Choose the Right Airplane for Your Sequatchie Sojourn

Several amphibious aircraft will get you where you want to go for your Sequatchie Valley adventure.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 06:32 PM ET

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An ICON A-5 is an ideal aircraft for touching down on the many rivers and lakes in Southeast Tennessee. [Photo: Jim Barrett]

Key Takeaways:

Visiting the Sequatchie Valley is best approached with an amphibious aircraft for flexible access to both land and water landing sites.
The article recommends the modern ICON A5 for its carbon-fiber design, docile handling, and advanced avionics, or the classic Lake LA-250 Renegade for its greater passenger capacity (up to six) and IFR capability with a longer range.
For utility and outdoor pursuits requiring significant gear, the Cessna 180 series fitted with floats is presented as a capable workhorse known for its cargo capacity and potential for gross weight increases.

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The Sequatchie Valley appeals because of its dramatic scenery away from the crowds, yet proximity to a number of airports and waterways upon which to land. Depending on the activities you plan during your visit, you may go a number of different routes when it comes to a choice of airplane—but our recommendation is to keep things flexible with an amphibious aircraft that allows you to drop in on both land and water.

READ MORE: How To Get to the Sequatchie Valley by Airplane

Modern: ICON A5

In the air, the ICON A5 shows off a carbon-fiber design with truly docile low-speed handling characteristics, and serious stall and spin resistance. The A5 cruises at 85 knots indicated airspeed—and you can fly with the windows removed at 75 kias. It’s powered by a fuel-injected, 100 hp Rotax 912.