The A5 arrived in New York fashion on the night of August 11th with the city shining bright on the Hudson River. The ICON team would spend the next seven days hosting current A5 owners, prospective buyers, and locals in the NY Metro area.

We kicked off the weekend with a static event at Claudio’s Tavern & Grill in Greenport. Guests arrived by land and sea to see the ICON up-close, imagining it sailing off for the Long Island Sound. We were thrilled to introduce so many people to the ICON A5, showing off the wing fold and the ease of which the ICON A5 can travel by trailer. You can view a time lapse of the event below.

The week continued with demo flights in tranquil Manhasset Bay. Nearly 110 years after the first seaplane landed in Port Washington, the community was excited to see the ICON A5. Filled with moored sailboats and motor boat traffic coming in to enjoy the local businesses, Manhasset Bay is a unique and perfect place for the ICON. The historic Sands Point Seaplane Base still exists with two channels made for landing traffic—a call to the Port Washington Water Taxi lets you dock your plane on in the middle of the bay using their floating platform.

We flew our demo flights out of the welcoming Fathoms Hotel, right on Manhasset Bay. On takeoff from the bay, guests enjoyed views of Gatsby-style mansions, the Long Island Sound, and the Manhattan skyline.

Pictured above: the perfect hangar for your ICON A5 on the East River

The feedback was consistent—NY is the perfect place to own an ICON A5. We are grateful to local businesses and neighbors for their support and hospitality. We look forward to returning to Manhasset Bay next summer and rejuvenating this area’s tremendous seaplane history.

If you missed your opportunity to see or fly in the ICON A5 in the NY this summer, please contact us below for updates on our next trip to the Big Apple.

The post ICON Brings the Seaplane Spirit Back to Long Island, New York appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

Just two hours east of Manhattan and a hop, skip, and a jump from the Hamptons, Greenport is the place to be on August 13th. Join the ICON team at the dock by the Greenport Harbor for a special meet-and-greet event featuring the ICON A5. This will be your opportunity to not only meet the ICON team, but to see the A5 up-close.

The A5 will be driven through Long Island on our amphibious trailer and parked right on Main Street for the public to see. If you are planning on Sunday brunch or lunch, Claudio’s offers a variety of dining on Main Street including Claudio’s Waterfront, Claudio’s Tavern & Grill, Crabby Jerry’s, and Claudio’s Pizza.

If you are interested in ICON ownership, we will be offering demo flights throughout the week. For more information on our demo event to follow in Port Washington, please click here.

Date:
August 13th, 2023

Location:
Claudio’s Waterfront
111 Main Street
Greenport, NY 11944

Time:
10a-3p

The post ICON Aircraft Meet-and-Greet in Greenport, New York appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

In celebration of EAA AirVenture 2023, ICON is offering a unique ownership program for the week of the show which provides more than $29,000 in value and includes an exciting and newly-available option. Act now to learn more about this opportunity because only 8 fall 2023 production positions are available for this program.

OSH 2023 Ownership Package:

• New 4 Blade Lightweight Propeller
• Garmin Autopilot included
• Signature livery design (4 color options)
• 1-year subscription to SiriusXM Weather
• Package value: $29,500

All it takes is:

• A signed ICON A5 Deposit Form
• $20,000 deposit via credit card (accepted at our booth or via phone)

ICON’s exclusive ownership program is available for the week of EAA AirVenture 2023, ending July 31. The deposit is fully refundable until August 11, 2023 and there are 8 production positions available in September and October 2023 for fall closing and delivery.

If you’re ready to take flight in your ICON A5, reach out to a member of our sales team here to learn more and take advantage of this promotion.

The post ICON Announces Special Ownership Program for week of EAA AirVenture 2023 appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

One hundred and ten years ago, the first seaplane touched down in Port Washington’s waters. Glenn Curtiss, Pan American Airways, the EDO Corporation, and Charles Lindbergh are among the litany of legendary names in American aviation whose formative years are connected to Port Washington.

In 1921, LeRoy Grumman set a seaplane altitude record flying above the waters of Manhasset Bay.

After WWI, local elite took up aviation as a hobby. Using their waterside estates to house their flying boats, they experimented with new technology, held air races, and formed aviation country clubs.

At one point, flight was the capstone of achievement of Sands Point. Aviators would commute in their seaplanes as much as they would their fancy boat or expensive automobiles.

Flying along the coast today, you’ll see extensive docks and hangars on the back of Gatsby-style mansions.

Beyond personal use of the seaplane, the town promoted aviation as a means of improving the future of the community and the world. History of this seaplane base has not been forgotten. Speaking to the locals at Butler’s Flat Clam Shack or the Fathoms Hotel & Marina, memories, dreams, and books chronicle the excitement that a seaplane once brought to Manhasset Bay.

Join us as we celebrate the historic seaplane base and the pioneering spirit that Manhasset Bay once knew, with the new age of aviation innovation. Experience the ICON A5 in Long Island, NYC and White Plains this August—retrace history’s footsteps while blazing a new trail from the next generation of amphibious aircraft.

To request a demo flight, please click on the link below.

Date:
August 14 – 16

Location:
Manhasset Bay | Sands Point (on your sectional) chart
RSVP for a demo time and location details

The post ICON Aircraft is Heading to Historic Manhasset Bay, New York appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

Experience reveals the quirks and clever shortcuts behind anything with moving parts. With over 3000 hours in the ICON A5 collectively, our Tampa-based IFC Instructors compiled 10 Hacks every ICON pilot should know. We share how knowledge of the plane’s unique nuances can enhance your fun, safety, and ease of mind in the A5.

These insider tips include:

• Power settings to use for different operations
• Best braking techniques for taxiing
• Boosting the bass on your music through the Garmin G3X Touch
• How to prioritize safety while still having fun

Strap in for a flight with Flight Training Network Manager, Andy Jackson, to learn our recommendations on operating and securing the ICON A5.

Interested in taking an ICON A5 demo flight? ICON Flight Training is based out of Tampa and offers experience flights every week. Click below to visit our flight training page and to learn more.

The post 10 Hacks Every A5 Pilot Should Know appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

ICON Aircraft partnered with Elegant Living Tampa who curates events for Women of Wealth to enjoy the best of life. Last April’s event at Tampa International Airport included an up-close and personal introduction to the ICON A5.

Sheltair TPA hosted an evening of conversation and wine tasting. The members had the opportunity to speak with female leaders in the aviation industry, while tasting wine varietals by Adobe Road Winery.

ICON has been actively seeking opportunities to introduce more women to the sense of adventure that the A5 offers. Earlier this year, ICON renewed it’s support for Women in Aviation, hosting the local Tampa chapter at the ICON Flight Training Center and attended the WAI Conference in Long Beach.

Events like these offer a great opportunity to not only see the aircraft up close, but to meet the pilots and sales team who will guide you from flight training to aircraft ownership. Attendees local to Tampa will have the opportunity to visit the ICON Flight Training Center on Davis Island for a demo flight experience. If you are interested in updates on when the ICON team will be in your local area, or to learn more about a demo flight, please contact us here.

ICON Aircraft and Elegant Living Tampa will host a Women & Wealth event in September at the Peter O’Knight Airport. Demo flights will be available to the ladies who are interested in learning more about flight training and owning their own ICON A5.

Please click the button below if you are interested in learning more about this event or requesting a demo flight in the ICON A5.

The post Elegant Living Hosts ICON Aircraft for a Ladies Night Out at Tampa International appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

The ICON sales team is excited to co-host a pilot meet-up event at Austin Executive Airport with the Austin Pilot Facebook group. At the hangar party, guests will have the opportunity to see the ICON A5 while enjoying local food and adult beverage businesses. It will be a great opportunity to learn more about the ICON Experience and meet fellow Texas pilots.

If you are interested in attending the event, please click the link below and a member from our team will reach out to you shortly with more information.

Date:
May 3, 2023

Location:
Austin Executive Airport (KEDC)

Time:
Starts at 6:30p

The post ICON to Co-Host Hangar Party at Austin Exec (KEDC) appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

The ICON team is excited to return to the Wheels Wings & Fashion event next weekend at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Sheltair Aviation Fort Lauderdale will be hosting a spectacular charity event that is sure to delight and dazzle in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Scotch & Sharks. A VIP Experience like no other, the event will feature South Florida’s finest restaurants, exotic cars, private jets, extravagant boats, entertainment, and of course, the ICON A5.

Our ICON sales teams will be in attendance to give you a private tour of the aircraft. If you are interested in ICON ownership and a demo flight experience in South Florida, please click here and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at wheelswingsfashion.com.

Date:
April 29, 2023

Location:
Sheltair Aviation, FLL
1100 Lee Wagner Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Time:
6p-10p

The post ICON Aircraft Returns to Wheels Wings & Fashion at Fort Lauderdale International Airport appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

Interested in seeing the ICON A5 in the Pigeon Forge area? The ICON Aircraft team is heading to Tennessee to co-host a private event at Spearman Aircraft, located at the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport (KGKT).

Join us for refreshments and an up close and personal tour of the ICON A5. You’ll also have the opportunity to see some the facilities at Spearman Aircraft, located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, and learn more about their one-stop repair and support center for all your aircraft maintenance needs. Spearman is even offering complimentary tickets to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation for anyone who would like to check it out while waiting for a demo. 

If you are interested in scheduling a demo flight to experience the A5 in the beautiful hills of Tennessee, please contact our sales team here.

Date:
April 18-20, 2023

Location:
1235 Airport Road
Sevierville, TN 37862

Time:
Tuesday: noon-5p
Wednesday & Thursday: 9a-5p

The post Spearman Aircraft Hosts ICON Aircraft for Private Event in Tennessee appeared first on ICON Aircraft.

ICON Aircraft is continuously building a network of experienced CFIs, trained as ICON Authorized Flight Instructors (IAFI), to provide flight training resources for ICON Owners closer to their home and throughout the United States. ICON also has Flight Training Partners — schools that have an A5 in their fleet inventory to use for instruction. Joanna “Jo” McPherson is one of the more recent additions to our team of IAFI. She currently teaches at Atlas Aviation in Tampa and at Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base in Winter Haven in both land and seaplane operations. Both of these flight schools are ICON Flight Training Partners.

Jo, where did you first learn to fly?

Not too long ago, my kids joined the Civil Air Patrol in Tampa to experience opportunities in aviation. I got involved in planning and executing the orientation flights for the cadets, and decided that I wanted to be the pilot flying them. I checked out a few places and finally settled on Atlas Aviation at Peter O’Knight Airport and have done all my flight training there.

After my instructor training, I had the opportunity to fly an ICON A5 and a Lake Renegade in different water environments around Central Florida and I was immediately hooked on seaplane flying. I quickly scheduled my SES training at Jack Brown’s in the Piper J3 Cub.

What initially drew you to becoming an IAFI?

I first flew the A5 while I was in the midst of CFI training and thought it was the most fun airplane I’d ever been in. A couple of months later, I was instructing next door to the ICON Flight Training Center at Atlas Aviation, when they ramped up on their own land-based ICON training. I was at the right place at the right time to go through the IAFI training with an A5 on the Atlas training fleet.

What observations do you traditionally see for new A5 owners and pilots that you don’t see when teaching in other aircraft?

The A5 pilots are owners, not renters, so they approach flight training in a completely different mindset of confidence. It’s like they already believe they are pilots. Most other students, I spend a minimum of 40 hours convincing them they are.

Many students are intimidated by stalls in a typical C172 trainer, and they tend to over-control the aircraft. The ICON A5’s spin resistant airframe takes that fear out of the equation for A5 owners and pilots. The airplane basically recovers from a stall on its own.

In addition to local training, you also fly with owners from Final Assembly at ICON HQ’s in Vacaville to their home bases. How much does the customer participate in the ferry flight planning with you?

Every leg of the ferry flight is a training flight. The owner is involved in the initial flight planning by choosing where we could fly using runway lengths, available fuel, and really learning cross country flight planning before we leave Northern California. Flying through different environments, weather is a big lesson. They learn that plans and destinations change based on the weather. Then we fly the plan. They also get a lot of exposure to practical flying, like how to behave like a pilot going into an airport, how to tie down or hangar the aircraft, how to request a crew car, etc.

What do you believe to be the most underrated aspect of the A5?

The single most underrated aspect is the heater. Flying with the windows out, the heater gives the perfect balance of hot air on your feet and a cold breeze on your face.

What is the most ICONIC Destination you’ve been so far?

My favorite so far is Lake Havasu. The beauty of the red terrain surrounding the blue water is unreal. It was a blast practicing water landings there with the new owner.

My bucket list destination for the ICON A5 is the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys. There’s no other way to get to the historic island than by boat or seaplane.

What is your advice to people interested in becoming a pilot who may be wary about the time requirements?

The expectation that I hear the most is that they think they get their private training done in 40 hours, or their sport pilot rating in 20 hours. There’s not an advantage to getting it done faster. It takes as long as it takes you to be proficient in being a safe pilot. Flight training is a highly personal experience and I want students to embrace their journey and not try to fit a standard mold.

Are you interested in flying the A5? ICON offers experiences from a 1/2 day instructor led training flights to full transition courses. For more information on training with an IAFI, click here.

The post Meet IAFI Joanna McPherson: A Mother of Six and a Civil Air Patrol Volunteer Inspired to Become a Pilot and an ICON Authorized Flight Instructor appeared first on ICON Aircraft.