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Epic Aircraft has selected Frasca International to build the first simulator for their E1000 GX Flight Training Program. 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. The simulator will offer a three‐channel visual system with 220 x 58‐degree spherical enclosure, custom visual databases, instructor operator station (IOS), and more. The simulator is scheduled to be installed at Epic’s Flight Training Center in Bend, Oregon, by the fall of 2021.
“We selected Frasca as our flight training partner based on their exceptional skills, experience, technology, and reputation as an industry leader and innovator,” commented 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 optimizing safety and support for our customers.”
Epic’s E1000 GX flight training curriculum is modelled after turbojet-type rating programs, providing a level of training that in many cases exceeds 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 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,” added 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 5‐ blade composite propeller, cruises at over 330 knots, climbs at 4,000 feet per minute, offers a full‐fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, operates up to 34,000 feet, and travels 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,” commented 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 their 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,” added King. Epic eventually plans to establish a second Flight Training Center, with its own simulator, on the east coast as the company grows its installed base of aircraft around the country.
