If after reading the title of this post you expect something about “The Jet” by Cirrus (know known as Cirrus SJ50), I’m sorry, but you’re wrong. There is another prototype that made its first flight very recently: the ICON A5 Light Sport Aircraft.

That thing already looked cool and fun when it was presented, but all the buzz the company made around the first presentation sounded a bit too poshy and look-at-me-ish. Its inauguration “party” was too much of a party, and I have to admit that I overlooked it, even despite the very positive opinion of Max Trescott.

Now that the ICON A5 made its maiden flight at an “undisclosed lake” in California, I simply want one. Undisclosed lake ? Yes, you read it correctly – the ICON A5 is an amphibious LSA. Because of the LSAs limitations, the ICON A5 can only carry two persons, its speed is limited to 120 knots, but it is a perfect toy to play on lakes, or regions like the Bahamas.

Being amphibious, it can also be used on land, just in case you live or take vacations away from any usable water. And if you think that 120 knots VFR is not a good for long trips to your favorite holiday spot, that’s not a problem. Fold the wings, and bring your ICON A5 with you… on its trailer.

As all LSAs, it’s not fast, it does not has a great useful load, it has no chance to go IFR, but it’s supposed to have a relatively low cost, and fun. From all the LSAs I heard of up to now, this one is probably the funniest of all. Honestly, who could ever want a Cessna Skycatcher if you can get an ICON A5 ?

Want a last argument ? If you look at the photos and videos of the first flight, you’ll see the whole team in shorts, working together to prepare the flight. I always found very good that Christian Dries (the CEO of Diamond Aircraft) always takes part in the new Diamonds maiden flights. But with all respect due to him, I’d not like to see Mr. Dries in shorts, not even mentioning Jack Pelton (the CEO of Cessna) !

Click here to read more about the ICON A5 LSA.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Have a look at my homebase for a good overview. Thanks for visiting!