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

Unique car-like cockpit in this cool plane..

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

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. alexm

    alexm F1 Veteran

    Sep 6, 2004
    5,223
    Coast up from Sydney
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #1 alexm, Sep 4, 2013
  2. kylec

    kylec F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 9, 2005
    3,670
    Orlando
    #2 kylec, Sep 4, 2013
  3. Juan-Manuel Fantango

    Juan-Manuel Fantango F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 18, 2004
    14,607
    Full Name:
    Juan
    #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.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  4. future328driver

    future328driver Formula 3

    Dec 10, 2001
    1,838
    Dallas, Texas
    Full Name:
    Ken Thomas
    #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

    Sep 6, 2004
    5,223
    Coast up from Sydney
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #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

    Nov 18, 2003
    3,179
    Dallas
    Full Name:
    Keith Verges
    #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

    Sep 6, 2004
    5,223
    Coast up from Sydney
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #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

    Jul 2, 2006
    5,018
    #8 Crawler, Sep 5, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  9. alexm

    alexm F1 Veteran

    Sep 6, 2004
    5,223
    Coast up from Sydney
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #9 alexm, Sep 5, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  10. kylec

    kylec F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 9, 2005
    3,670
    Orlando
    #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.
     

Share This Page