ICON A5 gets FAA certification in primary category, company looks to expand

While the folks at ICON Aircraft celebrated the holiday season, they did so with a shiny new gift, an FAA type certification in the primary category for its ICON A5 amphibious aircraft. The company said in an announcement this week that the designation makes it one of only a few light sport aircraft (LSA) manufacturers in the world to meet the certification standards of the FAA. The move will allow ICON to pursue reciprocal agreements between the FAA and aviation governing bodies outside of the U.S., bringing the ICON A5 to a global market. "The ICON A5 offers an unparalleled blend of performance, safety, and versatility, and we are confident that it will captivate the imaginations of new customers and enthusiasts as we expand our sales and marketing presence outside of the U.S.," ICON CEO Jerry Meyer said. "We are grateful for the collaborative partnership with the FAA throughout this process, and we extend our sincere thanks for their commitment to safety and efficiency."RELATED STORY: ICON Aircraft Brings Garmin G3X Touch and Autopilot to ICON A5 The ICON A5 can take off and land on both water and traditional runways, providing limitless options for pilots seeking the most exotic of destinations. The A5 was the first production aircraft certified by the FAA as Spin Resistant. It also has a full airplane ICON Parachute System (IPS) in case of emergency, and an Angle of Attack (AoA) gauge. The the newest A5 comes equipped with the Garmin G3X Touch, autopilot, and Signature livery design. There are now more than 210 ICON A5 aircraft in 13 countries across the globe, according to the company.