Epic Aircraft has chosen Frasca International to build the first simulator for the flight training programme for its E1000 GX single-engine turboprop aircraft. The simulator will be built around an authentic Epic Aircraft cockpit, featuring the actual Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and the Garmin GFC 700 automated flight control system. It will offer a three-channel visual system with 220 x 58-degree spherical enclosure, custom visual databases and an instructor operator station. The simulator is scheduled to be installed at Epic's flight training centre in Bend, Oregon, by the autumn of 2021.

Epic's E1000 GX flight training curriculum is modelled on turbojet type rating programmes, providing a level of training that can exceed industry norms for single-engine turboprop aircraft. Epic's 'train to proficiency' approach combines extensive self-study skills development with online ground, all completed prior to attending onsite factory-supervised flight training. The Frasca simulator will enhance much of the typical 15-25 hours of required flight training.

“We selected Frasca as our flight training partner based on its exceptional skills, experience, technology and reputation as an industry leader and innovator,” comments Epic CEO Doug King. “There was an instant synergy between our two teams of passionate aviators, a great cultural fit, sharing similar values and vision around optimising safety and support for our customers.”

“We expect to shift the majority of initial and recurrent flight training hours from the airplane into the simulator, which will tremendously reduce costs and greatly enhance our ability to realistically simulate emergency procedures and system failure scenarios,” continues King. “That means our customers will be better trained and better prepared to safely and confidently operate in this high-performance environment.”

The E1000 GX, which is powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1200-HP PT6A-67A engine and the Hartzell five-blade composite propeller, cruises at over 330 kts, climbs at 4,000 ft per minute, offers a full-fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, operates up to 34,000 ft and travels the US coast to coast with one fuel stop. It is equipped with the Garmin GFC 700 automated flight control system.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Epic to support such an exciting new aircraft,” says Victor Veltze, business development manager at Frasca. “Epic's enthusiasm for aviation and absolute commitment to safety perfectly complement our values. We look forward to delivering a realistic and highly effective training tool for its customers.”

Epic Aircraft offers free initial flight training to all new Epic E1000 owners, even in the case that the aircraft has been resold to another owner. “We want all of our owner/operators to be trained by Epic-approved instructors to the highest standards of quality and competence. It's all about promoting ongoing skills development to ensure consistent safety and standards of performance throughout our fleet,” concludes King. Epic eventually plans to establish a second light training centre, with its own simulator, on the east coast as the company grows its installed base of aircraft around the country.