With the creation of the Sport Pilot class in 2004, the market for consumer aircraft emerged as well. When we talk about consumer aircraft, this means airplanes that are tailored specifically for the need of the common citizen that wishes to learn how to fly but are hesitant to embark on a career as a pilot. In other words, the Sport Pilot certification has created the opportunity for people to learn flying as a pastime.
Icon A5
As an answer to that demand, LA-based aeronautics company Icon has created their offering for the public: the Icon A5. The Icon A5 is an aircraft is priced at $150,000, a little higher than what an average person could afford to buy a new car. Let us take a close look at what the Icon A5 is all about, and find out what features it has to offer in return for such a hefty price tag.
The strongest point perhaps with the Icon A5 is its portability. It is amazingly small, and with its folded wings, you can even stow the plane into your garage. It’s like having a car with wings. The A5 even has a trailer feature: this feature attaches to your car so you can tow your Icon A5 home after you have enjoyed a day of scenic flying. The Icon A5 blows most light sports out of the water also in versatility allowing those who are seemingly more ambitious to land on both land and sea!
Specs indicate that the Icon A5 is designed more similarly to an automobile rather than an aircraft. One striking feature of the Icon A5 is a parachute just like the Cirrus CAPS system.
