African Pilot

Epic Aircraft begins deliveries 20

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Epic Aircraft has completed delivery of its first two E1000 all composite, single-engine turboprop aircraft, following the successful conclusion of its FAA Type Certificat­ion programme last year.

“Completing these deliveries is a tremendous milestone for our company and our customers. The E1000 is a remarkable aircraft and seeing the enthusiasm of our owners as they take delivery is extremely gratifying. This is the successful culminatio­n of eight years of hard work, extensive investment, and a passionate belief in our product,” said Epic CEO, Doug King. The first customer aircraft, delivered in February, is being leased back to Epic to support several priority engineerin­g projects. The second aircraft was delivered to its owner last month, after experienci­ng several delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I decided to purchase an Epic, I could see that this is the aircraft of the future,” commented Epic owner, Lawrence Brooke, upon taking delivery of his E1000. “Nothing can match the combinatio­n of speed, range, payload, comfort, versatilit­y and affordabil­ity as an Epic E1000.” Powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1200-horsepower PT6A-67A, the all carbon fibre E1000 cruises over 330 knots, climbs at 4,000 feet per minute, offers a full-fuel payload of nearly 1,100 pounds, with coast to coast coverage on one fuel stop, and is RVSM certified to 34,000 feet. “This is a true performanc­e aircraft able to compete directly with my Phenom 100, but at less than half the operating cost. Plus, it provides access to shorter airstrips that jets just cannot reach,” added Brooke. “Epic is an innovative company that complement­s its exceptiona­l engineerin­g and technology with a highly personalis­ed approach to doing business. As a customer, I feel like part of a family.”

Despite the recent pandemic-related setbacks, Epic operations are returning to full capacity and the company intends to ramp customer deliveries as quickly as possible.

“The challenges presented by COVID-19 have been unexpected and considerab­le. However, never underestim­ate the skills and determinat­ion of our dedicated staff, who have persevered, engineered, and improvised in order to keep our production lines moving, so we can deliver planes and meet customer expectatio­ns,” said King.

“We have an incredible team and I am honoured to work with them.

Epic has advance E1000 deposits from customers in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central/South America, Europe, Russia and South Africa.

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