This is a test
Icon has been test-flying its ESN-1 engineering prototype extensively, the company said last week, and also has completed structural assembly of ESN-2, which will be the second aircraft in the test fleet. The staff is simultaneously assembling ASN-1, which will be the first aircraft for customer delivery. ESN-1 completed several days of on-the-water tests at Lake Isabella, California, recently, as the test crew explored the design’s water-handling characteristics. The tests included landing at a range of airspeeds and attitudes, aggressive turning maneuvers on the water, stability testing, and on-the-water handling in rough water, waves and wind, in a full range of weights and CG locations.
The company also said development is underway on its training program, which it says will be “engaging and dynamic.” The Icon training aims to achieve “true competency,” the company said, and will be tailored to various levels of experience, for beginners, transitioning and non-current pilots. First customer delivery is expected in the spring, the company said. The company also announced recently it has reached a milestone of one million fans on Facebook. The company debuted ESN-1 at EAA AirVenture last summer.
