FAA Grants Icon A5 Weight Increase

Stephen Pope

Monday, July 29, 2013 at 09:36 PM ET

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** Icon A5**

Key Takeaways:

The FAA approved a weight increase for the Icon A5 light-sport amphibian, raising its maximum takeoff weight to 1,510 pounds.
This increase was granted to incorporate significant airframe and wing changes that meet or exceed Part 23 spin resistance standards, which the FAA determined provide an equivalent or higher level of safety than typical LSA aircraft.
Due to these safety enhancements and features, the A5's price has increased to $189,000, and Icon has secured funding to commence production with deliveries expected after testing of production-conforming airplanes.

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It took 14 long months but in the end the FAA sided with Icon Aircraft by granting a weight increase of up to 250 pounds for the Icon A5 light-sport amphibian. Icon CEO Kirk Hawkins announced at an AirVenture press conference this morning that the good news means the company can increase the A5’s max takeoff weight to 1,510 pounds and put the sleek LSA on a fast track toward production.

Icon asked the FAA for an MTOW increase above strict LSA standards to incorporate airframe and wing changes that the California company says comply with Part 23 spin resistance standards. In a July 24 document granting the weight increase, the FAA said it favored Icon on the merits of the petition and not on competitive considerations.