Epic Aircraft has received the FAA production certificate (PC) for its E1000 all carbon fibre six-seat, single-engine turboprop. This allows Epic to accelerate aircraft deliveries by enabling it to manufacture, flight test and issue airworthiness certificates with reduced FAA presence.

“Achieving FAA production certification is a tremendous milestone,” says Epic CEO Doug King. “It is a rigorous process involving the approval of a vast number of documents, processes and systems, with composites adding additional complexity. This approval validates the extraordinary efforts of our team and the extensive investments we have made in our world-class manufacturing and quality control systems.”

The company's pursuit of FAA production certification started years ago, in tandem with its type certification programme, which concluded in November 2019. Epic was poised several months ago to complete the FAA production audit, a precursor to production certificate, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans. FAA-mandated travel limitations restricted onsite visits, which are typically essential to the PC approval process. The FAA and Epic collaborated to devise new processes, using remote technologies, to conduct the required series of reviews and audits, prior to the final onsite assessment.

“We applaud the FAA for its rapid adoption of these new tools and technologies in the face of this pandemic, allowing us to keep the PC process moving forward and ultimately achieving final approvals,” King continues.

The FAA presented the production certificate to Doug King, surrounded by his manufacturing team in the E1000 final assembly area. The company has completed three customer aircraft deliveries so far this year, with plans to further accelerate production schedules.

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1200-horsepower PT6A-67A engine, the Epic E1000 flies at a maximum cruise speeds of 333 knots, climbs at 4,000 feet per minute, operates up to 34,000 feet and offers a full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds.