We Fly: Epic E1000 AX

This turboprop is a top-end, heavy-hauling speed merchant.

Rick Durden

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 07:30 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The Epic E1000 AX in flight [Courtesy: Epic Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

The Epic E1000 AX is highlighted as the fastest production turboprop single, powered by a 1,200 hp engine and featuring an aerodynamically efficient carbon fiber composite airframe.
It includes a major avionics upgrade to the Garmin G1000 NXi suite, integrating advanced safety features such as Autothrottle, Autoland, and Smart Glide.
Epic Aircraft's unique development path from a kitplane company allowed them to achieve rare FAA utility category certification, resulting in a robust, "tank-like" composite airframe.
Despite its sophisticated automation, the E1000 AX is praised as a "pilot's airplane" for its responsive and enjoyable hand-flying characteristics, complemented by a comprehensive in-house training program.

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The curves compel. Looking at the flowing, complex bends of the carbon fiber airframe, the flawless fairing of the windshield, windows and deice boots with the skin as it stands tall on its trailing-link landing gear, one tends to think that the Epic E1000 AX just slips between the air molecules.

Well, sort of. Its clean design is augmented by the most power ever hung on a production turboprop single—1,200 hp, making it the fastest of the breed.