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Training for one pilot is included in the sale of each new Epic aircraft and is provided for free to one pilot every time an Epic aircraft changes ownership. The new aircraft warranty is contingent on the aircraft being operated by an Epic trained pilot.
All Epic Flight Training is customized to the pilot being trained. Each course is designed to be proficiency based, and Epic instructors are empowered to adjust their lesson plans to the needs of the pilot.
The minimum pilot qualifications are a Private Pilot certificate with an Instrument Airplane rating. Complex, High Performance, and High Altitude ratings are preferred but can be included in the Initial Familiarization course.
Epic recommends annual recurrent training.
Please email training@epicaircraft.com or call Epic’s main phone number and ask for Flight Training.
Lead times vary throughout the year, and Epic recommends scheduling training as far in advance as practical. That said, the training schedule is often in flux, and Epic maintains an active waiting list to allow pilots to train as soon as openings become available.
Yes. Epic maintains a list of Epic-trained professional pilots interested in providing services to new customers. You can receive recommendations by contacting the Epic Flight Training Department at training@epicaircraft.com.
For the courses that require use of a customer-provided airplane (Initial Familiarization, 3-Day Recurrent, and In-Airplane 2-Day recurrent), Epic can accommodate two pilots at a time. Simulator-only courses are limited by simulator availability.
Yes. Epic maintains a list of Epic-trained mentor pilots interested in providing services to new customers. You can receive recommendations by contacting the Epic Flight Training Department at training@epicaircraft.com.
There are a variety of solutions to not finishing training in the originally scheduled time, that typically depends on customer availability. Examples include extending training into the following week, flying with a mentor instructor and then coming back to the Epic Flight Training Center to complete training, or hiring an authorized Epic Factory Instructor to complete the training remotely.
Instructors are scheduled for the entire training period and remain available to pilots who fulfill the completion requirements quickly. If those pilots would like to explore more advanced topics, their instructors would be happy to accommodate. If pilots elect to depart Epic immediately after their training is complete, they will not be refunded any remaining training time.
No previous turbine is required. Epic is required. The Epic Flight Training Program is designed to accommodate pilots transitioning from piston to turbine aircraft.
Epic training prepares pilots through a proficiency-based program that combines aircraft systems, Garmin avionics, normal procedures, abnormal and emergency procedures, and high-performance turboprop operations. Training is tailored to the pilot’s experience level, and instructors adjust lesson plans as needed to ensure the pilot is prepared to operate the aircraft safely and confidently.
Training emphasizes turbine engine management, aircraft performance, automation use, high-altitude operations, weather decision-making, icing considerations, and emergency/abnormal procedures. The goal is to help pilots transition from previous aircraft experience into the speed, systems, and workload of the Epic E1000 AX.
Yes. Garmin G1000 NXi instruction is fully integrated into Epic Flight Training. Rather than offering a standalone avionics course, Epic teaches the system in the context of real aircraft operation. Pilots learn to use the G1000 NXi as part of normal procedures, instrument flying, automation management, and abnormal and emergency scenarios.
For pilots who are not already familiar with the Garmin G1000 NXi, Epic strongly recommends completing Garmin’s online training course prior to arrival and gaining some hands-on experience with a qualified instructor or mentor in a G1000 NXi-equipped aircraft. This helps maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the training program.
Yes. Emergency and abnormal procedures are a core part of Epic Flight Training. Pilots practice system failures, aircraft handling scenarios, decision-making, and cockpit procedures designed to build confidence and proficiency.
Training includes discussion and scenario-based instruction related to weather planning, icing conditions, oxygen/high-altitude considerations, pressurization, performance planning, and real-world decision-making for turbine aircraft operations.
Epic recognizes that not all pilots have the same experience and that not everyone learns at the same pace or in the same way. Consequently, the Epic Flight Training programs are designed to be flexible and will be adjusted to the experience if and progress made by each pilot. Epic makes every effort to accurately forecast the amount of time needed for training, but certain circumstances are beyond our control. Plan for an Initial Training to take at least 5 days, typically Monday through Friday.
Yes, the simulator plays a critical role in training by allowing pilots to build proficiency in avionics operation, instrument procedures, automation management, and emergency and abnormal scenarios in a controlled environment. This allows for repetition, proficiency-based learning, and exposure to situations that would be impractical or unsafe to replicate in the aircraft. Skills developed in the simulator are then reinforced and demonstrated during in-aircraft training.
Epic uses an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) as part of its training program. Because it is an AATD, certain maneuvers such as landings and circling approaches cannot be logged in the simulator and are instead performed in the aircraft.
Flight training is organized into structured training blocks. A typical day consists of two training sessions, usually alternating between the simulator and the aircraft, with one session in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Training is typically conducted Monday through Friday. This alternating format allows pilots to learn and practice procedures in the simulator, then apply those skills in the aircraft, reinforcing proficiency throughout the course.
Ground school is completed before arrival for in-person training through Epic’s online Learning Management System (LMS), allowing pilots to build a strong foundation before beginning in-person training.
During Initial Familiarization training, pilots can typically expect approximately 6 to 12 hours in the simulator and 6 to 12 hours in the aircraft. Because Epic training is proficiency-based, the exact time in each training environment may vary depending on the pilot’s experience and progress.
While on site, training includes preflight inspection instruction as well as pre- and post-flight briefings. Preflight briefings are supported with structured slide presentations to reinforce key concepts and ensure pilots are well prepared for each training event.
Yes, Pilots who intend to operate in RVSM airspace should complete RVSM training and ensure they meet all applicable operational requirements before arriving to Epic for initial flight training.. Epic can help direct pilots toward appropriate RVSM training resources if needed.
Once a pilot has shown proficiency in training, they will receive a Training Record and Summary of Training document to sign via DocuSign. These documents may be downloaded following completion and submitted to insurance.
While some insurance providers may allow simulator-only recurrent training, Epic’s training philosophy is built around the combined use of both the simulator and the aircraft to ensure true operational proficiency.
The simulator is an invaluable tool for developing systems knowledge, avionics proficiency, instrument procedures, and practicing emergency and abnormal scenarios in a controlled, repeatable environment. However, Epic uses an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), which has important limitations. Certain maneuvers, including landings and circling approaches, cannot be logged in an AATD. These critical skills must be performed and evaluated in the aircraft.
In-aircraft training ensures that pilots can apply what they have learned in the simulator to real-world operations, including aircraft handling, energy management, landings, and environmental considerations that cannot be fully replicated in a simulator.
Additionally, many insurance providers may not fully distinguish between an AATD and higher-level simulators when setting requirements. Epic’s combined training approach ensures pilots meet a higher standard of proficiency, not just minimum insurance requirements, helping them operate their aircraft safely and confidently.
Aircraft are typically based at or near Epic’s facility in Bend, Oregon, during training. Specific parking, hangar, and operational details are coordinated with the Flight Training Department before the course.
Training materials, such as the online ground school modules, will be distributed approximately 6 weeks prior to your training date. This is the earliest point shown to effectively support long-term retention and allows the pilot to begin reviewing the materials in advance of the course.
If you have received an Epic training bag, please bring it with you. This includes your handouts, cockpit posters, flows, aircraft summary materials, and checklists, which will be used throughout training.
Epic Aircraft works with local hotels and resorts in the Bend area to provide special rates for Epic customers. Please email training@epicaircraft.com for the current list of hotel and resort recommendations.
The trainee is responsible for fuel and aircraft operating expenses during training unless otherwise specified in writing.
Pricing of Epic Flight Training courses depends on the type of training provided. Please email training@epicaircraft.com for current rates.
No. Epic training generally requires the customer to provide the aircraft for courses that include in-aircraft training. However, there are some leasing options through outside commercial operators. Epic Training Department can direct you to some options if needed
Epic does not schedule maintenance during training events, and training is not scheduled during maintenance.
Limited maintenance availability may be possible in the evenings to address minor items that arise during training. However, any maintenance activity can impact the following day’s schedule.
Aircraft used for training must be in an airworthy condition. Any discrepancies must be properly addressed or deferred in accordance with an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL), if applicable. Unresolved maintenance issues may delay or interrupt training
Yes, lunch is provided by Epic for each day of training. Browse our catalogue of local restaurant menus to fuel your body and mind.
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