ICON Aircraft delivered the first A5 amphibian LSA to the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles organisation yesterday.
ICON handed the keys to the aeroplane to Young Eagles Chairman Sean Tucker in a ceremony at Oshkosh yesterday.
“Delivering the first product to a customer is a transformational milestone for any company,” said ICON CEO Kirk Hawkins.
“ICON’s team has worked passionately over the years to create a truly amazing aircraft, and it delivers. Our mission is to make flying more accessible to the thousands who dream about it but consider it out of reach, including our youth.
"EAA’s Young Eagles shares that same vision and we couldn’t think of a more worthy recipient for the first ICON A5. Old, young, and in between, the A5 was specifically designed to change the way you experience personal flying–and it will.
"I can’t wait to see all the smiling faces of those youth who get to fly in it for the first time.”
Tucker, a well-known pilot in the air show and aerobatic communities, was ecstatic and humbled to taking delivery of the aircraft on behalf of the Young Eagles.
“It’s exactly the perfect aircraft for our mission of showing the kids across America, many of whom would not otherwise be able to experience the magic of flying, that aviation is a fun and exhilarating adventure which empowers you to become the best you can be," he said.
"The A5 captures the essence of what drew me and so many others to aviation as children, and it shows how well aligned ICON’s and Young Eagles’ missions are. Yeah baby! ICON, you rock!"
Prior to being handed over to Young Eagles, ASN-001 participated in ICON’s FAA audit in June and was the first A5 to receive an S-LSA airworthiness certificate. ICON is currently ramping up A5 production at their new facility in Vacaville, California.