Two LSAs are Better Than One

Dan Pimentel

Friday, January 21, 2022 at 03:13 PM ET

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Craig Fuller's ICON A5 (left) and Tecnam Astore. [Courtesy: Craig Fuller]

Key Takeaways:

Craig Fuller found it more economical and mission-capable to own two Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs)—an Icon A5 for recreational flying and a Tecnam Astore for cross-country travel—rather than a single, more expensive high-performance aircraft.
His two-LSA strategy was cheaper than buying a new Cessna 172 or Cirrus SR20 and offers significant fuel efficiency, costing only about $30-40 per hour for fuel.
The Icon A5 provides unique recreational fun with features like water landings and an open-cockpit feel, while the Tecnam Astore serves as a comfortable, technologically advanced platform (Garmin G3X, autopilot) for longer trips.
An unexpected benefit of owning two-seater LSAs is the opportunity for quality, distraction-free, one-on-one time with family members during flights.

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After earning his private pilot certificate and flying Cessna 172s, FLYING’s owner and CEO Craig Fuller “did the math” and discovered what many buyers also learn—that it was just not possible to find one perfect airplane to serve him for every desired mission. He wanted something fun for pure recreational flying, but also something that would be a comfortable cross-country airplane with advanced avionics and an autopilot.

After a great deal of due diligence, Fuller chose the Icon A5 amphibian as his “fun” light sport airplane, and a Tecnam Astore as his cross-country LSA.