Ultimate Flying Machine

A former F-16 jockey and a skateboard designer collaborate to design the tiny Icon A5 aircraft.

[@anonamouse2346]

I love this aircraft. The only thing that concerns me is the vibrational beating that the tail section endures under low airspeed high angle of attack configuration. Flight videos show this vibration in action, and in my opinion it looks quite severe. I hope somebody from Icon reads this. I love your airplane guys, she's a beauty.

[@adrianlarkins7259]

I've watched a couple of these videos on the Icon. As a former private pilot with IFR rating I find the instrumentation too limited. Perhaps I'm wrong but I don't see a an artificial horizon or a turn and bank indicator. Even if you are only VFR, these two instruments, with a little training, can be life savers.

[@oldrogue4247]

+Adrian Larkins Then you don't want an LSA if your want instruments, do ya?

[@adrianlarkins7259]

I looked at further videos and it obvious the aircraft is for VFR. However, I still think, as I found out myself as a VFR pilot that a certain amount of IFR training is very useful even if you are not actually qualified. It got me out of serious trouble when I made a common mistake. I carried on when I should have turned back. Therefore, I think an AH and a T&B indicator are essential. They could save your life.

[@adrianlarkins7259]

+EVO101 I couldn't agree more and that is why all aircraft, whether intended purely for VFR or not should have the basic instruments for that moment you dread as a VFR pilot. It happened to me as a private pilot with about 300 hours. I got too confident and carried on. The few hours I had on IFR training saved the day. I was literally shaking when I broke through the cloud. I never did that again. It should be compulsory for all VFR pilots to pass a basic test in IFR, A sort of junior IFR rating.

[@jibeneyto91]

+Adrian Larkins. Hi Adrian, your comment is very interesting. I agree with you in that having instruments is helpful if you know how to use them. I don't agree in that every pilot should have IFR training, that's way over the top for the needs of a LSA-pilot. In a LSA you only want the most essential information: Basically an ASI, altimeter and Engine RPM/Oil Temp indicators. The horizon is not required because you're only supposed to fly in VMC. Turn coordination can be performed by "feel", or even using the cheapest instrument of all: A little "yaw string" as gliders use. Is it helpful to have IFR training? Well yes. It's also helpful to be an Aeronautical Engineer to have a deep understanding of how the aircraft works, but that's not required for obvious reasons. It's also not required to be a Car Mechanic to be able to drive a car and so on.

[@adrianlarkins7259]

+jibeneyto I appreciate your view but I still say a VFR pilot with some IFR training is a safer pilot. My own experience proves the point.

[@czarwright]

i like it but can it carry bags for day trips. i will check in to it more. Thanks=)

[@ufoengines]

Cool! There is a guy planning to build a twin engine airplane using hemp. Is this design going to use any hemp in it's construction?

[@ElementX32]

In regards to Adrian Larkins comment on the instrumentation limitations. I worked on F-14's in the US Navy and I'm familiar with flight characteristics and I wanted to ask in your opinion (since I am looking at getting a private pilot's license), would that extra instruments you referred to matter as much for this particular aircraft being that from what I read, this plane is only allowed to be flown during the day and no higher than 10k ft. I am trying to learn and thank you for your time.

[@tylerreynolds1530]

If anyone's interested, the music is by Brian Eno off the album 'Music for Airports'.

[@hindsightgivesinsighttofor5597]

I see this plane has a rather thin tail. Could that be made to retract into the main body ? Looking at how the wings fold if that was mechanized it could collapse down into a more car sized vehicle which could give rise to a car that can fly and also drive on water. Basically an all terrain vehicle. Have you thought on that ???

[@dukeman7595]

It appears to be a quality built aircraft, the versatility of options from water or land is fantastic, along with the power wing fold is great.. You can park it in your garage and trailer it to the lake or airport, fantastic and the price isn't that bad, heck some folks pay more for a car..

[@VodkaFanClub]

I think it's a good price for that outstanding aircraft. Very nice design, a lovely flying machine! Good job!

[@velveetaslingshot]

This would be perfect for a house on a big lake. Oh man....this just became retirement fantasy number one.

[@flexairz]

@toakreon True. But why did the thing have a normal aircraft dashboard. This design doesn't allow the owner to add or change equipment without destroying the panel. It looks nice but unusable.

[@BeamRider100]

Looks like a good design for the power rating and goals. The interesting part, I'm thinking about now, is how the prop wash will be hitting the tail but not the main wing. I'd expect light, responsive controls and working the wing in the clean air probably gives a nice flying feeling.

[@danielvincentkelley]

They should get the price down to like $50,000. Get the production rate up. Plan to sell more than 4X as many. Get a marketing campaign visiting people on lakes, selling these things door to door. Maybe drop in on the lake in 1 of these things, then pitch a sale to all witnesses. Fly in, in 1 of these, then toss quadcopters out the window that are programmed to deliver brochures to each home ahead of your in person sales pitch.

[@arkansaswookie]

That's what the E.A.A fly in convention held in Oshkosh Wisconsin every summer is for. Every new & old aircraft company on the planet goes there to show the aviation world what they've got.

[@danielvincentkelley]

Cheyeh Right. The "aviation world". Not what I was talking about. I was saying they should go door to door pitching these to every family who seen them soft land on the water. You see? That's a much different marketing plan than OVER CHARGING FOR SHAPED and RESINATED CARBON SHEET and then marketing only to air heads.

[@nicougrikify]

danielvincentkelley 50k ? you realize this is an airplane right ?

[@RobinsM]

danielvincentkelley Carbon fiber isn't cheep plus this is an airplane.

[@danielvincentkelley]

Ruben It kinda is cheap. It's like $200 for: 30' X 4'. 2 of those and you have a wing. That's ridiculously cheap. 4 more of those you have an airframe and cabin. That's like $1200 for the whole shebang. Shit. What do you think is left in the firepit after you burn anything? Carbon. The shit is not platinum or gold. It's not even neodymium. Carbon is hugely abundant. Carbon fiber is primarily carbon. Don't be ridiculous. What isn't cheap is an autoclave sized to house an airplane, to cure the thing. About that I'd say, they should team up with some other manufacturers who would share the use of the autoclave for each putting in as much to buy it as allows them the time share they need to do their manufacturing. www.ebay.com/itm/The-real-2x2-Twill-carbon-fiber-fabric-cloth-10-yards-/271905611541?hash=item3f4ed65f15&vxp=mtr

[@gakaface]

That is a beautifully designed aircraft. I hope it is successful in the marketplace.

[@peachtrees27]

This guy deserves a Presidential medal for seeing this through after years and years of certification/changes/costs. For a light-sport airplane (not even Part 23)! Production in 2010? Buy everyone at Icon a beer...

[@jrhunter007]

+Pete Kuhns A metal? There are over 135 LSAs certified now. Most cost $100,000 LESS that this thing, and most fly better. This plane is not only over priced, it's overweight- heavy planes don't fly well. Its takeoff and landing distances are well over the norm, and landing speeds are much higher than average. That's a fail. It needs a lot of speed to fly, yet has one of the slowest cruise speeds on the market. And they have yet to deliver... (8 years down the pike, and 12 years after the LSA rule as been enacted). An awful lot of money has been wasted. I wonder who is left holding the bag?

[@peachtrees27]

+John Hunter Point taken but I am not talking about the flying characteristics of the plane. I'm talking about starting a manufacturing company from scratch in the most heavily regulated, traditionally expensive area of consumer products. And doing that in California! Basically, entrepreneurial suicide...

[@tmlink74]

@airste172 Actually - a sport pilot license only requires about 20-25 hours of training. So two weeks is ambitious - but not really that difficult for anyone. Flying is every bit as easy as driving. Did it take you more than two weeks (or 25 hours behind the wheel) to learn to drive? And actually, as far as price goes.....for what this plane is - compared to the market it's in - the price tag really isn't that bad either.

[@billypate667]

Are unit stap down seat buckle like car to hold down unit while be botled down and maybe some units have like electric seat built pug ins to.connect

[@Blackevo9]

not doubting you without further info, but that is impressive. The average PPL takes around 40 hours of training to complete, therefore, he would have to do a minimum of around 2.9 hours everyday, for 2 weeks, plus all the ground school, and exams. Of course it can be done in under 40 hours, but it would be a very dangerous idea.

[@davesultralight]

Sport pilot isn't easy to get, but nothing that rewarding is easy. I love low and slow. Fly weightshift, had to get it N numbered and get my sport pilot license. But it is very rewarding. Would love to have one of these guys but it's out of my league. Sure is cool though. Good luck with your great looking product. PS, my brother in law is a sport pilot instructor and he isn't easy on folks but would you like to learn to fly with someone who is easy?

[@airste172]

@KC9RXB Read the fine print and you'll find that folding wings cost extra, aside from the fact that you can't get folding wings and retracts at the same time due to weight. In any event, in spite of all the hype, aside from some prototypes having been built, this airplane (as a finished product) does not exist.

[@Jon6429]

It's a very nice re-boot of tried & tested older designs that clearly has its roots in the Avid Aircraft Inc's "Catalina" and the daddy of them all the Republic RC-3 Seabee. I wonder though if they will ever ditch the prop in favor of a turbine or two and stiffen up the tail-boom... now that would get the blood pumping

[@longshot7601]

Back in May 2013 Icon asked the FAA to wave the light sport aircraft weight limit (1430 lbs) by 250 lbs to make it "more spin resistant". They missed the weight limit and I seriously doubt that they could have sold these things for $139K. Just for reference: Robinson R22 Max Gross Weight - 1370 lbs.

[@mshobe]

It is, even by LSA standards. A small owner's group should be able to finance this very reasonably. An x-factor is insurance, especially given the amphib capabilities and retractable gear.

[@grubeci]

I miss the 1980's boom boom...don't you? Every song was rock and roll and a love song....sorry about the economy....we have to all get back to work....save this guys business.

[@maverick967]

How did the people die by the single canopy?just curious.

[@TheTruthHurtsYup]

I'm a private pilot and I can't wait to fly one of these one day.

[@ojmardueno]

i'm very impressed! i'm guessing the amphibious and the automatic folding wings options make it more expensive then the 140 Gs from the basic model. either way, it's very nice!

[@videosandshorts]

but will it blend?

[@Bulgdoom]

Its a cool aircraft, go anywhere, store anywhere. Price compared to most planes is good, its somewhat slow at maximum cruise of 105 knotts, but the real problem is useful load of only 450lb - 20gal of fuel (120lb) = 330lb for both pilots, and a range of only 300NM max.

[@mick7sp]

You have to listen to the marketing pitch carefully.. He said your can get your sport license in about two weeks. He said they would provide the training, nothing about that it would be in the ICON or that even after two weeks you would be able to fly your only ICON, just that you could get a sport license.

[@amritnijjar1]

is it from mitsubishi, because i saw the logo on the machine?

[@frogsoda]

That's called MagLev. Not Magnetic Gravity. It's been used for trains for decades. It would never work for flying cars because the repulsion degrades with distance.

[@TheBarnicoat]

As a multi-engine IFR rated commercial pilot, I can say with 110% certainty that you CANNOT learn to fly that thing safely in 2 weeks. You just can't. It's for people who want to fly for fun in good weather only. Do you provide enough meteorological training for them to know what "good weather" is??? Some of the roughest days out flying are the clear ones. That thing does not look like it would handle mountain wave/downdrafts/rotors very well. Don't even get me started on water landings...

[@kingstoncustoms1]

very impressive especially on the inside amazing attention to detail like flying a ferrari great job!

[@horseburger]

Is sport pilots licence the same as the uk microlight licence?

[@Ksilva2]

good luck bero. i appreciate ur work as an armature

[@ncwdane]

Sleek & Sporty, Would like to see a 4 seater model w/ an 850lb passenger capacity & 300-350hp motor :-)

[@TheBarnicoat]

You could very well be right, it definitely implies what I said though. Unfortunately people who have not flown before will probably assume that because you can get a license in 2 weeks, then clearly you're safe to fly (which is the purpose of a vehicle license I thought.) But you're right, they seem to be pretty onto it with the marketing.

[@puzzle3407]

cost only $139K...cool. I only need $138.670 left WOOHOOOOOO!!!

[@KC08RAS]

636ind Powered paragliding is cheaper and more fun than this

[@carlislecollins]

I am s**t scared of heights. Does it come with a toilet?

[@Ichibuns]

Now $389,000

[@josephc.9520]

6 years later, and I can assure you it now costs closer to 400k

[@Leeroy49]

great aircraft with cool design ideas... i think it's gonna be successful

[@markaduncanson]

I want one! That is a beautiful aircraft! Thanks for continuing innovation in accessible aviation.

[@seaplaneguy1]

State and Federal lakes regulations prohibit the use of a prop closer than 500 ft from the dock. To drive up the ramp or beach you need a powered wheel. In water, you must have a thruster other than the prop. Sorry, but hot chicks on the beach and props don't go together. This will NOT work with current regulations (which must be changed, btw). I was the guy who made the presentation to the State and got them to open lakes to seaplanes, where the SPA was not able to in 15 years of work.

[@billypate667]

Are planes cargo area are space storage unitalong walls

[@JetJockey87]

my guess is the way the canopy opens. Most canopys on small LSA a/c like this one will slide back (underwing) or lift up from the side (overwing). Alas this magnificent triumph of aerospace engineering's cockpit opens towards the front of the nose. If the Ballistic Recovery System failed, the demo pilot would bail and use his parachute rather than try to land in the bird. This cockpit design wouldnt accomodate that as the airflow would prevent it from opening. Thats all conjecture but still...

[@Video-tipsTv]

Looks Awesome!

[@Turbolego]

Minimalistic yet beautiful. However, the "hole" behind the cockpit made it look like something is missing, or that it was a part of something else... A james bond car perhaps?

[@squirrelflightmeow6711]

ha I got to the bottom of the comments and hi...

[@kazardomain]

its 2020 now..what happened to it?

[@soucorp]

Better than a Ferrari! wow, love it!

[@bobdobb1088]

great idea. The amphibious idea makes it a winner. Otherwise people would've settled for a $40,000 used Cessna. I wonder what the payload is?

[@EnigmaticOne87]

I guess the people complaining about this are underachievers who have set the bar low for themselves...If you feel that owning this defines you as "rich" then you've already defeated yourself. A decent 4 year degree from just about anywhere can bring this within your grasp.

[@goose1077]

It has folding wings. Design it to drive down the road already. That way people could land at an airport and then drive to their destination without renting a car or calling a cab.

[@chpnlzt]

WELL, IT'S 2016 (LEAP YEAR) 2-29-16 - ARE THESE STILL IN DEVELOPMENT, OR WHAT ? I LIVE NEAR LAKE MEAD, AND I HAVEN'T SEEN ONE YET, AND ARE THEY STILL UP NEAR $200,000 - ARE THESE DONE BEING DEVELOPED AND IN PRODUCTION AND SELLING, OR WHAT IS THE STORY FOR 2016 ON THESE ?

[@alecbivens9845]

+chpnlzt Yes, in fact Icon delivered the first production plane back in mid 2015. There are almost 2,500 people on the waiting list,and some people already have their plane.For the very base model, the price is 189,000.With the FAA mandate that forces you to buy a parachute in the U.S, that adds 5,000. With all the options, you might get close to 240,000 to 250,000.Does that answer your questions?

[@chpnlzt]

Alec Bivens - NO ONE HAS BOUGHT ONE THAT LIVES NEAR LAKE MEAD ? ARE MOST, OR SOME LAKES RESTRICTED FROM FLYING, OR CAN YOU USE ANY LAKES ? IS THE FUEL STORED IN THE WINGS ? HOW MANY ARE MADE PER MONTH ? ARE THERE ANY CUSTOMER MADE VIDEOS YET ? HAVE THERE BEEN ANY CRASHES YET, IF SO, WHY ? WHAT KIND OF FUEL DOES IT USE ? DOES THE NOSE HAVE ANY ROOM FOR STORAGE ? HOW MUCH A MONTH WOULD INSURANCE BE ON ONE OF THOSE PUPPIES.... WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO HIRE ME, SINCE I AM A VIDEOGRAPHER, AND SINCE WHOEVER YOU HIRED CAN'T SEEM TO COMMUNICATE ISSUES SUCH AS THESE, AND MANY MORE........ QUESTIONS....... JUST GETTING STARTED.....BUT SINCE I FINALLY GOT SOMEONE WILLING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS, (AFTER POSTING QUESTIONS ON MANY A-5 VIDEOS) ONE LAST QUESTION FOR NOW........ YOU GOT AN EXTRA QUARTER MILLION I CAN BORROW ?

[@alecbivens9845]

Probably have a deposit(order), but have not taken delivery.

[@kirbylee57]

Anyone can build this plane. Build it with a price tag of $59,000.00, and you got a winner.

[@ioaircraft]

cost only $139,000.?.?. ouch. Just cause it is classified in the new Sports Class, doesn't mean that is cheap. I can get a Lancair for that... Just get a Kitfox and be happy for $30,000. There are over 1,200 aircraft models already in the market. Heck, try a Cri-Cri for $5,000. Or a KR-2s, which is only 600lbs dry and cruises at 180 kts and has a range of over 1,000 miles, for a grand total of $33,000...

[@pandarentree4511]

00:13 that's a lot of windmills how many energy did you saved?

[@grubeci]

Tough breaks on bad economy..but there will always be people with money.. Best wishes..nice job with composites

[@carlitoxb110]

If I had the money for a Ferrari 458 Italia I would buy this aircraft and a 930 Porsche 911 turbo instead 😁

[@nnn-pr3vr]

how times have changed, 930 turbos and a5's have climbed in price while 458s have dropped

[@novicereloader]

Look at the price, now...

[@JoshuaJSoto]

Really love this baby, will love to get one!

[@SoftwareTheft]

Think about what that would entail. You'd need an additional motor, drivetrain, transmission because you can't have wash from the prop blasting out the back of your vehicle on the road.

[@hectorkeezy1499]

WOW ! I want to learn to fly in THAT aircraft . 2 weeks ? And 4000$ ? Seems like a good deal to me.👍

[@airste172]

I get a kick out of how they say the cost is "ONLY" $139,000. In comparison to land vehicles, this would be like paying a fortune for a glorified moped when a fraction of the price will get you a very good used car and a real one at that! It's understandable that in a limited production environment, the price of an item goes through the roof and it is not my intent to blame the manufacturer for this, but unless you have money to burn and can't pass a physical, paying that amount is NUTS!!!

[@Kataroku]

Let the era of mid-air collisions begin.

[@tmlink74]

@airste172 Don't get me wrong - if you want the license in two weeks, you'll probably need to take two weeks devoted primarily to flying - because you'll need to be up in the air at least twice a day. If you can't take two weeks off from work - go to a local flight school that offers sport pilot license training, and go up 2-3 times per week for 6 weeks - and you're there.

[@JetJockey87]

*Progress in human physiology, changes in our DNA might suggest that as man adapts to the environment around him (kids nowadays are born with a good grasp of vehicles and their controls), That we have grown tired of 2 planes and desire for more. Its human nature to want more than you have, and its a very common desire to be able to fly.

[@JustineBieberxoxo]

The oddest thing though. I feel a lot safer in multi-engine aircraft than single engine one. Wonder if they could make it 2 engine 4 seats.

[@dodgingarrows]

@smokeassault117 The funny thing is that a Traditional UFO shape is surprisingly maneuverable. The shape of the craft would provide lift no matter what direction it went in. Kind of like a frisbee. Now I have no idea as far as anti gravity, but a flying saucer is probably the must affective shape an aircraft could have. sorta makes you wounder how it ended up in a silly myth.

[@shane8109]

I'll buy 2....when the price comes down

[@edwardinanaheim6732]

Can on fly it across country?

[@Gianfranco_69]

beautiful design...here take my money...

[@Justwantahover]

MAYBE IN THE FUTURE, we may see a lot more amphibious planes, as more people own planes. the water is good for an airport. More available space to take-off and go around and land on the water (somewhere else). And it would be more of a boat thing. lol

[@Rem_NL]

it is not youtube that is slow it is your ISP that is probably throttling your connection speed,or if you're on cable it is to busy on the line

[@farmersc3500]

You can get a SeaRey NOW for half the price and build the panel you want. And before you put you money down on a ICON ask yourself- Who is involved in both ICON and Eclipse? And How do the Eclipse buyers feel about ol VR? But I do wish ICON success

[@nickc.8814]

They should offer a version without folding wings. I bet it would chop a huge amount of the cost off.

[@robertkurt2]

The reason those special things are only offered to those who can afford it is to raise the bar and give those people something special to show for their hard work and dedication. As far as mass producing something in large numbers, well that works in some cases but not all. And the rich want something to distinguish themselves from he rest of us. A Rolls Royce no longer has any appeal to a rich guy if it's priced the same as a Honda civic.

[@WakaOle]

wow this is beautiful looking aircraft

[@u.s.patriot3415]

There's a new model LSA much like the ICON, but much more funtional. Sorry, I cannot remember the name of it, but it's made to use for camping, fishing, relaxing and many other features.

[@r7calvin]

Are you thinking of the MVP?

[@toose70]

I don't believe its possible to get a Sports pilot licence in a couple of weeks. I'm an Aussie & our equivalent is a minimum 20 hours. It took me 5 months flying 1-2 lessons every weekend. I soloed in under 8 hours, and did it in minimum time. Even if you were to fly a lesson every day, you couldn't do it in a 2 week period, there are a lot of factors that can hinder your progress like the weather. So to suggest that "a couple of weeks" is achievable as a marketing standpoint is misleading.

[@adamrocks2006]

Can't wait till the future we will all be able to afford this :)

[@8literbeater]

@TheMrBlinx So, does that mean that since I own a house, or actually pay on a house, I'm filthy rich? The new Cessna 182 is well over $400,000, and it's not amphibious. The Lake amphibious airplanes that resemble this Icon, are in the range of $235,000 for a late 80s model, and they don't fold.

[@maxpuppy96]

when will the Model T of aircraft every be built?

[@mohammedhamidi5566]

that looks more like an airplane machine not a machine but its looks very sick and awesome fun to ride!!

[@cyberteque]

This is one of the sexiest aircraft I have every seen! I want one, like for real! Are they registrable in Australia?

[@seaplaneguy1]

Here it is june 2014 and production is still uncertain as to when???? 2008 to 2014? 2015?

[@williamsmith4477]

Yes, it is pretty... but too much time spent on styling... and only 10x the cost of other "light sport" amphibians.

[@horseburger]

@hsk01945 Maybe he s talking about current pilots learning to fly this aircraft. Thats only a few hours normally. You can get a ppl in 2 weeks if you do a crash course, the weathers good and you aren't stupid.

[@Lev-Heart]

design is fair and instrumentation has a lot to be desired

[@grubeci]

I believe that this guy and his team haven't lost their ability to get things done...way to go cool 30 somethings.

[@erikkusap]

The price is right, but I reckon the waiting list to actually get one is miles long and you have to put up most of the money before it even gets built...

[@ANICON2006]

..hmmmm, no video from the cockpit while it is airborne.. for all we know the flying version could have been a mock-up RC model; notice u never see anyone getting in or out of the cockpit? What is the engine type, fuel capacity, what is the range; none of this is mentioned in his presentation?

[@andyshangar]

Wow. Maybe my comments won't be deleted, as before. As an ardent seaplane pilot and owner, I wish them success. But, the bare-bones Czech Mermaid is already up to $146K sans options. It's a Honda Accord, compared to this sexy 'Vette. Oddly, it's largely marketed to non-pilots. Plus, the prototype doesn't seem capable of remaining upright in the water. Plus, while the single canopy is gorgeous, that design killed a Colyear demo pilot and potential client. My guess: 2014 and $200,000

[@billypate667]

And have regular chain length fence to spreat engines and fuel.are storage section form rolldown metal.door if something explodds in them cheap to repair costless

[@StockcotS]

It looks gorgeous :D

[@sirtalis69]

Wouldn't a normal ultralight with pontoons offer you a more extensive view, since you're not surrounded by a cockpit?

[@sinephase]

well they already have them. they have wings that fold up and fit in your garage :P

[@rizwanrafeek3811]

how much?

[@johndej]

The design reminds me a bit of the Aerocar, built in my home town in the 60's.

[@robertkurt2]

Most rich people started out as average Joes swinging hammers but took the initiative to do something with their lives.

[@GrOuNdZeRo7777]

Awesome aircraft, just a BIT too expensive for my taste, brand new cesna's go for probably less than that...but this aircraft beats them in versitility. I love it in microsoft flight too.

[@cjellwood]

good that it runs on normal unleaded

[@FlyingWild]

very nice aircraft ! :-)