Republic RC-3 vs Icon A5
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Republic RC-3
No active listings right now.
Icon A5
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $295,000
- Range
- $233,000–$451,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2016–2024
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) | Republic RC-3 | Icon A5 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 29 | 7 |
| Serious | 6 | 2 |
| Fatal | 4 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 6 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 14% | 14% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Republic RC-3 | Icon A5 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $141,401 – $235,000 | $233,000 – $451,000 |
| Category | — | Light Sport |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 84 kts (156 km/h) |
| Range | — | 427 nm (791 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRepublic RC-3
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$45,000/yr
Icon A5
Which Should You Buy: Republic RC-3 or Icon A5?
Pick the RC-3 if…
- Budget matters — from $141,401 vs $233,000, you save ~$91,599.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
Pick the A5 if…
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Republic RC-3 or Icon A5?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A5 cruises at 84 kts with 427 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Icon A5: from $280,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Republic RC-3 and Icon A5?
A5 engine: Rotax 9120-iS.
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
RC-3: about $150/hr variable cost.
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?
RC-3: 4 seats.
A5: 2 seats.
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?
RC-3: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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