Aircraft

Epic AIR has cleared a US Federal Aviation Administration evaluation of its EpicLT cabin-class kitplane as it launches efforts to certificate the six-seat turboprop single in Canada. Meanwhile, Epic AIR says work on the prototype of a twinjet version has begun at its Bend, Oregon factory.

The FAA’s evaluation that the kitplane complies with the so-called “51% rule” for amateur-built aircraft ends speculation that the company would not be allowed to sell the pressured EpicLT as a kit because of the amount of assistance builders would receive. Epic AIR’s business plan calls for its aircraft to be available first as kitplanes while it works on certification.

Customers will complete their kits at build centres established by Epic AIR. The first is in Bend, where five aircraft are expected to be completed soon, the company says, adding it has orders for 55 kits. A second centre is planned to open next month in Springbank, Calgary.

The certification application process has begun with Transport Canada, Epic AIR says, with approval set for the third quarter of 2007. While the $1.25 million kitplane is powered by a refurbished Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A, the certificated aircraft is to have a new PT6A-68, the company says.

The EpicJet, being developed jointly with Georgia’s Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing, is also planned to be offered initially as a kitplane.

GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC