Who is ICON’s target customer?
Basically anyone who currently flies or has ever dreamed of flying. ICON customers are either existing pilots who love flying for fun, or adventurous, recreational enthusiasts who have dreamed of flying but have never had the time or inspiration until now. The ICON A5 is designed to deliver a pure recreational flying experience that allows you to explore and interact with your planet in an exciting, visceral way like no other vehicle can.
What is the potential size of the LSA market?
While no one can say for certain, ICON believes the new Sport Pilot category created by the FAA now opens up flying to literally hundreds of thousands of people who have always dreamed of flying but found it previously too expensive, too intimidating, or too inaccessible to do so. With these revolutionary regulatory changes in place, personal flying can now become a more mainstream activity, such as other powersports vehicles. ICON’s in-depth market research conducted at Stanford University in 2005 discovered a large, latent (or pent-up) demand for low-cost, consumer-friendly, sport aircraft. Given the significant size of the existing powersports markets and enormous latent interest in aviation, ICON believes the sport aircraft market, inspired by the right companies and products (like the ICON A5), has the potential to grow to tens of thousands of new aircraft per year in the next 10 years. ICON is designed from the ground up to become one of the premiere producers of this new class of consumer-focused, sport planes.
Why does ICON think it can be successful where others have failed?
First and foremost, the new rules written by the FAA is a “disruptive change” that dramatically alters the aviation landscape and opens up large new markets that have been previously inaccessible. This is a key differentiator for ICON’s business model as opposed to traditional, transportation aviation companies attempting to compete in static, saturated, competitive markets.
Second, since the LSA rules do not require the expensive, time-consuming FAR 23 certification process, and LSA are very simple, lightweight aircraft, they can be developed for fractions of the capital required for traditional, transportation-focused aircraft companies.
Lastly, ICON realizes its ambitions are nontrivial and success will require an outstanding team.Given the large new market opportunity, combined with less regulatory constraints to access it, ICON has been able to recruit some of the world’s most talented individuals in every critical area.
Where will ICON manufacture the A5?
A5 final assembly will take place in the U.S. While several sites are currently under consideration, no final decision has been announced.
Do you entertain customer visits to your facility?
We welcome customer visits to our headquarters anytime; you may contact ICON at sales@iconaircraft.com to arrange a visit. Our A5 show model is usually on display there. Due to our current flight test program, we do not schedule customer visits to our engineering development facility.
How is ICON “putting the fun back in flying”?
Every element of ICON centers around one thing: creating an aircraft that delivers the ultimate experience in recreational flying. There is no detail left to chance in this process. From creating a cockpit that is intuitive and easy to use, to lowering the dash and making the canopy large for a spectacular view out the front window, to making the aircraft amphibious so you can go from airport, to remote airfields, to remote lakes and waterways, to even making it easily trailerable so you can take it with you on vacations. The ICON A5 is designed with one mission – to change the way you see and interact with your planet like no other vehicle in history.
Is there currently an opportunity to invest in ICON?
Potentially. ICON only works with accredited investors. Further information may be obtained by contacting ICON at info@iconaircraft.com.
Does ICON plan to release more models in the future?
Being the launch product, the A5 is the sole focus of ICON at this point in time. We are committed to bringing this innovative Light Sport Aircraft to market and providing our owners with an exceptional, unique sport aviation experience. Our goal is to be a prominent manufacturer in the Light Sport Aircraft category; that may lead to further models down the road, but nothing has been announced at this point.
How has ICON been funded to date?
ICON is a privately funded through staged equity financing (typical Silicon Valley startup model). ICON investors are comprised of experienced Silicon Valley venture capital investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and aviation investors. For confidentiality reasons, we, like most companies, do not disclose the details of our financials.