Epic E1000 AX wins FAA certification for Garmin Autoland system

Epic Aircraft announced that the FAA has certified Garmin Emergency Autoland for its E1000 AX single-engine turboprop, clearing the system for installation on the aircraft. AVweb reports the approval came on Wednesday; AeroTime reports Epic announced the certification on September 30, 2026.

Once activated, Autoland evaluates available airports based on runway length, distance, terrain, weather and remaining fuel, then selects a suitable runway and navigates to it. The system manages the approach and landing, brings the aircraft to a stop and shuts down the engine without pilot input. It also communicates its intentions to air traffic control and keeps passengers informed.

Autoland integrates into the aircraft's Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and operates alongside Garmin Autothrottle, which manages engine power and provides overspeed and underspeed protection.

Multiple cabin activation points

Epic says the E1000 AX is the only high-performance single-engine aircraft with Autoland activation buttons positioned in multiple locations throughout the cabin. This allows passengers to initiate an emergency landing if the pilot becomes incapacitated. The system can also activate automatically if it determines the pilot is unable to fly.

According to Epic's announcement, this feature places the potentially lifesaving technology within easy reach of passengers. "Only the E1000 AX offers multiple Autoland button locations throughout the cabin, placing this potentially lifesaving technology within easy reach of passengers, providing them great peace of mind," said Doug King, CEO of Epic Aircraft.

The E1000 AX and its specifications

Epic introduced the E1000 AX at Sun 'n Fun in April 2025 with plans to offer both Autothrottle and Autoland. The aircraft received FAA type certification in July 2025, with Autoland awaiting separate approval. The approval follows the introduction of the E1000 AX in 2025, which added more than 25 upgrades.

The six-seat, carbon-fibre turboprop uses a 1,200-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engine. Epic lists a maximum cruise speed of 333 knots, a maximum operating altitude of 34,000 feet and a maximum range of 1,560 nautical miles.

Garmin's broader autoland programme

Garmin's emergency landing technology has also received approval for several other aircraft. AeroTime reports that Pilatus announced FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency approvals for the PC-12 PRO's Safety Autoland system on September 24, 2026, less than a week before Epic's announcement. The PC-12 PRO's system is also supplied by Garmin, although its installation uses the G3000 Prime flight deck rather than the G1000 NXi.

Autoland has also received approval for the Piper M600/SLS and Daher TBM, according to AVweb.