The approval clears the way for Epic to begin deliveries in the region, including those for a 34 aircraft order from Brazil-based charter and fractional operator Avantto. Epic announced that it had entered into a long-term partnership with Avantto, reportedly “one of the largest operators in the private aviation market in Latin America,” in August.

Deliveries are expected to take place over five years with the first two E1000 GX aircraft scheduled to arrive by the end of December. The aircraft will be joining the Avantto fleet as part of the company’s fractional program.

“Over the last four months, Epic Aircraft has worked closely with the Brazilian regulators to achieve ANAC certification of the E1000 GX,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King. “This is a huge accomplishment in such a short time. We want to thank the FAA and ANAC for all their hard work. We are excited to launch our sales in Brazil and join Avantto in providing top-notch aviation solutions to the Latin American market.”

• READ MORE: We Fly: Epic Aircraft E1000 GX

The E1000 GX earned type certificate approval from the FAA in July 2021. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engine, the model boasts a top cruise speed of 333 knots, 1,560 nm range, and full-fuel payload of 1,100 pounds. It comes equipped with a Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, Garmin GFC 700 automated flight control system, and a five-blade composite propeller from Hartzell.

Epic reported last week that the GX had received its flight into known icing (FIKI) certification from the FAA. According to the company, the FIKI modifications will be standard starting with the first aircraft delivered in 2024. Retrofit options will also be available for previously delivered certified aircraft, including the E1000 model.

The post Epic Aircraft Receives ANAC Approval for E1000 <i>GX</i> appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to the company, the newly approved de-icing system includes an optical ice detector and de-ice boots on the wings, horizontal stabilizer leading edges, and engine inlet along with a bleed air heated windshield and electrically heated propeller, air data probes, and AOA sensors. The E1000 GX is expected to incorporate those design modifications beginning with the first aircraft delivered in 2024.

“This certification process is one of the most challenging,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King. “We began testing several years ago, flying the E1000 GX in all of the FAA-specified natural icing conditions. This FAA certification establishes that the E1000 GX can withstand known icing conditions in a real-world operating environment with minimal changes required of the airplane.”

Epic reports that more than 450 flight hours went into testing the GX for the FIKI certification. Testing began using 3D printed artificial ice shapes, going on to include flights in in natural icing conditions along with test “in normal operation and ice protection system failure conditions in icing tunnels and with artificial ice shapes to simulate ice build up attached to the aircraft’s airfoils.” Epic says it tested 18 separate icing configurations in two icing wind tunnels, logging a total of 280 hours of icing wind tunnel testing.

King noted that retrofits for previously delivered certified aircraft, to include the E1000, will be available at the company’s factory service center in Bend, Oregon. His goal is to have the existing fleet upgraded by early 2025.

• READ MORE: We Fly: Epic Aircraft E1000 GX

The latest version of Epic’s E1000, the six-seat, all-composite E1000 GX received its FAA type certificate in July 2021. The GX offers a top cruise speed of 333 knots, full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, and range of 1,560 nm. It is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engine and comes equipped with a three-screen Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, Garmin GFC 700 automated flight control system, and Hartzell five-blade composite propeller. 

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