June 2016

Europes major general aviation show, Aero Friedrichshafen, opened in April with a focus on new technology. Prospective Icon A5 owners have been waiting years for their amphibious LSA, but this spring, many buyers balked at the 40-page contract they were asked to sign. In April, the Senate passed a new FAA funding bill that satisfied many general-aviation advocates, but the bill must still be reconciled with the House bill, which would shift control of ATC to a not-for-profit corporation, with scant support in GA groups.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Major aviation shows like Aero Friedrichshafen and Sun 'n Fun highlighted new technologies, including hybrid-electric aircraft, advanced turboprops, and new light jets.
Icon Aircraft faced significant buyer pushback over its unusually restrictive sales contract for the A5 amphibious LSA, prompting the company to review the agreement.
The Senate passed a general aviation-friendly FAA funding bill that includes medical certification reforms (Pilot's Bill of Rights 2) and supports Part 23 certification reform.
Innovative aircraft projects like the Volocopter electric multicopter, the massive Airlander airship, and Boom's supersonic passenger jet made notable development progress.

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Aero Showcases New Aviation Technologies

Europe’s major general aviation show, Aero Friedrichshafen, opened in April with a focus on new technology. Pipistrel displayed its Hypstair hybrid drive project, combining a Rotax 914 engine with a Siemens electric motor. Eclipse and Honda were there with their now-certified-in-Europe light jets. Plus the usual assortment of sport planes, turboprops, flying boats, aerobatic planes, gyrocopters, light jets, and more, made a lively and interesting show. Full coverage of Aero Friedrichshafen can be found at AVWeb.

Buyers Push Back On Icon Sales Contract

Prospective Icon A5 owners have been waiting years for their amphibious LSA, but this spring, many buyers balked at the 40-page contract they were asked to sign. The contract included many stipulations never before seen in the light aircraft market, including a life limit on the airplane of 30 years or 6000 hours, and a requirement for Icon to be involved in any resale of the airplane. After a few weeks of defending the contract against persistent questions from buyers and the aviation media, Icon Aircraft CEO Kirk Hawkins said the company would consider revising the agreement and “doing what is ultimately right for our owners, the industry and the company.”