Epic Flight Academy Becomes Launch Customer for Textron’s New Training Aircraft Platform

Updated July 20th, 2026

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Epic Flight Academy Voyager Launch — L-R: Epic Flight Academy COO Josh Rawlins, CEO Danny Perna, and Chief Flight Instructor Ray Altmann at the Launch of the Pipistrel Voyager at Oshkosh (Photo Credit: Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc.)

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JULY 20, 2026

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Oshkosh, WI – Textron Aviation has selected Epic Flight Academy as the launch customer for a new generation of training aircraft, the Pipistrel Voyager, marking a major step forward in modernizing pilot training. Epic has ordered ten Voyager aircraft initially to add to Epic’s current fleet of 70+ aircraft with plans to purchase additional aircraft over the next two years.

“The Pipistrel Voyager is an ideal fit for Epic Flight Academy, building on their established fleet of Cessna Skyhawk aircraft with a platform that further expands training capability and flexibility,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “The Voyager seamlessly supplements their Cessna piston fleet with an efficient, purpose-built training platform that helps increase capacity, support consistent progression from basic through advanced training, and maximize utilization across their core instructor-student missions.”

“This is a defining moment in aviation,” said Danny Perna, founder and CEO of Epic Flight Academy. “We’re delivering the same high-quality flight training Epic is known for while fundamentally lowering the cost of becoming a professional pilot through the next generation of aircraft and innovative technology, making career-focused flight training more accessible than ever before.”

The Textron aircraft platform already serves as the foundation of Epic’s training system, supported by advanced simulators that mirror the aircraft environment. Together, with real-time digital tracking, the platform creates a unified training model that improves safety, reduces training time, and lowers overall cost.

Epic will deploy the aircraft across its national campuses, ensuring a consistent training experience while increasing operational efficiency and student throughput. Over the next two years, the Voyager will be available at every campus in addition to the Cessna 172 Skyhawk and multi-engine aircraft. Epic has ordered 10 Voyagers this year with an additional 20 in 2027 and another 20 in 2028.

“This aircraft platform changes the economics of flight training,” Perna added. “When you combine the right airplane with simulators and a fully integrated digital system, you get better outcomes faster and more efficiently.”

Epic Flight Academy is the largest FAA part 141 flight school in the U.S.