ICON Puts New Prop on A5, Updates on Certification

The four-blade propeller reduces weight and improves takeoff performance.

Julie Boatman

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 02:37 PM ET

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The A5 on display at Oshkosh this week boasts the new Astra Red scheme. [Courtesy: ICON Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

ICON Aircraft has introduced a new lightweight, four-blade prop for its A5 amphibian, saving 8 pounds, reducing takeoff distance by 10-12%, and lowering its noise signature.
The company is close to completing Part 23 type certification for the A5, which is crucial for international expansion into markets like Japan and India where the LSA category is not recognized.
Proposed MOSAIC rule changes could enable future A5 upgrades, such as adapting larger engines like the Rotax 916iS, by increasing the allowable stall speed.
ICON expects to deliver 40 to 45 units in 2023 and is offering a limited number of special production slots for earlier delivery this fall.

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Every ounce of weight counts on an airplane—and that goes double for aircraft accepted in the light sport category. ICON Aircraft has managed to shave off roughly 8 pounds with the installation of a lightweight, four-blade prop on its A5 amphib. The savings gains the LSA a 10 to 12 percent reduction in takeoff distance, as well as producing a lower noise signature. The prop can be ordered on new models as well as be retrofitted on earlier A5s.

The prop is also being offered as part of a show special package at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh this week, along with a signature paint scheme—one of which features the new Astra Red livery design—an autopilot, and one-year subscription to SiriusXM weather. The package represents about $30,000 in savings from the regular value of the composed options.