Epic E1000 AX certified

The Epic E1000 AX publicly debuted at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, in April. It offers Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle, among other features that set it apart from its predecessor, the E1000 GX. A release detailed that Autoland will be “activated upon final certification”, though the company did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the expected timing of Autoland certification and activation.

Epic Aircraft first certified the E1000 in 2019 following a seven-year development effort. AOPA flew and reported on the upgraded E1000 GX in 2024, declaring the six-seat turboprop a "showstopper. It's bigger, faster, and flies higher than its competitors while providing superior cabin comfort."

The E1000 AX adds the Garmin avionics and automation that the previous model lacked—Autothrottle and Autoland—and CEO Doug King said in the July 21 news release that sales have been brisk, with a record-breaking month of July already in the books before AirVenture began, following a record-braking quarter. According to data compiled by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Epic delivered 82 aircraft (through March 31) since the first E1000 delivery in 2020, including 26 deliveries in 2024.

With a reported maximum cruise speed of 333 knots and payload of 1,177 pounds with fuel tanks full, the aircraft’s performance stats match those of its predecessor, including the maximum range of 1,560 nautical miles, and a 34,000-foot maximum altitude.

Pricing for the E1000 AX is also unchanged, starting at $4.7 million and ranging to $4.85 million with optional equipment.