An amphibious plane that can land on water has been certified by the FAA: What it looks like

By TravelWiseJan 2, 2024 08:17 AMNews
Share:
An amphibious plane that can land on water has been certified by the FAA: What it looks like
ICON A5 Amphibious will expand the market. Source: ICON Aircraft

The American ultralight seaplane ICON A5 Amphibious has received a primary category certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This opened the door to the world for the company, allowing it to expand the market in regions such as Europe, Asia, Australia and South America.

Previously, the ICON A5 Amphibious, designed for one pilot, had only a light sport aircraft (LSA) certificate in the United States. According to Simple Flying, the previous certificate was not recognized in many countries, so the company persisted in pursuing the primary category from the FAA.

These sport aircraft are not intended for passenger transportation. They are designed mainly for extreme flights over water for sport.

An amphibious plane that can land on water has been certified by the FAA: What it looks like
ICON A5 Amphibious has received a primary category certificate from the FAA. Source: ICON Aircraft

Their advantage is the ability to take off and land even in water, but it can also be done on grass or beaches where passenger aircraft do not land unless absolutely necessary.

The ICON A5 Amphibious can fly a distance of 790 km and reach a speed of 95 knots (176 km/h). As of today, ICON Aircraft is one of the few manufacturers of light sport aircraft in the world that meet the strict FAA certification standards.

An amphibious plane that can land on water has been certified by the FAA: What it looks like
The ICON A5 Amphibious can fly a distance of 790 km. Source: ICON Aircraft

Commenting on the certificate, ICON Aircraft CEO Jerry Meyer said, "Receiving the FAA-type certificate for the ICON A5 in the main category is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire ICON team. It allows us to expand our market potential around the world and underscores ICON Aircraft's commitment to innovation and design excellence."

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Sunset view over northern Sardinia near the coast

Berlin Gets Two New Southern Escapes

May 10, 2026 11:47 AM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft on the airport apron

Ryanair Warns Spain Over Summer Passport Queues

May 10, 2026 11:34 AM

Madrid Lands on Singapore Airlines’ Europe Map

May 9, 2026 22:41 PM

Paderborn Gets More Greek Island Flights

May 9, 2026 22:38 PM
Architectural render of the planned Fashion Museum Bath interior

Bath’s Fashion Museum Gets a Second Act

May 9, 2026 22:25 PM
Red passenger train stopped at a station platform

Dublin-Belfast Rail Trips Set to Get Faster

May 9, 2026 22:12 PM
Ryanair aircraft on the runway at an airport

Greek Winter Flights Face a Ryanair Cutback

May 9, 2026 16:49 PM
Singapore Airlines aircraft flying against a grey sky

Munich Gets More Singapore Flights

May 9, 2026 16:36 PM
Airport staff demonstrating CT baggage screening technology

Nuremberg Airport Eases Security Rules

May 9, 2026 16:23 PM

Virgin Drops Dubai and Seattle for Winter

May 8, 2026 16:27 PM

Sunbed Wars Reach the Holiday Courts

May 8, 2026 16:14 PM
Air Transat aircraft flying against a blue sky

Canary Islands Get New Winter Flights

May 8, 2026 16:01 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft at the airport

Ryanair Case Puts Disruptive Flyers on Notice

May 8, 2026 15:58 PM
Jersey harbour with boats below a hilltop castle

Jersey Gets a New Birmingham Link

May 8, 2026 15:45 PM
Man checking flight options on a smartphone

BER Adds Flight Booking to Its Own Website

May 8, 2026 15:32 PM

Italy Air Strike Puts 11 May Flights on Alert

May 8, 2026 15:29 PM

Bristol Gets a New Seville Escape

May 7, 2026 12:56 PM
Solar eclipse glowing above the sea and distant mountains

Best Places to Watch Europe’s 2026 Eclipse

May 7, 2026 12:43 PM
airBaltic aircraft wing seen above clouds during a flight

airBaltic Adds a Bag-Free Budget Fare

May 7, 2026 12:27 PM
Double-decker train at a railway station during sunset

Prague to Copenhagen Train Returns After 13 Years

May 7, 2026 12:14 PM
Frankfurt skyline with the Main River and city centre buildings

Condor Adds Three City Breaks via Frankfurt

May 7, 2026 12:01 PM
Ljubljana city centre with the Ljubljanica River and historic buildings

Ljubljana Gets Another London Flight This Autumn

May 6, 2026 23:08 PM

Half-Term Flights Face Fuel-Crisis Cuts

May 6, 2026 22:55 PM

Sveti Stefan Reopens After Five-Year Stand-Off

May 6, 2026 21:42 PM
Toronto skyline with CN Tower and waterfront viewed from above

Berlin to Toronto Flights Return with Earlier Start

May 5, 2026 21:59 PM
Passenger waiting in airport terminal with aircraft visible outside

UK Allows Airlines to Cancel Flights Earlier Amid Fuel Concerns

May 5, 2026 01:56 AM