Icon A5 Request For Weight Increase Exemption Status

[Eaglerhythm]

You are definitely right, ICONˊs competitors lie too. Would like to see how this game plays after ICON join the market.

[Eaglerhythm]

What are you talking about? Is there a scheduled press conference first thing Monday morning?

Dreaming too much, today is Sunday, my prediction add 1 day to Monday Afternoon.

[Floatsflyer]

As Rutan said "its been seven years and they haven't produced any airplanes"

Actually, it's only been 5 years since the plane/company was introduced as a start-up. And besides, Rutan may still have an axe to grind, he's still pissed-off because some of his most senior aerospace engineers left Scaled Composites to found Icon.

[Flyfalcons]

It probably comes from the fact that Rutan's company produces results while Icon produces brochures. Or to put it another way, it took Scaled three years to develop their space program and Icon still hasn't completed an LSA in five.

[Popeye]

Very interesting. I did not know the Ercoupe was an LSA.

As for part 23 aircraft, I'm curious why they would delineate a very specific spin-resistant standard (full envelope 14 CFR 23.221(a)(2) and then allow every aircraft a way out of that standard with this ELS you are referring to.

Admittedly, I don't know much about part 23 type certified aircraft but I thought that particular standard (full envelope 14 CFR 23.221(a)(2) was optional and I am specifically referring to this spin-resistant standard and not the equivalent level of safety you mentioned.

In other words, the highlight to this whole drama I thought was that no aircraft had met the specific spin-resistant standard . Everything I have read says full envelope 14 CFR 23.221(a)(2) standards have not been met by any aircraft. If true, then Icon has truly brought a unique innovation to its design and done something no part 23 aircraft has done nor is required to do.

Kmh, I found this concerning Cirrus ELOS and thought you would be interested. I do not know who, why, what, or when but I do know its in the Regs and thats why manufacturers choose this route.



"Based on this research and conclusions, the FAA supported Cirrus’ alternative wing design approach with the understanding that overall safety levels would be improved through the prevention of departures, by way of improved low-speed characteristics and departure resistance, than by meeting the combined requirements of 23.201 and 23.221."


Thats why I find this whole weight exemption senseless. Icon is not a part 23 aircraft, but it is hoping to get a exemption to add weight because they claim it meets a rule in a category that requires higher safety standards. Not just spin resistance but full part 23. The aircraft in Part 23 do not use the rule because there are safer and more cost effective methods to achieve the mission specifications. These are the FAAs own words.

Here is the link to what I copied, http://www.peter2000.co.uk/aviation/...spinreport.pdf

Sure, if they want to go that route purely for weight/marketing its there prerogative, but it is a substandard regulations that the FAA has provided better alternatives for.

Another aircraft that can meet 23.201-23.221 is the Antonov An-2 but because is not made in the USA some how means it cant fly within the parameters set forth by 23.201 and 23.221. So apparently until there is a rule made, its impossible to accomplish.

[Popeye]

Actually, it's only been 5 years since the plane/company was introduced as a start-up. And besides, Rutan may still have an axe to grind, he's still pissed-off because some of his most senior aerospace engineers left Scaled Composites to found Icon.

Why would he, he sold out to Northrup Grumman and retired and thats when people started jumping ship. More likely he is pissed that they have used his accomplishments/name to promote themselves. and does not want to be associated with them at all.

[Flyfalcons]

I just noticed the "estimated" price is up to 189 grand now.

[Popeye]

Icon was started mid 2005.

[Popeye]

I just noticed the "estimated" price is up to 189 grand now.

NO way, please share with the class where you saw that!

I will buy you a beer for that one.

[Flyfalcons]

http://www.iconaircraft.com/buy-your-icon.html

Alaskan Amber or Fat Tire, please.