Epic E1000 AX: Buyer’s and Investor’s Guide

Pros: The E1000 AX is built entirely from carbon fibre and delivers jet-like cruise speeds of over 330 knots.

Cons: Epic has a relatively young production history meaning that its support network and parts availability aren’t as developed as competitors such as Pilatus or Daher.

Flying:

The E1000 AX is powered by a 1,200 horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engine. It is capable of a maximum cruise speed of 333 KTAS. Compared with Daher’s TBM 980, the E1000AX is marginally faster. At much slower long-range cruise settings, the Epic delivers a maximum range of 1,560nm while the TBM980 offers 1,730nm. The E1000 AX offers superior flight levels with a 34,000ft service ceiling, 3,000ft higher than the TBM 980.

The aircraft climbs fast. It is capable of achieving its maximum altitude in around 18 minutes — a rate exceeding 2000ft per minute.

At its maximum cruise altitude (FL340), the aircraft maintains high speeds with exceptional efficiency, achieving 322 KTAS while consuming just 50 gal/hr. This performance profile provides operators with the flexibility to effectively maximise range at a high speed. The Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck with Autothrottle, Emergency Autoland and GFC 700 autopilot helps keep pilot workload low and safety high, making it well suited for single pilot operations.

Owning:

New E1000 AX deliveries are currently priced at around $5.5m, positioning it competitively against the TBM 980. It also has a larger cabin than the TBM 980 and a higher service ceiling. The aircraft comes with an Epic airframe warranty of five years, or 1,000 hours. It also comes with a Pratt & Whitney engine warranty of seven years, or 2500 hours, and a Garmin avionics warranty of five years, or 1,000 hours. The PT6A-67A engine also benefits from Pratt & Whitney’s established global support network.

The primary ownership caveat was Epic’s immature production history. With more than 120 aircraft delivered as of July 2026, that is quickly being addressed. Running costs are competitive for the performance on offer, and all carbon frame requires less corrosion maintenance than conventional metal structures.

Travelling:

The E1000 AX cabin measures 15ft long, 4ft 7in wide and 4ft 9 high. It features reclining leather seats, Lee Aerospace ‘CoolView’ Windows, USB ports, cup holders and individual air vents. An attractive option for the AX is the Epic Direct Connectivity Option utilising Starlink, making it a productive environment for business use.

The E1000AX does not have a lavatory, but this is an uncommon feature in this class. Seating up to five passengers plus the pilot, it offers a comfortable club configuration.  The aircraft also bas 13 inches more legroom in the back with a full fuel payload of 1,180lbs (535kg). For the owner-pilot flying solo or with up to five passengers on fast regional hops, the E1000 AX gives an experience which feels far closer to a light jet rather than a turboprop.

Hard Facts: Epic E1000 AX

• Range: 1,796mi/2,890km/1,560nm

• Maximum speed: 383mph/617kmph/333KTAS

• Service ceiling: 34,000ft

• Capacity: 5 pax + pilot

• Typical crew: 1 Pilot

• Typical price (new): $5.5m (£4m)