The 2024 Coolest Thing in Oregon contest has come down to four finalists, including Bend’s Epic Aircraft

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The second round of voting in the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest concluded September 30th, narrowing the list of finalists to four.

They include:

• Tillamook’s Ice Cream (Tillamook)
• Oregon Tool’s Diamond Chainsaw Chain (Portland)
• Leatherman’s Multitool (Portland)
• Epic Aircraft’s E-1000 GX (Bend)

That’s right, an aircraft that’s made and manufactured right here in Bend.

Located at the Bend Airport, Epic Aircraft is being recognized for their newest innovation, the E-1000 GX.

Epic CEO Douglas King said Wednesday, “This is a turboprop airplane, and for airplane people that fly small airplanes, this is a big airplane. For average people who fly around in, you know, airliners, it's a tiny airplane, but it's six seats very comfortably sat and it goes high. it goes far and it goes fast."

What makes the E-1000 GX the Coolest Thing Made in Oregon?

"It's complete with pressurization systems, electronics of a 1,200-horsepower jet fuel-burning motor, an all-carbon fiber airframe and heavily regulated by the federal government. It's the only airplane you can buy that goes over 300 knots, burning less than 50 gallons an hour of fuel."

King says the cost is around $750 per hour. Divide that by the number of seats – six – that’s about half the cost of any private jet.

Employees at Epic say the work environment stays energetic and creative.

Production Manager Laura Soto says, "One of the things that I'm more excited about is being part of this amazing product, developing processes and be part of all the new products and engineering and processes, and make this great product that people like.”

Sub-assembly Supervisor Kaela Pruitt says, “Our crew members are like a family, and we make a really, really awesome plane, and I enjoy seeing our customers' faces light up when they actually get it delivered to them.”

You still have time to vote for your favorite.

Make your choices now because voting ends Monday, October 7th at noon.