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:
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.

ICON A5 Amphibious has received a primary category certificate from the FAA. Source: ICON Aircraft
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.

The ICON A5 Amphibious can fly a distance of 790 km. Source: ICON Aircraft
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

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

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

Jersey Gets a Bordeaux Wine Link

Jun 21, 2026 22:28 PM

Transavia Adds Praia and More Sal Flights

Jun 21, 2026 22:15 PM

Air Transat Opens Toronto to Tirana Route

Jun 21, 2026 22:02 PM

easyJet Adds Southend Edinburgh Flights

Jun 21, 2026 19:49 PM

Venice Eyes a €50 Day Trip Fee

Jun 21, 2026 19:36 PM

Vilnius Keeps Berlin Flights Through Winter

Jun 21, 2026 19:23 PM

Turkey Trips Stay Open, but One Border Warning Remains

Jun 21, 2026 19:17 PM

Bremen Gets a Turkish Aegean Shortcut

Jun 20, 2026 23:34 PM

Sweden’s First Hotel Indigo Heads to Stockholm

Jun 20, 2026 23:21 PM

Birmingham Gets a Three-Hour Escape to Tunisia

Jun 20, 2026 23:18 PM

Newcastle Gets Five Winter easyJet Routes

Jun 20, 2026 23:05 PM

Paris Opens a Cave on Its Oldest Bridge

Jun 20, 2026 22:42 PM

Admiralty Arch Starts Taking Hotel Bookings

Jun 20, 2026 22:29 PM

LOT Adds a Northern Lights Route

Jun 19, 2026 22:46 PM

The 18-Hour Train to Frankfurt Airport

Jun 19, 2026 22:33 PM

Marrakech Video Arrest Warns Travellers

Jun 19, 2026 22:27 PM

Birmingham Gets a Direct Cairo Link

Jun 19, 2026 22:14 PM

Bucharest Gets Its Summer Trains Back

Jun 19, 2026 22:01 PM

Emirates Adds Conflict Cover for Trips

Jun 19, 2026 01:28 AM

Sweden’s £12 Coast Train Heads to Oslo

Jun 19, 2026 01:15 AM

Stockholm Gets Its First Ruby Hotel

Jun 19, 2026 01:02 AM

World Cup Creators Get a U.S. Visa Warning

Jun 19, 2026 00:09 AM

France’s Shirtless Fines Hit Resort Towns

Jun 18, 2026 23:56 PM

Mallorca Gets More Winter Flights

Jun 18, 2026 23:43 PM

A Manchester Hotel Gets a Banksy Twist

Jun 18, 2026 23:37 PM

Seaplanes Open a Greece–Albania Shortcut

Jun 18, 2026 23:24 PM