Bend, Oregon-based Epic Aircraft took a step closer toward certification of its carbon fiber E1000 turboprop single this year, securing type inspection authorization (TIA) from the FAA, the company announced today. Considered a precursor to type certification (TC), TIA clears the way for the final FAA conformity inspections and flight-testing. Epic recently wrapped up more than 4,000 company-conforming flight tests, it added.

“Entering this final phase of flight testing is a tremendous achievement for our customers, our staff, and our E1000 certification program, keeping us on track for TC later this year,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King.

Owned by Russian-controlled Engineering LLC, Epic began testing of its first flight-test vehicle (FT1) in December 2015, with FT2 joining the program in January 2018. The aircraft have combined for more than 1,000 flight hours, and Epic said all critical test-flight maneuvers have been completed.

The $3.25 million aircraft is powered by a 1,200-hp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A, is equipped with Garmin NXi avionics, cruises at 330 ktas, can fly 1,650 nm, and has a full-fuel payload of 1,100 pounds. Epic has commitments for nearly 90 of the aircraft, the company said.