The True Operating Cost of Icon A5
The Icon A5 is a modern recreational amphibious light sport aircraft offering unique water landing capability, exceptional fuel efficiency, and fun performance. Plan for $28,000–$38,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $280–$380 per hour. The Icon A5 dominates recreational water flying with unmatched affordability and amphibious versatility.
Quick Specs: Icon A5
| Specification | A5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 × Rotax 912 iS (100 hp piston) |
| Fuel Burn | 5–7 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 60–75 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 12,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 550–700 lbs |
| Seats | 2 |
| Range | 260–350 nm |
TL;DR: Icon A5 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $4,500–$7,000/year (insurance $1,500–$2,500, hangar $2,000–$3,000, annuals $1,000–$2,000)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $20,000–$28,000/year (Mogas fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $28,000–$38,000/year (~$280–$380/hour)
- Finance a $395,000 Icon A5: Add $6,700/month ($80,400/year) at 6.5% over 7 years
- At 50 hours: ~$14,000–$22,000/year (~$280–$440/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$52,000–$70,000/year (~$260–$350/hour)
Light Sport Amphibious Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $1,500–$2,500/year for $250,000–$350,000 hull, light sport category
- Hangar: $2,000–$3,000/year (light sport facility)
- Annual inspection: $1,000–$2,000 labor (light sport)
- Amphibious system maintenance: $500–$1,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Mogas fuel: 6 gal/hr × $3.50/gal = ~$21/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $1–$2/hour
- Engine reserve: $4–$6/hour ($10K ÷ 2,000 TBO)
- Amphibious system maintenance: $8–$12/hour
- Airframe maintenance: $4–$8/hour
- Landing fees: $0–$10/landing
Mogas Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Mogas | Cost @ $3.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 300 | $1,050 | $21 |
| 100 | 600 | $2,100 | $21 |
| 150 | 900 | $3,150 | $21 |
| 200 | 1,200 | $4,200 | $21 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Rotax 912 iS Engine
- 912 iS: 2,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $10,000–$14,000
- Engine reserve: $12,000 ÷ 2,000 = $6/hour
- Reliability: Proven light sport engine with excellent efficiency
Light Sport Maintenance
- Amphibious gear inspection: $200–$400/year
- Corrosion treatment: $300–$500/year
- Float/hull inspection: $200–$400/year
- Landing gear service: $100–$200/year
- Budget: $15–$22/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Light Sport Insurance
- $250,000 hull, light sport: $1,500–$2,000/year
- $350,000 hull, light sport: $2,000–$2,800/year
- Water operations: No additional premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Light Sport Hangar | $150–$250 | $1,800–$3,000 |
| Water Base Mooring | $50–$150 | $600–$1,800 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $5,750 | $6,500 | $12,250 | $245 |
| 100 | $5,750 | $13,000 | $18,750 | $187.50 |
| 200 | $5,750 | $26,000 | $31,750 | $158.75 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $395,000 Icon A5, 6.5% APR, 7 years = $80,400/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $18,750 | $80,400 | $99,150 | $991.50 |
| 200 | $31,750 | $80,400 | $112,150 | $560.75 |
Financing the Icon A5
- Purchase price: $350,000–$450,000
- Down payment: 10–15%
- Loan amount: $330,000–$395,000
- Term: 7–10 years
- APR: 6.0–7.5% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $5,500–$7,200
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, recreational pilot certificate, $50,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $250K+. Lenders like JakenAviation support light sport aircraft financing for recreational operators.
Icon A5 vs. Competitors
- vs. Cessna Caravan Amphibious: Icon A5 light/affordable; Caravan turboprop/capable
- vs. Traditional seaplanes: Icon A5 lighter and cheaper; seaplanes larger and powerful
Get prequalified for light sport aircraft financing »
Sources: Icon Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS