Unique car-like cockpit in this cool plane.. | FerrariChat
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Unique car-like cockpit in this cool plane..

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by alexm, Sep 4, 2013.

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  1. alexm

    alexm F1 Veteran

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    #1 alexm, Sep 4, 2013
  2. kylec

    kylec F1 Rookie
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    #2 kylec, Sep 4, 2013
  3. Juan-Manuel Fantango

    Juan-Manuel Fantango F1 World Champ
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    #3 Juan-Manuel Fantango, Sep 4, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    We had a chance to meet ICON founder Kirk Hawkins at Oshkosh in 2012. Neat guy, and a Clemson grad a that! If you go to their site and look at their leadership, it is very impressive. I hope they make it. I could see them around Lake Keowee and The Reserve. Unfortunately, there are several nice lakes that either the CORE or Duke will not let you land a plane at this time. Not sure why as Murray, Greenwood, Lake Keowee and I assume others are OK.
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  4. future328driver

    future328driver Formula 3

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    #4 future328driver, Sep 4, 2013
    Didn't get to meet him at OSH, but hung around the ICON tent for quite a while. Very appealing airplane.
     
  5. alexm

    alexm F1 Veteran

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    #5 alexm, Sep 4, 2013
    What do folks think about the AoA gauge as described?

    Good concept? Good execution? Make it "friendlier" for more people to fly using it?

    I see also they discuss the "Sport Pilot Licence" ICON Aircraft | Sport Pilot License which seems aimed at making the flying scene more broadly accessible which their design and instrumentation seems to be heavily aimed at.
     
  6. kverges

    kverges F1 Rookie

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    #6 kverges, Sep 5, 2013
    AoA gauge is a perfectly sensible idea, not sure it is mission critical as I've never flown with one and I get the impression it is unusual to have one. Also, this aircraft is supposed to be "spin resistant" and I think even got a weight increase permit (while still in the LSA category) for that feature, so the AoA seems even less important.

    ICON Aircraft | ICON A5 Spin Resistance Safety Milestone Video

    Not sure I am a huge fan of the automobile style gauges. At the end of the day, I think it is irresponsible to become an airman and not have some basic appreciation for aerodynamics and what makes aircraft fly (and more importantly, not fly). The standard "6-pack" gauges make complete sense in that context.

    And it's ironic that aircraft motifs find their way into cars (most notably the Spyker) so I don't know why I want my airplane to look like a car inside.

    Oh and the Icon is now up to $189,000 and that is getting pretty pricey for a LSA
     
  7. alexm

    alexm F1 Veteran

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    #7 alexm, Sep 5, 2013
    True, perhaps this is the long promised era of "flying cars" after all?

    Nothing beats airmanship I agree.. although isn't AoA part of that to keep flying within a safe envelope? I only ask because that was the impression I got.. be good to hear from those that have used it in practice with/without other instruments.. would be interested to know.

    I would assume meeting the LSA requirement means it has the essential gauges on board? Albeit in a novel layout.. I also note some glass display there too.
     
  8. Crawler

    Crawler F1 Veteran

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    #8 Crawler, Sep 5, 2013
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  9. alexm

    alexm F1 Veteran

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    #9 alexm, Sep 5, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  10. kylec

    kylec F1 Rookie
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    #10 kylec, Sep 5, 2013
    I'd rather have a Searey. Their whole schtick is the wings fold up and you can trailer it, which is pretty cool.
     

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