ICON A5 Receives FAA Primary Category Type Certification

The approval clears the way for the amphibious light sport aircraft to enter new markets.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 03:16 PM ET

Verified

ICON has been pursuing primary category certification for the A5 with an eye toward international sales. [Courtesy: ICON Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

ICON Aircraft's A5 amphibious light sport aircraft has received FAA type certification in the primary category.
This certification enables ICON to expand into new international markets by simplifying global certification processes and leveraging reciprocal agreements.
The primary category A5 requires a private pilot certificate and seaplane rating for operation, differing from the S-LSA version which allows a sport pilot certificate.
While maintaining the same performance as the S-LSA model, the certified A5 is produced under a higher level of FAA scrutiny and documentation.

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ICON Aircraft announced Tuesday that the FAA has granted its A5 amphibious light sport aircraft (LSA) type certification in the primary category.

ICON says the certification will allow it to enter new markets, launching a “new phase of growth” for the company. Among other advantages, the new approval gives ICON a much clearer certification path in countries that don’t recognize the U.S. light sport category or those where the company would otherwise be required to go through a waiver process similar to the one it completed with the FAA to receive a weight exemption for the heavier-than-standard A5.