FAA Grants Icon A5 Weight Increase

Stephen Pope

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

Verified

** Icon A5**

Key Takeaways:

The FAA granted Icon Aircraft a weight increase for the A5 light-sport amphibian, raising its maximum takeoff weight to 1,510 pounds.
This increase allows Icon to incorporate airframe and wing changes that meet or exceed Part 23 spin resistance standards, enhancing the aircraft's safety.
The FAA determined that the Icon A5's design provides an equivalent or higher level of safety than standard LSA aircraft, considering public interest and safety goals.
These safety enhancements, including a ballistic parachute and angle-of-attack indicator, have led to a higher price ($189,000) for the A5, with production expected to begin after testing.

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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.