BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2015, 07:20

I'm not really looking for a another plane..... So when I'm in OSH, I just power-walk through those displays. I did spend more time in the Icon booth though. Wow, these guys have their marketing act together. Very impressive. It reminded me of the vibes in the Cirrus booth. Looks like fun. Limited functionality for me, but I'm not at that stage of my life or live in those types of places...

What do my esteemed BT Bros think of that thing?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2015, 07:28

I want one. But the wife said no. If only it was faster she may have been interested, except the cost would also be a problem. I can only afford one plane and as much fun as this looks like it would be. It's just not practical.

I guess I'll just have to buy a jet ski if I want to play on the water.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2015, 07:31

Yeah. Those Icon guys really draw a crowd.

Slow.....but amphib, folding wings, auto fuel, and a parachute!

I agree that the Cirrus layout has the biggest and loudest vibes of all the aircraft manufacturers. They know how to draw you in.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2015, 08:16

What? No pics for the working stiffs?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2015, 08:32

I really like the plane and the idea. I'm pulling for Kirk Hawkins as he is a Clemson grad and former AF Viper driver. Heck, he even soloed the same Cessna that I instruct young Clemson students in
BUT...
At much more than 200K a copy now and still limited payload despite the increase waiver I'm still not so sure. Will be interesting to what it will cost to insure an amphib- especially for some of the people they are targeting

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2015, 08:38

Here is an older thread on the Icon. Just posting for reference.

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=98530

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Aug 2015, 21:48

Username Protected wrote:

I want one. But the wife said no.

My wife fell in love the first time she saw one, years ago. She loves the water. I had to talk her out of putting down a deposit. I told her if she gets her license, I'll buy her one. But she likes having me fly her around.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Aug 2015, 22:47

Username Protected wrote:

I want one. But the wife said no.

My wife fell in love the first time she saw one, years ago. She loves the water. I had to talk her out of putting down a deposit. I told her if she gets her license, I'll buy her one. But she likes having me fly her around.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 10:03

It's a neat concept but it needs to fly at least 150 ktas and then it would sell like hot cakes. It's way too slow and no range at all.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 22:20

I'd love to have one. Really a toy......but so cool.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 22:37

Username Protected wrote:

Yeah. Those Icon guys really draw a crowd.

Slow.....but amphib, folding wings, auto fuel, and a parachute!

I agree that the Cirrus layout has the biggest and loudest vibes of all the aircraft manufacturers. They know how to draw you in.

It's more than Cirrus' layout. Their salespeople are awesome. Despite telling him upfront that I could NEVER afford a Cirrus, they were polite, engaging and talked to me about my Bo. Coincidentally, they also have a great used aircraft program. Further coincidentally, the guy who approached me worked my area at the time and knew two of my friends with used SR22s by their names and callsigns.

Icon was similarly enthusiastic about Aviation, and they are clearly targeting a younger audience.

Beechcraft didn't even give us the time of day.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 22:49

Username Protected wrote:

It's a neat concept but it needs to fly at least 150 ktas and then it would sell like hot cakes. It's way too slow and no range at all.

Gerry - What is the range?

I was not able to find the fuel tank capacity or usable fuel specification on their website?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 Aug 2015, 03:13

Username Protected wrote:

It's a neat concept but it needs to fly at least 150 ktas.

Why? How many 2 seaters on amphibious floats go 150+ kts now? None that I can think of, and they're all burning a lot more gas to boot. So why does it "need" to do what no one else has managed?

Besides, it can't go faster, it's an LSA. Giving up Light Sport pilots would cut out much of its target market.

Icon in OSH