Labor Day 2018: Fun In The Sky And On The Water In An ICON A5

Scott in the ICON A5 at Montgomery Field, San Diego

Longtime readers of this space will know that I am a flying enthusiast. Climbing into a cockpit and flying a plane is something wonderful. I have been in a couple of small planes beginning in Shafter, CA in 1986 and again flying into the old Miegs Field in 1994. A decade ago (has it really been that long?) I had the privilege of spending some time in an F-18 simulator with Maj. Chad Van Someren. In 1992 or so I got to play in the B-1B simulator and cockpit with Air Force Captain Scott Marble. Today, thanks to Noah Collins, an elder at Christ URC in Santee, a retired naval aviator, and a member of the ICON team, I got to go up again. He took me up over San Diego and a certain novice might even have had the stick for a while as we made our way south along the coast and even for one of a couple of “touch and goes” off the water off San Diego. We also  landed on the water, sat for a bit, and then took off again. On the water the ICON A5 becomes a boat from which one can swim, fish, or dive. It is a remarkable aircraft. The aerodynamics are very good. It handles like a dream. Indicators are clear and well designed. The wings fold up for transport and it is so light that Noah pulled the plane out of the hanger with one hand.

What a lot of fun on a beautiful sunny day over (and on!) the water in San Diego. Thanks Noah!

    Post authored by:

  • R. Scott Clark
    Author Image

    R.Scott Clark is the President of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, the author and editor of, and contributor to several books and the author of many articles. He has taught church history and historical theology since 1997 at Westminster Seminary California. He has also taught at Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Concordia University. He has hosted the Heidelblog since 2007.

    More by R. Scott Clark ›

Subscribe to the Heidelblog today!


10 comments

  1. I’m sure he means it as an exaggerated, typological hyperbole. A “bombing run” of visiting his friendship upon him.

  2. Purely coincidence, I’m sure 😉 , but a large sidebar ad for the ICON showed up on one of my other frequently visited websites this morning… but I must say, it beats most of the other “targeted” ads I see. Pretty machine.

    • Its top speed is about 120 MPH (ground speed) with a range of about 350 miles. It’s not really intended for travel exactly. At top speed we would have to stop every 2 hours to refuel. It would take a while to get to Hillsdale, MI from San Diego. That would be quite the adventure.

  3. I’m jealous you took off from Montgomery Field! I used to live in Serra Mesa. I moved from Mira Mesa almost 40 years ago.

Comments are closed.