The South African kit plane industry, while not as large as its American or European counterparts, has carved out a niche for itself in the global aviation market. The country has a strong general aviation culture, with many private pilots and homebuilders looking for affordable, high-performance aircraft suited to both local and international conditions. The country is home to several other notable aviation companies specializing in light aircraft, bush planes and experimental designs. The leading company is, without any doubt, Sling Aircraft (formerly The Airplane Factory). It is also the most internationally recognized South African kit aircraft manufacturer.
Photo: Sling Aircraft
In the growing business of kit airplanes, this manufacturer created the Sling series, leaving an indelible mark on aviation fans. Known for its sleek design, robust performance, and affordability, Sling Aircraft is a premier option for homebuilders and aviation enthusiasts. From their debut aircraft, the versatile Sling 2, to the cross-country-capable Sling TSi, they are celebrated for their flight characteristics, ease of assembly, and modern avionics with a glass cockpit. This article explores why Sling Aircraft has become a favorite in the kit plane community, examines its aircraft lineup, discusses pricing, and provides an overview of similar kit planes for comparison.
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But what exactly makes the Sling such a popular kit plane? We will analyze this question and compare it to other kit planes in our article.
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Posts 2 The Rise of Sling Aircraft
Sling Aircraft was founded in 2006 by South African entrepreneurs Mike Blyth and James Pitman, who set out to design a reliable and affordable light aircraft that could be built at home. The company quickly gained recognition after successfully flying their prototype, the Sling 2, around the world in 2009 -- a journey that proved the aircraft's reliability and performance. Since then, Sling Aircraft has expanded its product line, producing several highly regarded kit aircraft that cater to a broad range of pilots, from occasional sport flyers to long-distance professional adventure-seekers.
Popular Sling Kit Aircraft Models Sling 2 Photo: Sling Aircraft
The Sling 2 is a two-seat, low-wing light aircraft that is the foundation of the company's success. It is the first aircraft built by the company in 2009 that became famous after Sling founders Mike Blyth and James Pitman organized an Around-The-World trip. In 40 days, the crew flew 45,000 km, which included 22-hour legs in harsh weather conditions. Designed for training, recreational flying, and even cross-country trips, the Sling 2 is known for its impressive fuel efficiency and stability. The 100-horsepower Rotax 912 engine has a cruise speed of approximately 120 knots and a range of about 800 nautical miles. The Sling 2 is particularly popular among flight schools and homebuilders due to its straightforward construction process and docile handling characteristics. Another variant based on the well-tested Sling 2, a lighter light sport aircraft, Sling LSA, is also available for purchase.
Sling 2 Characteristics: Type: Two-seat, low-wing light aircraft Engine: Rotax 912 ULS (100 hp) or 912iS (fuel-injected, 100 hp) Cruise Speed: Approximately 120 knots (222 km/h) Range: Around 800 nautical miles (1,500 km) Fuel Capacity: 39.5 gallons (150 liters) Useful Load: Sling LSA: 470 lbs (213 kg); Sling 2: 688 lbs (312 kg) Best For: Flight training, sport flying, and light cross-country trips Sling 4 Photo: Alan Wilson | Wikimedia Commons
The Sling 4 is a four-seat aircraft introduced in 2011 and created for customers who need extra capacity. It is a development of the Sling 2 to accommodate four people without sacrificing the sporty feel of its predecessor.
The aircraft's turbocharged Rotax 914 or 915iS engine boosts its cruise speed and climb performance. With a useful load of over 1,000 pounds and a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, the Sling 4 is an excellent option for those looking for a family-friendly kit aircraft.
Sling 4 Characteristics:
Type: Four-seat, low-wing touring aircraft Engine: Rotax 914 (115 hp) or Rotax 915iS (turbocharged, 141 hp) Cruise Speed: Approximately 130 knots (241 km/h) Range: Around 800 nautical miles (1,500 km) Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons (189 liters) Useful Load: 990 lbs (450 kg) Best Suited For: Family trips, cross-country flying Related 6 Additional Unique Kit Aircraft Produced
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Posts Sling TSi Photo: Sling Aircraft
One of the most talked-about models in the kit-built community, the Sling TSi is an upgraded version of the Sling 4. The aircraft made its first flight in 2018. It became a hit among kit plane lovers after demonstrating it at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh the same year. The aircraft incorporates the powerful Rotax 915iS engine, producing 141 horsepower, and boasts enhanced aerodynamics, making it one of the fastest and most efficient four-seat kit aircraft available on the market. With a cruise speed of 145 knots and an increased useful load, the TSi is a popular choice for pilots seeking long-range capabilities in a homebuilt aircraft. The TSi's high-tech avionics, including an optional Garmin glass cockpit, contribute to its growing reputation as a modern and capable cross-country cruiser. This aircraft has also received a very positive review from the Kit Plane magazine.
Sling TSi Characteristics
Type: Four-seat, high-performance, low-wing touring aircraft Engine: Rotax 915iS (turbocharged, 141 hp) Cruise Speed: Approximately 145 knots (269 km/h) Range: Around 1,000 nautical miles (1,800 km) Fuel Capacity: 52 gallons (198 liters) Useful Load: 950 lbs (430 kg) Best For: Long-range, high-speed cross-country flying Sling High Wing (HW)
Expanding its lineup and seeking an alternative design to the company's standard low-wing configuration, Sling Aircraft introduced the High Wing in 2020. It is a high-performance, high-wing plane aimed at panoramic and utility flying. Moreover, it is the first Sling aircraft to be mainly made of composite materials, unlike all previous models, which were made from aluminum. Available in both tricycle and taildragger configurations, the HW offers increased visibility and rugged capabilities for pilots looking for off-airport adventures. With a powerful Rotax 915iS engine, an 800-pound useful load, and a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, it competes directly with comparable rival aircraft such as the Zenith CH 750, the Van's RV-15, and even the Cessna 172.
Sling High Wing Characteristics:
Type: Four-seat, high-wing STOL-capable aircraft Engine: Rotax 915iS (turbocharged, 141 hp) Cruise Speed: 135 knots (250 km/h) Range: About 1,000 nautical miles (1,800 km) Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons (189 liters) Useful Load: Maximum 1,000 lbs (483 kg) Configuration Options: Tricycle or taildragger Best For: Adventure flying, backcountry, and bush flying Related Cessna's High Wing Piston Planes Are Getting A Makeover: What's New For 2024?
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Posts 1 Why Pilots Love Sling Aircraft
After carefully analyzing different aspects of the aircraft and reading the customers' reviews, we can pinpoint the following facts:
Easy Assembly - The Sling kits have pre-punched, matched-hole components just like a LEGO, making assembly more straightforward than older kit plane designs. The owners also mentioned the detailed and extremely clear instructions that come with the plane kit. This significantly reduces build time and improves accuracy. On average, assembling the whole kit takes six months to a year. Exceptional Handling - All Sling aircraft are known for their forgiving flight characteristics and smooth control inputs; both new and experienced pilots praise Sling aircraft, making it also a good choice for flight schools. Modern Avionics - With cutting-edge glass cockpit technology options, including Garmin and MGL avionics, Sling aircraft offer advanced navigation and automation capabilities. Fuel Efficiency - Sling aircraft primarily use Rotax engines, which are known for their low fuel consumption and ability to run on both avgas and mogas. You can check their characteristics here. Good safety records - All Sling aircraft can be equipped with the BRS parachute. It is deployed in life-threatening situations by a rocket to slow the aircraft and then lower it and the occupants to the ground in a slow and safe descent. In addition, there have been no fatal accidents involving this aircraft company. Global Support and Community - A dedicated builder community, online resources, factory support, and a vast distribution network worldwide make assembling and maintaining a Sling kit aircraft a more accessible process.
How to build a Sling aircraft in less than 8 minutes? Jokes aside, it's a good instructional video that shows step-by-step assembly here:
How Much Does a Sling Kit Cost?
Yes, this is the question that has definitely come to your mind. Don't worry; our detailed price list in US dollars below is valid for March 2025. Overall, we can say that the affordability of Sling Aircraft is probably one of the main reasons for its widespread popularity. Here's a general breakdown of costs for the most popular model that you can order from the official Sling Aircraft website and their North America Distribution Center.
Sling 2: The price of an airframe kit starts at around $55,958. A fully completed aircraft kit (including avionics and engine) costs between $144,953 and $169,948 (a quick-build kit with some pre-assembled parts). The average price for a fully assembled, factory-built aircraft that is ready to fly is between $200,000 and $235,000.
Sling 4: Still fully supported by the factory, but only in limited production. The price of a kit is no longer available. See Sling TSi for the upgraded new model and costs.
Sling TSi: The starting kit price is $79,988 (only the airframe) and $124,595 (avionics and engine included). For an extra $30,000, the quick-build option is available. The total kit price ranges between $204,583 and $234,578. Meanwhile, a factory-built aircraft costs about $330,000. Sling High Wing: Still relatively new, the High Wing kit costs around $93,306, with total build costs reaching a maximum of $224,301 depending on customization and quick-build options. A factory-built aircraft costs approximately $290,000. Related The Cost Of Owning & Operating A Single Engine Cessna
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Posts 7 How Sling Compares to Other Popular Kit Aircraft Photo: FlugKerl2 | Wikimedia Commons
Several other kit aircraft manufacturers produce models that rival Sling Aircraft in different ways. Here's a brief look at some competitors:
Van's Aircraft (RV Series): Van's RVs, particularly the RV-10 and RV-14, are among the most popular kit aircraft worldwide. They offer high performance, speed, and proven reliability, but they can be more expensive and take longer to build. Zenith Aircraft (CH Series): The Zenith CH 650 and CH 750 are high-wing aircraft known for their rugged simplicity and STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities. These models are ideal for bush flying, and some variants can be cheaper, but they lack Sling aircraft's speed and cross-country efficiency. Related 10 Prominent Experimental Aircraft Developed By Van's Aircraft
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Posts Close
Sling Aircraft has become one of the industry's most popular and well-respected kit aircraft manufacturers. The company continues to innovate and attract aviation enthusiasts with a diverse lineup catering to various pilot needs, from the sleek Sling 2 trainer to the long-range Sling TSi and the adventure-seeking High Wing. Offering a combination of affordability, ease of assembly, and exceptional performance, Sling Aircraft is an excellent choice for those looking to build and fly their aircraft. For pilots seeking a well-rounded, modern, and enjoyable flying experience, it's no surprise that the Sling series remains a top contender in the world of kit planes.