I have waiting on these planes for a couple of reasons. One they are composite (doesn't corrode in salt water as bad) and two they have folding wings so they have be kept inside during a hurricane.

These are perfect little planes for hopping around the Bahamas. Sure they could go faster but that is not necessary but I sure would like for them to carry a little more UL. If I get one it will live in the Bahamas.

I'm not buying anything from a video. I need to see one and fly one before I put my money down.

It has my attention as something I could keep at my home on Fort Myers Beach. Wings folding makes it easy to store in the garage. Easy flights to the keys or anywhere in FL. I would have to buy one used - not paying $200k for one.

Agreed, this thing will make flying possible for a bunch more folks. Hangar space and cost is incredible here in Florida. 3 gph of either type is also very very desirable.

Has a chute, lands on water, composite, it's well done.

Can you fold the wings while in the water with engine running? It sure would be nice to only be 8 ft wide while navigating my canal to the dock.

Automatic/electric wing folding was in the prototype, but did not make it to production. Manual for now. Maybe the A6....

Ah, that would probably make it a deal killer for me. Maybe in the future.

Manual is better. Less crap to corrode. I want it simple, quality stainless connections and the engine can run auto gas.

I WISH this was true, but I can 100% guarantee that it is not.

I think this plane fits a market and we need to respect that it might not be for everyone just like a $15K 152 is not for most of BT.

If nothing else, there is renew'd interest in amphibious planes. Even the great Burt Rutan is making one.

I think the A5 would be a riot to fly! But really just an expensive toy for me.

If they made a Bonanza sized version I'd buy a home on a lake.

Everything old is new again. Take a look at this old news reel video from the 20's-30's?

Retractable wings back then..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwovm1FJ_Bo

Lake

Nope, you need a home in the Bahamas, so that you can have your friends use it. I'll send you some good cheap listings

The design's promise is in massive fixed cost reduction (I don't really believe the hype about its flight characteristics). It does not need an airport, it will run on auto fuel (which it burns very little of) and it can be stored in a garage. You do not have to live on the lake either just trailer it to a boat ramp and you are good to go. The fixed cost savings should be almost 10K per year. Well depending on how much you put down on the plane that could almost pay a monthly note. As for its limitations, it is no more or less limited than a 152 or other similar two seat airplane (all of which will go anywhere twice as fast as a car). Since I cut my teeth on these airplanes I will tell you they are far more capable than the average pilot gives them credit for.

The problem and impediment to growth in GA is the BS belief that every pilot needs a turbine engine and glass panel. Far too many people stay away because of the economics but then again if you have the cash for a jet you will not understand this. While the legacy twin that the owner can no longer afford to fly or he is to old to fly safely is sitting in the back of a hanger with flat struts, rotting engines, and oh so great but worthless glass panel, the guy with one of these will be out still enjoying affordable aviation.

Those are good points David. I agree. Like I said before, if regulation does not change you will either be flying a clown plane or a SETP, METP, or Jet. The middle will go away.

When ever I hear comments about commuting to work, hopping around and storing in the garage, why not just get a helicopter. I can land on just about any dock or shore or beach. I carry almost 700lbs. and go 300 miles at 130 mph. and 4 people. I don't need runways, tundra tires, floats. The future is hear already folks