E-flite ICON A5 1.3m: Specs, Status and Alternatives

Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

The E-flite ICON A5 1.3m is a foam amphibian modeled on a real light-sport aircraft, with an integrated hull and bolt-on wheels, so it can take off from a lake or a paved strip. It is also discontinued. This page sets out what the maker published about it, what a buyer of a used one should check and which float-capable airplanes are still in stock. It is based on manufacturer specifications and manuals, not on our own flying, and it does not include owner anecdotes or prices. Stock was checked in October 2026.

Status

Horizon lists the ICON A5 1.3m Bind-N-Fly (EFL5850) and Plug-N-Play (EFL5875) versions as discontinued, and the separate scale cockpit part is discontinued too. No other ICON A5 parts appear in Horizon's catalog. In practice, that means used or leftover stock is the only way to find one, and spare parts could be hard to source.

No in-stock amphibian with both a hull and wheels turned up in a catalog scan of Horizon, so a buyer who wants an airplane that can leave a lake and land on a runway will be looking at floats on a land plane, or at the used market.

What the maker published

Horizon calls the airplane a "park flyer" that "makes it easy to discover the thrill of amphibious flight". Its text describes an integrated hull and "Seawings" design that "makes water takeoffs and landings remarkably easy", and says the hull "provides the same pilot-friendly handling on the water as the full-scale version". If there is no water around, bolt-on landing gear with a steerable nose wheel is included, so the airplane can fly from pavement. The cockpit section is magnetically secured and removes for access to a spacious battery compartment. The airframe is described as "tough Z-Foam material that is inherently water resistant and can handle the demands of amphibious flying". The airplane is officially licensed by ICON Aircraft, and an optional nose light set was sold separately.

The BNF version includes a Spektrum AS3X receiver. Horizon says AS3X smooths the effects of wind and turbulence, and SAFE Select, if enabled, limits pitch and bank angles and returns the wings to level when the sticks are released. SAFE Select is turned on by changing the binding sequence, and a transmitter switch can switch it on or off. The BNF needs a full-range 4+ channel DSMX/DSM2 transmitter. The PNP needs a receiver and a 4-channel transmitter. Both need a 3S 2200 mAh LiPo with an EC3 connector and a charger. The transmitter guide and LiPo guide cover those parts, and the beginner picks list planes that suit a first-time pilot.

One distinction is worth keeping. Horizon calls the foam "inherently water resistant", which is a claim about the foam. It does not say the servos, receiver or ESC are waterproof, and Horizon's other water-capable models carry explicit warnings about electronics.

Cautions for flying off water

Horizon's float manuals repeat the same warnings, and they apply to any model flown from water.

• The UMX Float Set manual says: "Flying off water poses a higher risk to the airplane because the electronics can fail if they come in contact with water."
• The HobbyZone AeroScout float manual says: "Always avoid water exposure to all equipment not specifically designed and protected for this purpose."
• The same manual's takeoff advice is simple: turn into the wind with the rudder and slowly increase the throttle.
• E-flite's float manual says to seal wire entry holes with silicone and use waterproof tape, and to check that the water rudder's spring returns it to its lowest position before the airplane goes in the water, because "failure to do so may result in loss of control."

The FAA seaplane guidance that the floatplane guide draws on adds two cautions for glassy water: the surface can feel sticky and slow the takeoff, and calm, mirror-like water makes depth hard to judge. Land into the wind and touch down on the step with gentle back pressure.

Technique notes from the seaplane handbook

The FAA's seaplane guidance, summarized in the floatplane guide, contains a few lines that apply to models as much as to full-scale airplanes:

• Crossing a wake: "reduce power to idle and idle taxi across it, preferably at an angle."
• Shallow water: "Never try to step taxi in shallow water. If the floats touch bottom at high speed, the sudden drag is likely to flip the seaplane."
• Landing: the greater the speed difference between the airplane and the water, the greater the drag at touchdown and the greater the tendency for the nose to pitch down, which is why touching down on the step, with gentle back pressure, keeps drag low.
• Crosswinds can push the downwind float deeper, so pick a spot on the shore as an aim point for the takeoff run.

Protecting the electronics

Foam that resists water does not protect a servo. Some pilots treat electronics with a corrosion inhibitor. CorrosionX describes its product as a single fluid that "stops corrosion, lubricates under load ... and protects electronics from moisture", qualified to military specifications MIL-PRF-16173E Class II and MIL-PRF-81309H Type II and Type IV, with a dielectric characteristic. Horizon's receiver and ESC manuals, however, say not to "augment product in any way without the approval of Horizon Hobby", so coating a receiver or ESC is the owner's own risk. Sealing wire entry points with silicone and waterproof tape, as E-flite's float manual describes, is the documented step.

If a used ICON A5 turns up

Treat a used ICON A5 like any used airplane, with extra attention to water damage and parts:

• Check the hull seams and the cockpit hatch for gaps or swelling, and look at servo leads and connectors for corrosion.
• Confirm which version it is. A BNF needs a Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 transmitter. A PNP may have no receiver at all.
• Check that the 960Kv motor spins smoothly, the 30 A ESC looks clean and the landing gear mounts are intact.
• Remember that replacement parts are no longer listed at Horizon.

The used planes guide has a full checklist, and the motors, ESC and servo guides cover the parts.

Float-capable airplanes in stock

These models were in stock when checked and are meant to take floats. None is an amphibian with a built-in hull, so each has its own limits.

E-flite Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m with floats

The Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m comes with its float set in the BNF Basic and PNP listings. It has a 61.22 in (1,555 mm) span, a 10-size 800Kv motor, an 11x7.5 three-blade prop, flaps and leading-edge slats, and it weighs 54 to 60 oz. Horizon describes it as a great next step after a trainer. The CG is 2.4 in (60 mm) from the leading edge at the fuselage, and the float set is the E-flite Timber floats, which Horizon says also fit the Twin Timber.

E-flite Twin Otter 1.4m float combos

The DHC-6 Twin Otter 1.4m has combos that include floats, a 57.1 in span, flaps and differential thrust. It is rated skill level 3 as BNF, and the twin guide explains the twin-motor demands.

UMX Turbo Timber Evolution and Carbon Cub S 2

For a small or cheap way onto the water, the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution weighs 153 g and takes the UMX float set, and Horizon says it can be flown in many yards and parks. The HobbyZone float set (23.5 in floats, 150 g) fits the Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m and other models, but Horizon states that those floats "are not recommended for beginners due to the increased challenge of flying off water."

Dynam Spitfire MK.VB float plane

For a scale float fighter, Dynam's store sells a Spitfire MK.VB float plane with a 1200 mm (47 in) span, a 4S 2200 mAh battery, a Detrum BM3720-650KV motor and a 50 A ESC. The floats replace the retractable gear of the warbird, with water rudders, and Dynam quotes 7 to 10 minutes of flying. It is an intermediate model.

What is gone

Horizon lists the FMS Kingfisher 1400mm, the Ranger 1220mm with floats and the J-3 Cub with floats as discontinued, and the FMS Super EZ V4 with floats was on backorder. Great Planes' PBY Catalina ARF and Flyzone's Tidewater seaplane are also discontinued.

A short first-session routine

The manuals suggest a routine that suits any first water session:

1. Check that the water rudder, if the floats have one, is centered when the transmitter's rudder stick is at neutral, and that its spring returns it to the lowest position before launch, per E-flite's float manual.
2. Seal the wire entry points with silicone and waterproof tape, and confirm the float struts and hardware are tight.
3. Start in the stabilized mode the airplane offers. On E-flite models that means SAFE Select, which can be switched off once the airplane feels familiar.
4. Set a conservative flight timer. The Twin Otter 1.4m manual, for example, suggests a 6 minute timer for the first flight on a 4S 2200 mAh pack.
5. Point into the wind, advance the throttle slowly and keep the shore in view as an aim point.

Which fits

• Someone who wants an ICON A5 for the look. Used or leftover stock only, with the cautions above.
• A pilot who wants a first floatplane. The Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m with floats, which includes the floats. The maker says floats are more challenging for beginners, so treat it as a step after a trainer.
• A scale fan. The Dynam Spitfire float plane or the Twin Otter combos.
• A small, low-risk trial. The UMX Turbo Timber Evolution with the UMX floats.

Frequently asked questions