We Fly: Epic Aircraft E1000 GX

A full-power turbine experience that sips fuel while it flies fast.

Friday, May 05, 2023 at 10:19 AM ET

Verified

The Epic E1000 GX features 1,200 shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engine and five-blade Hartzell prop. [Credit: Jim Barrett]

Key Takeaways:

The Epic E1000 GX is a high-performance, certified turboprop aircraft praised for its powerful 1,200 shp engine, rapid climb rates, and impressive cruise speeds (up to 333 ktas), emphasizing the need for pilots to have a clear flight plan due to its speed.
Evolving from the experimental Epic LT, the GX model received its certification in 2021, featuring significant upgrades like a five-blade composite propeller to reduce noise and vibration, and a fully integrated Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck with a GFC 700 autopilot.
Pilots commend its sharp handling, quick ascent to high altitudes (e.g., 34,000 feet in ~18 minutes), and the advanced cockpit, which includes a Wedge annunciator panel with an angle of attack indicator for enhanced situational awareness.
Beyond performance, the E1000 GX boasts a spacious cabin and offers an enviable balance between speed and fuel economy in normal cruise settings, though the cabin door design is noted as a minor point for consideration.

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In order to prepare for the departure from an airport in a congested metro area, a pilot must have a plan, a way to feel as though they are orchestrating events as opposed to pushing the throttle forward and hanging on for the ride.

That’s even more important when the Epic E1000 GX you’re strapped into accelerates down the runway pulled by 1,200 jet-A-propelled horses and five blades cutting through the gummy Seattle air.