"The style and fun factor of the A60 is enhanced by the new retractable undercarriage, the nose wheel and the fact that the pilot and passenger sit next to each other," continued Junkers. "With two different versions, a closed cabin and an open cockpit, the A60 offers a versatility that will delight pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. Side by side it´s a celebration of freedom and a shared passion for flying."
Junkers A60 uses a 100-horsepower Rotax 912iS engine and features Garmin G3X Touch. “The design of the A60 is not only a tribute to our historic A50, but also a bridge between tradition and modernity. We have worked carefully on every detail to create an aircraft that is unrivalled not only in performance but also in design,” says Dieter Morszeck, CEO of Junkers.
News Wrap — A60 Junkers Takes Maiden Flight, Icon Launches Higher, Rotax Record Year
As the end of the year approaches and as excitement builds for 2024, I have some news items of interest to the light aircraft community.
Right before Christmas, read about the maiden flight of Junkers side-by-side A60, a year-end recap provided by Icon Aircraft, and year highlights from leading engine producer Rotax Aircraft Engines. Let's get started…
We saw Junkers Aircraft's' A50 Junior at Sun 'n Fun 2023, where it made a splashy debut and flew for the first time in front of American pilots off the grass strip in Paradise City (the airshow within an airshow at Sun 'n Fun). While most who examined it closely admired the detailed workmanship that went into it, not everyone desires tandem seating.
No problem. Here comes the side-by-side A60. The new design recently took its maiden flight. While the design goes through further evaluations, the Swiss builder plans to debut the new model at Sun 'n Fun 2025 (not 2024). By then Mosaic should be out and A60 should fit nicely.
Although it does manufacturing in Battle Creek, Michigan, Junkers has also adopted Lakeland, Florida, operating a classy restaurant in the airport terminal building across the runway from Sun 'n Fun's campus.
"In 2023 we’ve continued to invest resources into expanding the Icon Flight Training Network. The two most recent additions are Channel Islands Aviation in Camarillo, California, and Iconic Adventures in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There are now more than 65 Icon Authorized Flight Instructors (IAFI) in the U.S., and we continue to expand both here and overseas. Over 16 Icon Authorized Flight Instructors were trained in 2023 alone."
"We are very close to completing the Type Certification process with the FAA. Once the process is complete, pilots around the world will be able to import and register the Icon A5 Certified Edition in their home countries. And for U.S. customers, a Type Certified A5 simplifies the requirements for flying to the Caribbean or operating the A5 from a yacht in foreign waters."
The company continues to make progress after the global upset that came with Covid-induced shipping delays (and sky rocketing costs). "We are still quoting 8-10 months for deliveries," said Marc, though that figure is lower than most airframe producers are quoting in late 2023, so Rotax in Austria is catching up with orders.
"We are seeing lots of flight school activity," added Marc. He noted large producers like Tecnam and BRM Aero (Bristell) have order times exceeding two years for some models.
He also noted that furious sales to the gyroplane community have moderated. "That market is is getting saturated," Marc said, while observing a shift to more commercial sales. "Yet flight school orders have replaced those gyroplane orders. Overall, we feel the market is strong and we anticipate a productive 2024."
Finally, Rotax scored big earlier in 2023 when they introduced their new 160-horsepower 916iS engine and featured a major new launch customer, CubCrafters. Worldwide, Rotax easily accounts for 70-80% of powerplants for aircraft covered on this website.
Right before Christmas, read about the maiden flight of Junkers side-by-side A60, a year-end recap provided by Icon Aircraft, and year highlights from leading engine producer Rotax Aircraft Engines. Let's get started…
Junkers A60 Flies!
Earlier this year, Junkers garnered lots of attention with their highly distinctive A50 Junior, an LSA with tandem seating and a look you won't forget. Not everyone loves tandem, though, so here comes A6o, the side-by-side sibling of Junior.
A50 Junior, a handsomely-revived design from 100 years earlier, is a tandem flown solo from the aft seat.
Junkers side-by-side A60 takes its maiden flight in December 2023.
Junkers Aircraft said their newest models is "a contemporary adaptation of the A50 model. Inspired by the iconic A50, the A60 offers an unrivaled design that combines the aesthetics of that era with modern innovations."
"The style and fun factor of the A60 is enhanced by the new retractable undercarriage, the nose wheel and the fact that the pilot and passenger sit next to each other," continued Junkers. "With two different versions, a closed cabin and an open cockpit, the A60 offers a versatility that will delight pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. Side by side it´s a celebration of freedom and a shared passion for flying."
Junkers A60 uses a 100-horsepower Rotax 912iS engine and features Garmin G3X Touch. “The design of the A60 is not only a tribute to our historic A50, but also a bridge between tradition and modernity. We have worked carefully on every detail to create an aircraft that is unrivalled not only in performance but also in design,” says Dieter Morszeck, CEO of Junkers.
"The style and fun factor of the A60 is enhanced by the new retractable undercarriage, the nose wheel and the fact that the pilot and passenger sit next to each other," continued Junkers. "With two different versions, a closed cabin and an open cockpit, the A60 offers a versatility that will delight pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. Side by side it´s a celebration of freedom and a shared passion for flying."
Junkers A60 uses a 100-horsepower Rotax 912iS engine and features Garmin G3X Touch. “The design of the A60 is not only a tribute to our historic A50, but also a bridge between tradition and modernity. We have worked carefully on every detail to create an aircraft that is unrivalled not only in performance but also in design,” says Dieter Morszeck, CEO of Junkers.
Icon Passes 200
"We completed the 200th Icon A5 earlier this fall," stated Icon Aircraft CEO Jerry Meyer who added, "There are now more than 210 Icon A5s in 13 countries across the globe." Along with these reports, he had more to sum up the California company's 2023.
"For the first time ever, Icon's sales team has several A5s available for closing in the next 30 days or less.
"Our owner community is incredibly connected and the Icon Owners & Pilots Association (IOPA) continues to grow both online and in the real world.
"We introduced the four-blade lightweight propeller at EAA AirVenture earlier this summer, which is available as an upgrade on a new A5 and can also be retrofitted on previous model years. In addition to weighing approximately eight pounds less than the stock A5 propeller, the new four-blade improves takeoff distance by 10-12 percent.
Icon Aircraft's production team poses with the 200th A5.
"In 2023 we’ve continued to invest resources into expanding the Icon Flight Training Network. The two most recent additions are Channel Islands Aviation in Camarillo, California, and Iconic Adventures in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There are now more than 65 Icon Authorized Flight Instructors (IAFI) in the U.S., and we continue to expand both here and overseas. Over 16 Icon Authorized Flight Instructors were trained in 2023 alone."
"We are very close to completing the Type Certification process with the FAA. Once the process is complete, pilots around the world will be able to import and register the Icon A5 Certified Edition in their home countries. And for U.S. customers, a Type Certified A5 simplifies the requirements for flying to the Caribbean or operating the A5 from a yacht in foreign waters."
Record Rotax Year
"Rotax recorded a record year for four-stroke sales," reported Aircraft Engine Manager Marc Becker in early December. More than any company in light aviation, Rotax has a pulse on aircraft production worldwide. The company does business in nearly every country on Earth, fulfilling orders for more than 200 original equipment manufacturers or OEMs, the companies that build the airplanes we know and love.
The company continues to make progress after the global upset that came with Covid-induced shipping delays (and sky rocketing costs). "We are still quoting 8-10 months for deliveries," said Marc, though that figure is lower than most airframe producers are quoting in late 2023, so Rotax in Austria is catching up with orders.
"We are seeing lots of flight school activity," added Marc. He noted large producers like Tecnam and BRM Aero (Bristell) have order times exceeding two years for some models.
CubCrafters, which never specified the Rotax brand, was the launch customer for the 2023's new 916iS, quite a coup for Rotax and a weight savings for those customers.
Happy Holidays!
As this will likely be my last post before Christmas, let me take a chance to thank you for your loyal readership and your support for many years. I wish you and your families and friends a warm, wonderful Christmas with plenty of tail winds ahead!ARTICLE LINKS:
- Junkers Aircraft, contact info and all content this website
- Icon Aircraft, contact info and all content this website
- Rotax Aircraft Engines, contact info and all content this website
As the end of the year approaches and as excitement builds for 2024, I have some news items of interest to the light aircraft community. Right before Christmas, read about the maiden flight of Junkers side-by-side A60, a year-end recap provided by Icon Aircraft, and year highlights from leading engine producer Rotax Aircraft Engines. Let’s get started… Junkers A60 Flies! Earlier this year, Junkers garnered lots of attention with their highly distinctive A50 Junior, an LSA with tandem seating and a look you won’t forget. Not everyone loves tandem, though, so here comes A6o, the side-by-side sibling of Junior. We saw Junkers Aircraft‘s’ A50 Junior at Sun ‘n Fun 2023, where it made a splashy debut and flew for the first time in front of American pilots off the grass strip in Paradise City (the airshow within an airshow at Sun ‘n Fun). While most who examined it closely admired the detailed workmanship that went into it, not everyone desires tandem seating.
In a splendid professional presentation, Waco Aircraft unveiled their newest vintage-style aircraft. Well, that's close to factual. In truth, Junkers Aircraft is its own company, but as it shares common ownership, it's OK to group these two vintage designs together, partly as they are both 100% built-in-America designs.
In Battle Creek, Michigan a European businessman, Dieter Morszeck, has invested more than $30 million to create a modern airplane factory capable of producing such complex yet handsome designs as the Waco biplane. For 2023, that facility has a new occupant, Junkers Aircraft. Both are owned by Dieter and this man is serious about aviation.
Mr. Morszeck made his money in the luggage business. His brand, Rimowa, is known widely for its corrugated exterior, leaving an earlier Junkers aircraft built similarly to be dubbed the "flying suitcase." This is a delicious bit of serendipity because now his former luggage business can be expressed in an airplane… one that draws people's attention wherever it shows up. I observed pilots keen to sit in A50 Junior simply to experience a bit of history.
For additional information on A50 Junior, please 
Junkers isn't done. An A52 model with side-by-side seating and retractable gear could enter the market as a Mosaic LSA or mLSA. Dieter and his team are already pondering that move and, again, their U.S. factory is set up and ready to produce.
https://youtu.be/0jxieezSmyw
With a delicious 10-day spacing between them — time to rest up a bit after a vigorous week — later in April comes 
Organizers of the 49th event announced major plans for this popular airshow that kicks off the recreational flying season. My focus is on LSA, Sport Pilot kits, and ultralights. At Sun 'n Fun, that means Paradise City, where big things are happening. You would not be wrong if you scanned this article and saw increased interest in this part of the overall Sun 'n Fun grounds.
Perhaps it is the potent combination of new leadership and bubbling pilot energy. Perhaps new attention is related to the coming Mosaic regulation. No matter, the area known to many readers as Paradise City or the Ultralight Area — or Light Planes, as Sun 'n Fun now labels it — appears newly energized for 2023. This follows a solid year in 2022 when the overall market sector I follow was 
The other sponsor is a new aircraft manufacturer, 
Rotax Aircraft Engines
How does that deal sound? You buy a subscription for $40 — which you should get anyway — and you are automatically entered in the prize drawing for an aircraft worth $200,000 or more. If you give a friend a gift subscription, you get an additional entry, and you can give up to 10 gifts. Somebody is going to win and the odds are fantastically better than any state lottery. You won't be competing against millions of others. In my mind, winning a free airplane sounds like a great way to start a new year! Even if you don't win, you'll get a beautiful aviation magazine each month.
Flying magazine prize organizers said the winner can choose between the two aircraft. "Tecnam Astore is a great two-seat LSA featuring a Rotax 914 turbocharge engine, leather interior, and an all-glass cockpit." I have 
This year our favorite recreational flying area of the Lakeland show is sponsored by two leading names in aviation. Flying magazine is a sponsor of Paradise as is Junkers Aircraft.
You know the magazine but Junkers, though the brand may sound familiar, seems to recall an earlier time. Indeed, the storied German name has been around nearly a century, since the early days of aviation. Now… they're back and they are coming to America!
Welcome to Junkers and their American importer and partner, 
"In 1928," said the company, "what was to become the most successful Junkers sports aircraft left our Dessau production plant for the first time: a single-engine, two-seat, low-wing aircraft with an oval fuselage cross-section and corrugated sheet metal skin. The prototype was equipped with an 80 horsepower Armstrong-Siddeley engine.
"In that year, 69 aircraft were manufactured, [some of] which set a number of FAI world records. Various European record flights were also carried out with the A50. Famously Marga von Etzdorf was the first woman to fly from Berlin to Tokyo in 1930 with her Junior A50.
This aircraft had the potential to become "the people's aircraft," company records report, but a global economic crisis intervened.
Today, as a light, sport aircraft A50 Junior combines the latest technology with the flair of the '30s. "This unique aircraft induces feelings of freedom for new adventures," said Junkers. "With our new production A50 Junior, the dream of flying back in time is today attainable. We prepare the way; climb aboard to experience adventure!"
From an engineer's view, Kaelin has long experience in aircraft maintenance and put a large, qualified staff on the task (see video). The vintage-appearing construction looks rather labor intensive, as with most specialty manufacturing. With that in mind, their introductory price may be quite a value.
From a stylist's view, A50 Junior is a work of art from its graceful air-splitting nose down its corrugated skin, to its leather cockpit trim and two open tandem seats, to its wire-spoke wheels. Kaelin's website shows an artistic flavor not common in maintenance and restoration operations.
"This new version of the Junkers A50 is an ultralight aircraft in the 600-kilogram class," wrote Kaelin. Designed with open tandem seating, "A50 Junior resembles a typical light aircraft from the end of the 1920s, so it has a very classic appearance."
"[Junior] does incorporate the latest technology … to ensure the greatest possible safety," added Kaelin.
As nearby images show, A50 Junior has modern digital avionics screens. "The pilot monitors and controls from the rear seat," said Kaelin, but "otherwise the cockpit retains its retro trim."
England's 
Swiss engineering and quality combined with a fascinating Art Deco look conveyed by the corrugated-skin airframe and its two, separated tandem seats will generate admiring looks at any airfield you visit.
As it made a flight from Berlin to Tokyo back in 1930 — I can only imagine how challenging that would have been 92 years ago — Junkers A50 Junior now looks poised for a comeback.
Do Americans find this classic appearance compelling? Perhaps in the future…?
