Baller Mateo_Vargas Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 http://iconaircraft.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mmosley899 Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 That's an awesome plane! I've been wanting one ever since they first made the concept public. Light Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot License... Mike's Overall Binding USA Water Ski Senior Judge Senior Driver Senior Tech Controller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted November 3, 2015 Administrators Share Posted November 3, 2015 The smaller the plane the easier it is to clean up the wreckage (private plane scare the piss out of me) Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Become a Supporting Member or make a One-time Donation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Bill22 Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 Can you get one with ZO? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted November 3, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted November 3, 2015 actually had that happen at a tournament... lake clears, ultralight lands, guy skis, lake clears, guy gets back in plane, goes home. I would get one to do just that.. to cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 Looks like a perfect runway. Been in a lot of small planes and helicopters but never had the opportunity to try a float plane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rodltg2 Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 you think new boats cost a lot! my 1973 cessna drove me to the poor house. was glad to sell that money pit. im in the wrong income bracket for aircraft ownership! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Obermeier Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 If I could afford the plane I'd probably put the money into my own private lake instead... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Commuterfisher Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 Maybe Gordon Rathbun would have gotten his 50 ski runs at 50 lakes in a day with this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rab Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 One of the Michigan lakes has a landing strip running along it. Kinda funny to have to be told to look out for planes while walking from the parking lot to the lake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Edbrazil Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 I was at a McCormicks tournament a few years ago when Franz Oberleitner dropped in with his Ultralight. Was a fancy one: 2 seater. In the Back When, Warren Witherell occasionally flew in to sites in his float plane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rodltg2 Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 there is a dirt runway at our club that also is the short cut to the lake. have to watch out for them in the spring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ MISkier Posted November 3, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted November 3, 2015 @rab, that lake in Michigan with the landing strip is Jepawhit. The local Nautique dealer owns it and is a pilot as well. The worst slalom equipment I own is between my ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller dchristman Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 @Edbrazil I remember Warren flying in to Reading sometime in the early 80s... I seem to recall you were there, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 @Commuterfisher We flew Gordon from one site of mine to another in a floatplane. So he did have the benefit of landing on the water to ski. Flip side was that he hit rollers from the plane and didn't run one of the passes. The floatplane was from a flight school that parked their plane on my lake. Ski lakes are great floatplane runways. @Horton carries lots of unreasonable fear fetishes. Commercial flying is 10 times safer than driving. Driving is 10 times safer than private flying. Private flying is 10 times safer than riding a motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle is 10 times safer than bicycling. Manage risks but get out on that bicycle to avoid dying of obesity. @rodltg2 My old 182 cost 13,000, burned cargas and got better mileage than my truck. I was pretty poor when I got that plane but it certainly did not bleed me. On the contrary, it opened up lots of opportunities. My current 210 is a bit more expensive - but still lots cheaper than what I spend on waterskiing. @Bill22 My 210 autopilot is so good that I shouldn't be able to log the hours from some flights. @oldjeep Float flying is pure fun. Try it when you get a chance. I picked up a bit of dual in Tavares FL. Great fun. @"Mateo Vargas" Thanks for the awesome pictures. Fly up to Stan's and take us for a ride! My plane will be parked on his levee so you'll have to splash in. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Mateo_Vargas Posted November 3, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 @eleeski I don't own one so if you want me to ski with you up at Stan's you'll have to fly down to Livermore and pick me up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Creeker Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 Interesting concept. Couple of questions. How big of a wake does it make Is there a place to tie the rope to the back Can the judges look out the back to see if you made all 6? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mmosley899 Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 @Creeker you have to reach around 55knots to get it off the water...then no wake! Mike's Overall Binding USA Water Ski Senior Judge Senior Driver Senior Tech Controller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rodltg2 Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 @eleeski My 172 cost 43k. That was not the big expense. It was the annuals that never were under $1000 like estimated more like $3000-$4000. The audio panel That failed. The radios that failed both at separate times , The gyro that failed. The hit and run that some sleeze ball pilot nailed the tail of my plane. The winter storm with high winds that damaged the plane. The early TBO Had to replace engine. then I lease back to a flight school that lost my wheel pants and log books. Plus to keep that dam thing at the airport. No thanks I was done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 Is 55knots 34.2mph? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DanE Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 More like 60 mph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Johnson Posted November 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 3, 2015 OMG, if you think Ski Boats are expensive, Planes have gone out of sight. Just the engine in my Jet cost 3 times what my SN 200 6L cost. Fuel burn of a gallon a minute. Plus it would only land on water ONE time. I would go with a nice Luxury Motor Home with a "STOCKED" fridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Bill22 Posted November 4, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2015 @mmosley899 55knots / around 60mph is a little hot! Can somebody find a seaplane with wings 3X the size so it could be in the air at 34mph? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Creeker Posted November 4, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2015 Wonder if they put ZO on it, the tug could be used in tournaments? Then we could bring up the whole 3 blade verses four blade prop discussion too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldGuysRule Posted November 4, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2015 Three years ago at the Indiana State Championships hosted by the Angola Ski Club, Chuck Walker, landed his seaplane right in the middle of the tournament. Chuck is a club member and lake owner. It was only the "warm up!" Later in the day Chuck entertained the audience with acrobatics in his other stunt plane. It was a great "embellishment" to the tournament. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller AdamCord Posted November 4, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2015 I've always thought skiing and float planes belong together, we've got all these great runways everywhere! This is one of the planes I designed specifically for that purpose (hobby, I am not an aeronautical engineer). @eleeski can I get you to build this for me? I don't have the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted November 4, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2015 @AdamCord Looks interesting. I'll jump right on it - as soon as I'm done with my twin engine high wing tractor mount. (Never got to the shaping foam stage but I spent a LOT of time dreaming about it.) Kudos to Icon for actually getting it done. @rodltg2 Bummer about your bad luck. It's not always that tough. Expensive, maybe but worth it. I bet a large percentage of those following this thread are pilots. Cool! For those who aren't, getting a pilot's license is a very fun and challenging activity. While not cheap, it is more affordable than you expect. Check out a discovery introduction flight lesson. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rodltg2 Posted November 4, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2015 Yes very challenging especially when I am scared of heights ! Now only bothered by being high up on things attached to the ground . Waterskiing keeps me as close to earth. So no worries there. Snow skiing tho , still can't stand chairlifts. I'm pretty good snow skier but can't handle the chair. Avoid the long and high lifts. If I ever hit the lotto I'll be buying another. But will hire a pilot to fly it. I'll just do the take off and landings. As long as they are VFR ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller UWSkier Posted November 6, 2015 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2015 Those are awesome but I need one that can carry my slalom ski and gear! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Mateo_Vargas Posted November 8, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted November 8, 2017 Looks like Roy Halladay was flying one in his tragic crash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mwetskier Posted November 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2017 many years ago i heard a paramedic from california refer to small airplanes as ' single engine doctor killers '. apparently at the time california was the private plane ownership capital of the country (and it might still be) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller wawaskr Posted November 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2017 ICON has had two crashes and three deaths this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ozski Posted November 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2017 Drones will be carrying people soon enough, I can wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mmosley899 Posted November 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2017 @"Mateo Vargas" yes it was an Icon A5 Halladay was flying. But evidently he liked to fly low and fast over the water, not always good choice. Mike's Overall Binding USA Water Ski Senior Judge Senior Driver Senior Tech Controller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted November 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2017 @"Mateo Vargas" I agree with @mmosley899 . I'm a pilot, too. A few weeks ago someone flying low over the Mississippi thinking it was cool struck power lines that cross the river. Almost ALWAYS it is pilot error in small planes...often multiple errors in a chain leading toward disaster. There are mechanical problems here and there for sure but that is the rarity. I might be described as a risky guy in some areas of my life on the ground (automobiles) but I'm conservative as hell in the air--last I checked I'm not a professional pilot I have a different profession so I fly accordingly when the weather is nice, we can fly high, the plane is well maintained and the tanks are full. My Dad was a pilot, too...much more experienced and better than I. He always said there were old pilots and bold pilots but no old bold pilots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 @6balls Pilot error, perhaps. Risky and reckless flying is less common (although over represented in the accident statistics). Sometimes sh!t happens. I've had 4 engine failures. Did everything right each time after it went quiet. Did enough right before to leave me options. A couple of them had no pilot error factor at all - unless you count getting into an old 150 an error. The Icon accident at Lake Berryessa was from the pilot (who was very familiar with the area) taking a wrong turn into a box canyon. Too easy a mistake to make - all those shorelines look the same. Always cross check to maintain your situational awareness. Pilot error for sure but not absurdly risky behavior. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller dvskier Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 Low altitude = poor options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 I never had anything to terrible but did have complete radio failure twice. Somewhat uneasy coming in to land. After the second time I bought a handheld. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Zman Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 @eleeski I did not finish my flight school, maybe pick it up again after my upcoming retirement? I belonged to a club that owned two 1960 vintage Cessna 150s in West Virginia. But, my instructor let me take my first lesson in his 182 Skylane with variable pitch prop and retractable gear. Flew over the mountains of West Virginia, the New River Gorge and on to Myrtle Beach. Sweet. My next flight, in a 150 I experienced a radio issue like @rodltg2 and @LoopSki mentioned. Could receive, not transmit. But, no big deal, tower figured it out and instructed me in. Fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Zman Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 Oh, and the second flight in one of the old 150s the engine quit just as I touched down. Quick restart and we taxied on in. So, @eleeski guess you might be right, pilot error getting in those old 150s. :smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller C5Quest Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 Been looking at the A5 for a while. Could use one. So how many pilots do we have on this site? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 @Zman Definitely finish your license. Even if you go in a 150. Visceral pleasure. @C5Quest Flying shares many traits with water skiing. Both take focus and dedication. Both take money. Both are physically and mentally challenging. Both are fun. There are a lot of pilot waterskiers. Cool! Get the Icon, fly to my lake, land on the water and take me for a ride. I'll give you a ski ride. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 @Wish Is this the plane? We seen him do the same thing at the Hall of Fame. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted November 9, 2017 Baller_ Share Posted November 9, 2017 I want to say yes but it's been well over 10 yrs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller C5Quest Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 @eleeski. That’s why I asked. I’m a career military pilot and airline pilot. I’ve grown up around pilots and we all gravitate toward things like waterskiing, motorcycles, and guns. Not sure I can afford an A5 right now but looking at other options. Where’s Your Lake? I’ll still ski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted November 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2017 @C5Quest Near MOMAR intersection on the north east side of the Salton sea in southern California. Water's still 70f and I had a good ride today. I also bum rides in San Diego and might be able to hook you up there. My 210 is in the radio shop so no flying until it's fixed. But that's the easy way to my lake! Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted November 10, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 10, 2017 VFR into IFR, get home-itis, fuel management, plane loaded over-weight or out of weight and balance, pressing on into deteriorating conditions, flight into known icing, low altitude maneuvering problems, attempting to land below weather minimums, crash during a go-around for failed approach in IMC...most of this stuff is pilot error. These errors are far more common stuff in the accident statistics (particularly fatal accidents) than engine failure (for failures sake not running out of fuel--a pilot error), auto pilot failure, failure of primary flight controls. If my engine quits at a reasonable altitude to give me some options, and I'm not over the mountains or endless water (two places I don't go)...most likely I'll be ok. For me fly high in good weather. I'd rather be down here wishing I was up there than up there wishing I was down here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller C5Quest Posted November 10, 2017 Baller Share Posted November 10, 2017 I’ve been out of general aviation for 20 years but as @6balls said the stories are all the same for GA accidents/incidents. Most all can be avoided with risk management and not having egos bigger than your flying skills. I guess on the water we can get away with it and live. Honestly after flying heavies for so long the GA thing makes me nervous but I’d love to get back into it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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