The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the Garmin Autoland system for the Epic E1000 AX single-engine turboprop, clearing the way for the manufacturer to activate the autonomous safety feature on delivered and future aircraft.

In a press release issued on September 30, 2026, Bend, Oregon-based Epic Aircraft confirmed the regulatory approval. The certification allows the system to take control of the aircraft and land it without human intervention if the pilot becomes incapacitated during flight.

Autonomous safety and cabin accessibility

Garmin Autoland is an autonomous flight technology designed to intervene during pilot incapacitation emergencies. When activated, the system evaluates nearby airports based on distance, runway length, fuel levels, terrain, and weather conditions. It then communicates with air traffic control (ATC), navigates to the selected airport, lands the aircraft, and shuts down the engine. The system is fully integrated with the Garmin G1000 NXi Avionics Suite and operates in conjunction with the Garmin Autothrottle system.

Epic Aircraft has differentiated the E1000 AX from competing aircraft by placing multiple Autoland activation buttons throughout the passenger cabin, rather than restricting access to the flight deck. This design choice ensures that non-pilot passengers, who may be unfamiliar with cockpit layouts, can easily initiate the emergency sequence.

Epic Aircraft Chief Executive Officer Doug King highlighted this accessibility in the company statement.

“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,” King said.

E1000 AX certification path and production

The integration of Garmin Autoland marks the culmination of a multi-year development and certification process for the E1000 AX program. Epic Aircraft publicly debuted the E1000 AX at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, in April 2025, announcing that the aircraft would feature both Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland capabilities.

The FAA granted Type Certification for the E1000 AX on July 21, 2025. Following the US approval, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued its Type Certification for the aircraft on July 20, 2026. However, the initial FAA certification did not include operational approval for the Autoland system.

Since the initial certification, Epic Aircraft has built a production backlog for the $4.7 million aircraft. According to reporting by Aviation Consumer, customers have been taking delivery of E1000 AX aircraft over the past year with the necessary Autoland hardware pre-installed but inactive. The September 30, 2026, certification allows Epic Aircraft to activate the system on those already-delivered airframes and include it as a fully functional feature on new deliveries.

“Earning FAA certification for Autoland is the result of years of dedicated engineering and testing,” King stated in the press release. “It reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to safety, and we’re proud to bring this technology to E1000 AX owners.”

The E1000 AX is the latest iteration of the company’s all-composite, single-engine turboprop line, succeeding the original E1000 certified in 2019 and the E1000 GX certified in 2021. The aircraft features a maximum cruise speed of 333 knots, a maximum range of 1,560 nautical miles, and a maximum operating altitude of 34,000 feet. It offers a full fuel payload of 1,177 pounds.

AirPro News analysis

The FAA certification of Garmin Autoland for the E1000 AX resolves a lingering regulatory hurdle for Epic Aircraft, allowing the manufacturer to deliver on the full value proposition of its flagship turboprop. By placing activation buttons in the passenger cabin, Epic Aircraft directly addresses the safety concerns of non-pilot family members or business associates who frequently travel in owner-flown aircraft. This cabin-accessible design provides a distinct marketing advantage in the competitive high-performance single-engine turboprop sector, where passenger peace of mind is a significant factor in purchasing decisions.

Antin Infrastructure Partners has acquired a significant majority stake in California-based High Performance Helicopters Corp (HP Helicopters), providing capital to scale the operator’s heavy-lift fleet amid a structural supply shortage driven by utility modernization and aerial firefighting demands.

Announced on October 1, 2026, the transaction was executed through Antin’s €1.2 billion NextGen Infrastructure Fund I. In a press release detailing the acquisition, the Paris-based private equity firm stated the investment will accelerate HP Helicopters‘ transition toward long-term exclusive-use contracts with government agencies and utility providers.

Scaling operations amid a heavy-lift shortage

The utility and wildfire response sectors increasingly rely on heavy-lift helicopters to access remote areas and transport substantial payloads. The market is currently experiencing a structural supply shortage of capable airframes. This deficit is driven by compounding factors, including heightened demand for aerial firefighting due to climate change and the urgent need to modernize utility infrastructure. The push for grid modernization is largely fueled by broader electrification efforts and the high power demands of artificial intelligence data centers.

Antin Managing Partner Angelika Schöchlin and NextGen Partner Stephan Feilhauer noted that the company fits their strategy of building tomorrow’s infrastructure today.

“We see strong potential to take HP Helicopters to the next level by expanding the fleet, further increasing efficiencies, and continuing the transition to long-term exclusive use contracts with clients who want to ensure availability amid a structural supply shortage for heavy-duty helicopters.”

HP Helicopters CEO and co-founder Brad Bauder retains a minority holding in the company and will continue in his leadership role. Bauder stated that the partnership provides access to the resources and experience necessary to safely scale the specialty services operation to meet industry demand.

Specialized fleet and executive transition

Founded in 2005 by Brad and Tracey Bauder, Redlands, California-based HP Helicopters specializes in heavy-lift operations, remote area construction, aerospace research and development, and utility infrastructure support. The operator currently serves customers across 10 states in the Western US and holds specialized certifications to transport hazardous materials and human external cargo.

The company’s active fleet includes a mix of utility and heavy-lift platforms, notably the Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk, Bell 205/UH-1H+++, Leonardo AW119, Bell 430, and Bell 212.

To support its growth trajectory, HP Helicopters recently appointed Santiago Crespo as Chief Financial Officer. Crespo brings 25 years of aviation industry experience to the role, having previously served as CFO for heavy-lift and tandem rotor specialist Columbia Helicopters until late 2024.

Antin’s NextGen investment strategy

The HP Helicopters acquisition marks the eighth investment for Antin’s NextGen Infrastructure Fund I, which targets next-generation infrastructure companies and holds €1.2 billion in capital. Antin Infrastructure Partners itself manages over €33 billion in total assets, focusing on investments across the energy, environment, digital, transport, and social sectors. The firm employs more than 250 professionals across global offices including Paris, London, New York, Seoul, Melbourne, and Luxembourg.

During the transaction, Antin was advised by Goodwin Procter LLP and Cozen O’Connor P.C. The sellers were advised by Red Mountain Capital Advisors, Varner & Brandt LLP, and Jetlaw, LLC.

AirPro News analysis

The acquisition of HP Helicopters highlights a broader shift in the specialized aviation services market. As utility companies and government agencies face a constrained supply of heavy-lift airframes, operators are moving away from ad-hoc charter work in favor of long-term, exclusive-use contracts. This model guarantees availability for the client while providing the operator with predictable revenue streams. Private equity investment from firms like Antin provides the substantial capital required to acquire expensive heavy-lift assets like the UH-60 Blackhawk, allowing regional operators to scale rapidly and capture market share in a highly fragmented sector.

Jet Access has officially opened a 25,000-square-foot private terminal and hangar complex at John C. Tune Airport (JWN), expanding its footprint in the rapidly growing Middle Tennessee business aviation market.

The September 30, 2026, opening follows a year of construction and aligns with broader infrastructure investments at the Nashville reliever airport. In a press release, the company stated the facility will provide a fully integrated aviation platform, including charter, aircraft management, and maintenance services.

Facility capabilities and market demand

The new complex comprises a 3,000-square-foot terminal featuring an executive lounge, private offices, and a conference room, alongside a 22,000-square-foot hangar. The hangar is designed to accommodate the industry’s largest business jets, specifically citing the Bombardier Global 7500 and Gulfstream G800.

The facility brings together charter, aircraft management, and expanded maintenance capabilities. Jet Access will offer scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, avionics support, interior upgrades, and dedicated Aircraft on Ground (AOG) response. These services complement the company’s existing flight training operations at nearby Music City Executive Airport (XNX) in Gallatin.

Quinn Ricker, Chief Executive Officer of Jet Access, emphasized the strategic importance of the location in meeting the demands of the local corporate sector.

“We have proudly served clients throughout this region for years and have witnessed Nashville’s incredible growth firsthand. Opening our private terminal at John C. Tune Airport reflects our long-term commitment to this community and our confidence in the future of Middle Tennessee. Nashville has become a hub for business, innovation, and investment, and our goal is to deliver an aviation experience that meets or exceeds the caliber of this market.”

Infrastructure investments at John C. Tune Airport

The Jet Access facility, which broke ground in August 2025, is part of a larger transformation at JWN. The airport, which serves as a reliever for Nashville International Airport (BNA), celebrated its 40th anniversary in July 2026.

To support increased corporate traffic, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) initiated a $38.8 million reconstruction and redevelopment project at JWN on July 20, 2021. This public investment included upgraded infrastructure, modernized taxiways, and a new 99-foot air traffic control tower designed to enhance the airport’s ability to support future aviation growth.

Doug Kreulen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the MNAA, noted the economic impact of the new terminal and its alignment with the authority’s long-term planning.

“John C. Tune Airport is an essential gateway for Middle Tennessee, connecting businesses to opportunities and supporting our region’s economic growth. Jet Access’ investment builds on our redevelopment efforts and demonstrates confidence in the airport’s future. This new terminal and expanded services strengthen JWN’s role as a premier general aviation airport and position us to serve the evolving needs of our aviation community for years to come.”

The demand for premium aviation services in Nashville has attracted multiple service providers. In August 2026, Atlantic Aviation began construction on a new Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) terminal at JWN, indicating sustained private investment in the airport’s infrastructure to support Middle Tennessee’s business aviation needs.

Jet Access expansion strategy

Headquartered in Indiana, Jet Access operates across five major business aviation verticals: maintenance, charter, management, FBOs, and aircraft brokerage. The company maintains multiple locations across the United States, including facilities in Texas, Illinois, and Tennessee.

The JWN terminal allows clients to utilize a dedicated private hangar and concierge services without the capital investment and operational responsibilities of full facility ownership. By combining charter, aircraft management, and maintenance under one roof, the company aims to offer owners and operators a single source to fly, manage, and maintain their aircraft. The dedicated AOG response team is specifically positioned to minimize downtime for both transient and based operators.

AirPro News analysis

We view the concurrent investments by Jet Access and Atlantic Aviation at John C. Tune Airport as indicative of a structural shift in the Nashville aviation market. As Nashville International Airport prioritizes commercial airline traffic to support regional economic growth, corporate operators are increasingly migrating to dedicated reliever facilities. The $38.8 million public investment by the MNAA has successfully catalyzed private capital, transforming JWN from a standard general aviation field into a primary corporate aviation node capable of supporting ultra-long-range aircraft. This development mirrors trends in other high-growth corporate hubs where reliever airports are capturing the bulk of new business aviation infrastructure investment.