On opening day of AirVenture, ICON Aircraft CEO and Founder Kirk Hawkins handed the keys of the first customer A5 to EAA Young Eagles Chairman and aerobatic pilot Sean Tucker, who accepted the aircraft on behalf of the organization, alongside EAA Chairman Jack Pelton.
The aircraft, Aircraft Serial Number 001 (ASN-001), will participate in Young Eagles flights that allow children to experience aviation, often for the first time.
“Delivering the first product to a customer is a transformational milestone for any company,” said ICON CEO Kirk Hawkins. “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.”
“ICON has done a truly outstanding job bringing the A5 to market. We are excited that ICON has chosen AirVenture to deliver its first customer A5 to Young Eagles,” said Pelton, EAA chairman of the board. “EAA’s mission is to help support and grow general aviation at every level. ICON’s mission couldn’t be more aligned with ours, and seeing them succeed benefits all of general aviation. Many have tried and failed when it comes to bringing truly revolutionary aircraft to market in recent decades, so there is often understandable skepticism in our industry. But after flying the A5 myself and seeing it perform firsthand, I can say unequivocally that aircraft delivers on its promise. It’s incredibly easy to fly, safe, forgiving, and ridiculously fun. Not only is it the perfect aircraft to introduce young aviators to the thrill of flying, but I’m getting one myself.”
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 its new facility in Vacaville, California.
ICON is celebrating the first customer delivery with a sales promotion that reduces the deposit for an aircraft from $5,000 to $2,000 until July 26. The promotion is available for deposits placed online or in person at the show.
At the event, the company also debuted a new video, which is available online.