Kirk Hawkins, founder and president of ICon Aircraft with his Icon A5 at the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.Hawkins detailed progress towards bringing the A5 light sport amphibian to market.
Hawkins, an accomplished engineer, former U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot, and long-time motorsport enthusiast, said the aircraft is currently undergoing LSA ASTM certification testing.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, called "The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration," is held at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The 57th annual convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) showcases the best of aviation innovation and heritage.
Each year, AirVenture welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft to the weeklong celebration, along with a total attendance of more than 500,000 visitors from 65 nations.
“Simply put, Oshkosh is the place to be for anyone who enjoys flight, innovation and the best aviators’ gathering in the world, and this year it is an unmatched lineup of people, airplanes and programs,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “EAA AirVenture is the international crossroads where people enjoy and celebrate the freedom of flight, and this year numerous improvements have been made throughout the grounds so the experience is even more enjoyable.”
EAA AirVenture’s aircraft lineup is filled this year with the latest flight and space innovations along with the legendary aircraft of aviation’s first 100 years. The lineup includes a number of aircraft never before seen at Oshkosh, including Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership “Eve” and the massive Airbus A380.
In addition, EAA AirVenture 2009 will offer nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars; special activities for young people and families; aviation personalities and notables; and more than 2,500 showplanes of all descriptions. All of these activities are included in AirVenture admission, as are top-flight entertainment options throughout this week.
EAA AirVenture photo credit: Tyson V. Rininger
