I say the Bilge Pump; I imagine a boat pumping water out the back of the transom. I know the ICON pumps to the left side mid wing. But if you don't see it happening you really don't know. It's easy to see when you activate the flap switch and you see the flaps go down and then back up when the switch is moved up. I think there are boat dock tie downs in the side of the fuselage (I think) I don't know for sure. I have heard that the sponson fronts can be replaced but have never seen one removed/replaced. The vortex generators on the wings are great but what is it with the large vortex generators on both sides of the fuselage? Is it directing the wind into the propeller? I'm sure other people would like to know the answers in a video because most of us can't come in person to view, touch, inspect a plane up close and personal. Thank you for your time and help.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@gerardvaneick3066 it’s not a dumb idea, I just hate editing videos so I don’t want to commit to the time it takes to edit footage from multiple camera angles.

[@gerardvaneick3066]

@@GaryJamesKnight Thank you for your insight. It's not that I'm asking to have it done by day after tomorrow. We can wait a while. We have waited this long already. What's another month or two. Take your time and do it right. Don't rush it go slow. The video will be perfect. I won't complain you do great work with all your videos.

[@Stevesimmons2010]

@@GaryJamesKnight There are PLENTY of professional video editors who can take your raw footage and give you QUALITY video results. Gary, this video shows you have what it takes to showcase ICON products; ask them to pay for your professional editing costs, I’m sure they will.

[@Gabepedaler]

LOL. Yes to the cup holder. Great video.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Cup holder gang!!!

[@DrDsIT]

@Gary-James Knight nice video! Are you still in the Tampa area or Texas?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Texas, in tampa every once in a while though

[@DrDsIT]

@@GaryJamesKnight okay, I'm in Tampa and was hoping to get a ride in the A5. I was in Oshkosh in 2008 when Icon announced it and I followed it through the release. What company makes the icon T-shirts?

[@BrljoMrljo]

Lucky I have one in my MSFS XD. Love it.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Yesss!! Flight son got me started 100%

[@harryohanson]

I really appreciate your passion for flying and aviation. I have the same for motorcycles. I can relate when you said pilots want always talk about flying. It’s the bikes and riding for me. Most likely I will never own or even fly something like that but if I did A5 would be my first choice. I also have little experience with Rotax engines since I work in Can-Am Spyders. They make some good stuff! As I am looking at the design of the airplane I can see why A5 does not have nose dive when throttling up. I believe it’s partially due to weight distribution but also because the prop is in line with the wings. May I suggest something that I’m not sure if these planes have it...depth gauge when in water and small electric motors in rear wheels. Last one would add a lot of weight but I could see them being useful.

[@matthartwig9337]

Gary, how tall are you? I’m a 6’4” private pilot. Most planes don’t have enough head room. Currently flying Cessnas. Nice video A5’s are really cool

[@mikestiles811]

Great review of a very cool plane

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Sorry I missed this, thanks for the feedback!!

[@nickmoseley5998]

Can you do a video on the interior and how much weight it can carry?

[@GaryJamesKnight]

10:40 & 7:02

[@Timelt51]

You're a good soul! Thank you.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I really appreciate your positivity!!!

[@Pyramidtank]

Are these the airplanes with built-in parachute just in case you need to emergency land

[@GaryJamesKnight]

yes

[@davekostuch3250]

I think people need to realize that this aircraft is not meant for flying across the country. It is not fast and yes it is pricey. It was designed to be comfortable to fly. It has a low stall speed. Etc. It is for people who want to want to trailer it then fly or go from miami beach to the bahamas for the afternoon. Maybe cruise at slow speed with the windows out above the tree tops.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Dave, I appreciate your level headed observations and I hope you get a shot at flying the A5 someday, it’s a life changing experience when you’re able to appreciate the airplane for what it is.

[@BaxterretxaB]

I’m trying to wrap my head around this. I think the plane is great for being a little fun island hopper but for the price I just can’t think of a reason not to buy a float plane that holds 4 people and is faster. If the price point came down I could see this plane as a better option. I think this thing looks cool and I really want to like it and I’m trying to look past the price and the low speed.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@BaxterretxaB I’d love to have a conversation on this topic with you over video/zoom chat if you’re up for it sometime.

[@drgoff11]

Incredible... I need say no more!!! Thanks for this video.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Thanks!!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DJRTP]

The A5 is a nice plane, what would make a pilot like me purchase one instead of an IFR/VFR rated Cessna 172? If I'm paying over $300,000 approximately for a single engine private plane, I'd like to have as less limitations as possible and be able to travel across the country day or night. In order to be slated for both IFR/VFR in an A5 I would have to purchase a ICON A5 S-LSA which cost roughly $359,000. Icon is not a tried and true tested plane over time. Cessna has been around since 1927 and are extremely dependable and reliable. You cannot find a flight school in the United States that does not have at least one 172 or 152. I can purchase a used 172 for less than $150,000 in really great shape

[@GaryJamesKnight]

You sound like a blast to fly with!

[@roquepinto9951]

Good job pal, i just like to know how high can you fly with this A5? Tkx

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I’ve been up to 9,500’ the book says top is 15,000’

[@roquepinto9951]

@@GaryJamesKnight But then you might need the oxygene mask, don´t you? Tkx.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

@@roquepinto9951 over 12,500 yes

[@timpaterson2872]

Great video, shame you didn’t show the wing folding process.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

THAT is a very good point, more wing fold stuff to come 💯💯🙏

[@mo-javihug7732]

I really enjoyed your video. I your my kind of guy. Coffee and airplanes!!!

[@wyunaboy]

hard to choose between ICON A5 and DA50 RG...for the single-engine pilot.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

I don't think so man, they're two completely different airplanes with completely different purposes. Who says that you have to only own one airplane anyway?

[@GaryL3803]

@23:00 The torque causes the nose to go down?? Torque is a rotational force about the axis of the propeller shaft. The thrust line being above the wing level and or not horizontal can cause pushover. The Icon's thrust line is about at the level of the wing and looks to be horizontal. So, little or no pushover. And, the seawing is technically a sPonson. However, I will thoroughly agree that the Icon is thoughtfully engineered for it's purpose.

[@GaryJamesKnight]

Not torque from the engine, torque from the increase in thrust as you add power. The engine is above and behind the center of gravity so an increase in thrust would cause the aircraft to rotate forward around the CG. Torque - a twisting force that tends to cause rotation