Icon A5 vs Pipistrel EXPLORER
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Icon A5
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $295,000
- Range
- $233,000–$451,000
- Model years available
- 2016–2024
Pipistrel EXPLORER
- For sale now
- 7
- Model years available
- 2022–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Icon A5 | Pipistrel EXPLORER |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 7 | — |
| Serious | 2 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 1 | — |
| % Fatal | 14% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Icon A5 | Pipistrel Explorer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $233,000 – $451,000 | $190,268 – $270,590 |
| Category | Light Sport | Light Sport |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 84 kts (156 km/h) | 133 kts (246 km/h) |
| Range | 427 nm (791 km) | 625 nm (1,158 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) | 1,323 lbs (600 kg) |
| Useful Load | 430 lbs (195 kg) | 550 lbs (249 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Icon A5 or Pipistrel EXPLORER?
Pick the A5 if…
- Newer design — production from 2014 vs 2008.
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 6.
Pick the EXPLORER if…
- Budget matters — from $190,268 vs $233,000, you save ~$42,732.
- Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 84 kts.
- Longer range — 625 nm vs 427 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Icon A5 or Pipistrel Explorer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A5 cruises at 84 kts with 427 nm range.
The Explorer cruises at 133 kts with 625 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Icon A5: from $349,900.
Pipistrel Explorer: from $217,427.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Icon A5 and Pipistrel EXPLORER?
A5 engine: Rotax 9120-iS (100 hp).
Cruise: 84 vs 133 kts.
Range: 427 vs 625 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
A5: 2 seats / 430 lb useful load.
EXPLORER: 2 seats / 550 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data