Epic Aircraft has secured Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for Garmin’s Autoland system on the E1000 AX, allowing the single-engine turboprop to land automatically if its pilot becomes incapacitated.
The Bend, Oregon-based manufacturer announced the approval on September 30, 2026, less than a week after Pilatus announced FAA and European certification for the PC-12 PRO’s emergency autoland system.
Epic says the E1000 AX is the only high-performance single-engine aircraft with Autoland activation buttons in multiple locations throughout the cabin, giving passengers easier access to the system.
Passengers can activate Autoland by pressing a dedicated button. The system can also engage automatically if it determines the pilot is incapacitated.
Once activated, Autoland selects a suitable airport and runway based on factors including distance, runway length, available fuel, terrain and weather. It then flies the aircraft to the airport, transmits automated radio messages to air traffic control and keeps passengers informed.
The system handles the landing, brings the aircraft to a stop and shuts down the engine without pilot input.
Autoland integrates with the E1000 AX’s Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck and works with Garmin Autothrottle, which automatically manages engine power. The autothrottle also provides protection against engine-limit exceedances and overspeed and underspeed conditions.
“Earning FAA certification for Autoland is the result of years of dedicated engineering and testing,” Epic CEO Doug King said.
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 six-seat, carbon-fiber 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.
The PC-12 PRO’s recently approved Safety Autoland system is also supplied by Garmin, although its installation uses the G3000 Prime flight deck. Pilatus announced its FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency approvals on September 24, 2026.