Morning Buzz:  Recreational flying

Wanna go flying with a buddy this weekend? Maybe, The Icon is for you. KCAL in Los Angeles profiled this recreational aircraft that anyone with a sport-pilot license can fly (that’s a license that’s easier to obtain than a pilot’s license but has more limitations). The sleek aircraft looks similar to a car on the inside and carries two people. The plane’s creator says the aircraft can land on land or water, and has wings that fold down for easy storage in a garage. It also runs on regular gas. The creator told KCAL he was inspired by the success of the Waverunner in the 80s.

What I can’t find is the price, though… and I’m sure this is something that will set you back quite a few $$$.

What do you think of this sport-flyer?

Posted by on 06/20 at 03:20 AM

The estimated price for the ICON A5 standard model is $139,000 and includes a standard feature package (amphibious, retractable landing gear, manual folding wings)... Orders require a $5,000 deposit… Several options are available for an additional cost..

If we hadnt just bought a bass boat..I was gonna suggest this to my wife..

At 120 mph..it wouldnt take no time to get to the lake..and I just know we could fish off of it..wink

Posted by  on  06/20  at  04:50 AM

Thanks for the info. Think this idea will take off?

Posted by  on  06/20  at  10:11 AM

It’s a pretty stiff price..but I suppose that would keep just anyone from getting one of these and falling out of the sky on top of your car or house..

I would have to investigate the hours per gallon side of it..but I think this would be an awesome way to kill some time…and likely to be an experience you’d never forget..

..but yes..I do think this craft will be a success..especially to those who want to upgrade from their old Ultralite..

Posted by  on  06/20  at  10:41 AM

Ok..this craft will hold 20 gallons of fuel..

..it travels at a maximum spped of 120 mph (105kts)..and you can travel 300 nautical miles (345.233 miles)..

It only requires 750 ft. to take off or land..so one doesnt need an airstrip for this..a field will work fine..

It will run on automobile gas or aviation fuel..

There is the additional costs before you can fly..

..flight training is approximately $2,800 - $3,500 including lessons…materials..plane rental and fuel…

You must complete the following to get certified..

-15 hours with Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- 2 hours cross-country flying, 75 nautical miles or greater airport to airport
- 5 hours solo (flying alone)
- 3 hours preparation for FAA practical test

..you’ll take a standardized written FAA test administered by a national testing agency..

When you have met the minimum of 20 hours of flight training..passed the FAA written test..and your instructor believes you are ready..you will be scheduled for FAA Practical Test (oral and flying) with an FAA designated Sport Pilot Examiner…

Upon passing your check-ride..the FAA Examiner will issue your Sport Pilot License..

A bit expensive but sounds like loads of fun…:)

Posted by  on  06/20  at  11:22 AM

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