The Airplane Factory Sling

Website: http://www.airplanefactory.co.za

Email: sales@airplanefactory.co.za

Phone: (+27) 11-455-4204

Edenvale, -- 1610 - South Africa

U.S. Distributor is The Airplane Factory USA

Website: https://www.airplanefactory.com

Email: info@airplanefactory.com

Phone: 424-241-0341

Torrance, CA 90505 - USA

Oshkosh 2022 – Day 4… TAF’s Sling HW with Rotax 915 is a Big, Comfortable Lightplane

By Dan Johnson || July 29, 2022 11 Comments

Did these builders not notice the industry already has a whole slew of popular high wing models? Some, like Flight Design’s CT series, has been a market leader since the beginning. Companies in the list below didn't follow the leader then? Why now?

Of course, no such industry agreement happened. Each company examined their lines and chose individually to go forward with their designs. Honestly, they've all come out so recently they could not have coordinated such a broad launch in a single year even if they tried. Nonetheless, here they are, one after another. I like it. I'm a high wing guy. To each his own but my single greatest joy aloft is looking down, watching the landscape unfold ahead of me. High wings offer the best downward visibility.

Then consider entry. No question — while low wings models have a sexy look, a shape that people equate with modern aircraft, they are much more challenging to enter. Given that LSA buyers are often in their 60s or older, ease of entry is a selling point.

Companies entering the high wing market in 2022, after previously producing only low wing models:

BRM Aero — Bristell B8
The Airplane Factory — Sling HW
Van's Aircraft — RV-15 (prototype flying)
Sonex — Unknown? (still in early design)

The new high wing designs add to those from Flight Design, Tecnam, Pipistrel, Zenith, Rans, Kitfox, Just, Icon, Jabiru, Vashon, Aerotrek… plus many more. To see a whole list, go to PlaneFinder 2.0 and check the correct box.

Made for Mosaic?

These new low wing producers also seem to be preparing for the new Mosaic-induced market to come. Why do I write that? Because the first three in the list above are also rather large aircraft. Sling HW explicitly says that it is a four seater. The RV-15 from Van's certainly looks similarly (it's big), although because its a first prototype, the company could change the design as they progress. BRM Aero may be thinking similarly

I remember when Rotax first held a press conference in Oshkosh 2017 showing a display version their previously-announced 915iS. As soon as the company speakers concluded their remarks and their staff assembled behind a display-only 915iS on a stand, one man bolted out of his chair and began examining the then-new powerplant very carefully. That man was Mike Blythe the founder and chief designer at The Airplane Factory (TAF). It was immediately clear he had a design in mind and this engine fit the bill. As you can see, Sling HW is cantilevered, further enhancing that downward visibility while also making outback flying more predictable by not have wing struts to catch bushes or other obstacles. Yet the wing structure does not intrude into the cabin as the wing is mounted above the cockpit.

The Airplane Factory is enjoying a nice run with their Sling TSI (pilot report), another four seater but in low wing configuration. TSI also uses the 915iS engine but a similar airframe was already in production (Sling 4) so perhaps the new high wing design was forming in Mike's mind. Four years later (half of those years troubled by Covid), we see Sling HW in ready-to-sell form. Not only is the high wing Sling on display in AirVenture Oshkosh, it flew all the way from South Africa to attend the show. Actually, two are on display at AirVenture and both flew across the Atlantic. While that sounds like and is quite an accomplishment, it is merely another day on the job for Sling pilots. On several occasions they have created a new design and promptly flew it around the globe. They've done such immensely long flights so often, it almost appears routine. It's not. A load of preparation and aircraft modification go into such epic voyages (see nearby image with special antennas fitted; these are not intended for standard production aircraft).

"Sling handling characteristics combined with the inherent stability of the classic high wing design," said Mike Blyth. "Added to this, all the latest modern-day design safety features, including ballistic parachute recovery system, low workload Garmin glass cockpit, efficient and 141 horsepower Rotax 915 iS turbocharged powerplant and Airmaster constant speed propeller." "The extra-large cabin features wide, easy-access doors, superb four-place ergonomics and best in class comfort and quality," he contnued. "The removable rear seats increase the already generous baggage area providing for a great utility platform."

"For the first time we have a substantial portion of the aircraft, being the center fuselage, produced in composite fiber," wrote Mike. "This has allowed us to design an aerodynamic aircraft which is beautifully shaped, light and extremely strong." The company explained, "For the first time we have a highly versatile aircraft that has a large useable cargo area. Remove the unused seats and controls quickly and easily, then fill it up with any kind of cargo. Sling High Wing can also be flown with the doors removed for photographic work or for use as a parachute jump ship."

How Much?

As regular readers will probably recognize a large, four-seat, 912iS-powered aircraft will not be inexpensive. Sling HW sells for $93,306 with a airframe kits and will take 1,400 hours to complete. Buyers can pay $31,995 more for a Quick-Build kit that saves 500 hours of work.

With the premium Rotax 915iS engine, constant speed prop, and avionics (each rather expensive), the kit sells for $192,306 or a Quick-Build for $224,301. So Sling HW is certainly not cheap but it can easily compete with — and in numerous ways exceed — a new Cessna 172 at twice the price. Naturally, such pricing will not work for everyone. To my eyes Sling HW is a comparison to deluxe American pick-up trucks that are loaded and have prices to match. Sling HW has such carrying capacity and modern equipment that it carries an appropriate sticker price. TAF noted, "[Sling HW's] interior is leather upholstered with an option of full leather, the carpets are soundproofed and [the model has] a cabin heating and ventilation system. Seats are adjustable, as are the pedals [and] a luggage extension [is available] to accommodate longer cargo items such as skis, golf clubs, and surfing equipment." Perhaps Sling HW is more a miniature version of Cessna Caravan than its Skyhawk.

Under U.S. regulation Sling HW has to enter the U.S. as a kit-built aircraft although a few fully-manufactured examples can enter the country to help with marketing and educating the pilot population. But when Mosaic becomes reality, perhaps by early 2025, TAF will be able to sell you a Sling HW fully ready-to-fly.

The Airplane Factory Sling HW High Wing TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS all figures provided by the manufacturer

Wing Span — 31.3 feet
Wing Loading — 14.8 pounds per square foot
Fuel Capacity — 50 gallons
Maximum Gross weight — 2,314 pounds
Empty Weight — 1,279 pounds
Useful Load — 1,035 pounds
Payload with full fuel — 735 pounds
Seating capacity — 4
Cabin Width — 46 inches
Baggage capacity — 77 pound
Cruise Speed — 145 knots TAS (167 miles per hour)
Maximum Climb Rate — 900 feet per mnute
Stall Speed — 49 knots (56 miles per hour)
Range at 75% power with 45-minute reserve — 880 nautical miles
Endurance — 8 hours
Takeoff Roll — 720 feet
Landing Roll — 590 feet

LINKS:

COMING SOON!

More stories will follow AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. Today (Friday-July 29th) is my last day on site but more articles will follow a short break, including:

More from FAA — including an announced date for the Mosaic NPRM
Van's RV-15
Vee-Twin four stroke lightweight engine
FAA's annual safety briefing summary
Icon's latest A5 and their deluxe travel/storage trailer, and
more news from AirVenture's Fun Fly Zone, where the ultralights and more live.

Plus, I'll be uploading several short videos. Give me a few days to decompress and I'll be back on the job. Thanks everyone for reading this week's articles. Your response has been record breaking and I sincerely appreciate it.

Somewhere, it seems like a group of light plane developers must have held a meeting and decided that low wing manufacturers needed to broaden their line to include high wings. A batch of new models has been unveiled or announced this year. (Article updated 2PM – 7/29 Fri — new image of the gorgeous taildragger; see below) Did these builders not notice the industry already has a whole slew of popular high wing models? Some, like Flight Design’s CT series, has been a market leader since the beginning. Companies in the list below didn’t follow the leader then? Why now? Of course, no such industry agreement happened. Each company examined their lines and chose individually to go forward with their designs. Honestly, they’ve all come out so recently they could not have coordinated such a broad launch in a single year even if they tried. Nonetheless, here they are, one after another.

A Threat? Yes, Possibly! Density Altitude Commands Your Respect

By Paul Hamilton || July 2, 2021 4 Comments

Since I also hear questions regarding techniques to fly in mountains, why not combine these two challenges? This information can be useful to anyone who flies any kind of aircraft anywhere in the world. To provide the best information, I went to an expert. I know a thing or two about airplanes but Paul Hamilton, founder of the Sport Aviation Center, is an expert trainer, not only writing and making videos on the subject for years but regularly providing flight instruction. Further demonstrating his versatility he does so in three-axis and weight shift. I asked Paul to compose a short lesson about density altitude and he quickly complied. —DJ

Hot days at high elevations with a full load means you need much more runway.

It was a hot day (80 degrees Fahrenheit) at Lake Tahoe Airport (6,268 feet MSL). The airplane was loaded with a big guy (who reported 250 pounds) and nearly full fuel. We had a light tailwind because the airport has rising terrain to the south and we needed to take off to the north over flat terrain towards the lake. Applying full throttle, we began moving down the runway …rolling, rolling, rolling. It felt like eternity to accelerate and finally lift off and we were going way faster over the ground while climbing sluggishly over the marshland to the lake. Three of the basic performance problems which have led many General Aviation aircraft accidents were present here:

High density altitude
Max gross weight
Tailwind

Mountains and high density altitude demand your attention.

The LSA we were using performed great, but revealed a big difference in performance compared to sea level flying. Let’s break this down into the components and look at why this Nevada attempt took so long to take off. FAA’s definition for density altitude:

“Pressure altitude corrected for temperature and humidity."
Common sense definition – “less air” (density) resulting in reduced engine power plus faster takeoff, stall and landing speeds — because true air speed goes up.

Starting with the FAA definition, pressure altitude is found by setting the altimeter to 29.92 inches of mercury (standard pressure) and reading the resulting “pressure altitude” on the altimeter. Low barometric pressure, less air above you, results in higher (less dense) pressure altitude. High barometric pressure, more air above you, results in a lower (more dense) pressure altitude.

Pressure Altitude Chart

From the well-known FAA diagram (pressure altitude) we can see that with higher barometric pressure you could lower your pressure altitude by by up to 1,000 feet or so, from 6,500 to 5,500. Falling pressure raises your density altitude by up to 2,000 feet 6,500 to 8,500. Typically, it would be less but for calculation expect atmospheric pressure could raise or lower your standard temperature altitude by 500 feet. Now let’s look at temperature. Standard temperature for 6,500 altitude is about 37 degrees F. If we have a hot day say 80 degrees F, the pressure altitude is 6,500 feet, but density altitude goes up to 9,500 feet. Note that variations in temperature can cause the density altitude to go up 3,500 feet altitude and pressure altitude only 500 feet variation. Temperature makes a much bigger difference in density altitude. You can use any app, the classic E6B computer, or an electronic E6B to find density altitude. You can also listen to the AWOS; you have various ways to determine density altitude. Now, how does density altitude affect performance? Let’s start with the rule of thumb I teach and use as a basic for density altitude performance. Take this with you.

At 8,000 feet density altitude, it takes about twice as long to lift off as it does from sea level.

This is derived from various performance parameters, and it could be 7,000 foot density altitude but 8,000 feet is a good round number for this rule of thumb.

Temperature and Density Altitude Chart

Why is this? First, for every 1,000 feet increase in density altitude, the engine loses about 3% power or thrust. So at 8,000 feet density the 100 horse engine is only producing 76% of the thrust, a 24% loss of thrust. Second, if you rotate at 60 knots indicated airspeed at sea level, then at 8,000 foot density altitude your true airspeed (ground speed in calm air), rotation speed would be 68 knots. Keep in mind your visual reference to the ground speed for takeoff and landing is going to go up 13%. This is why people tend to stall during takeoff and landing, because they feel they are going faster than they normally do. Indicated airspeed, not true airspeed, is what counts in stall. Therefore, at 8,000 foot density altitude you have 24% less thrust and must get going 13% faster to rotate. All that weight and mass has to gain that much more momentum with significantly less engine power. Loose/loose or bad/bad situation. Now look at climb rate, your ability to get away from the earth. A 1,000 foot density altitude decreases climb rate by 8%. An 8,000 foot density altitude reduces climb rate by over 60%.

The Koch Chart is the classic many use to determine performance and a well known standard. General aviation aircraft typically have great performance tables and graphs, but LSA and even more so, ultralights, may come with rather basic performance guidance so this Koch Chart is a great tool. Let’s go back to my original example and use the rule of thumb with the density altitude of 9,500 feet MSL, plus that tail wind of 10%. Takeoff speed will increase takeoff roll by 20% to the density altitude factor. Now you have just under three times the takeoff roll as you would at sea lever standard conditions. In such conditions, you will eat up a lot of runway to get off the ground.

Light-Sport Aircraft typically have good performance at high density altitudes because with the typical 100 horsepower and max gross weight or 1,320 pounds the power-to-weight ratio is better than larger, heavier aircraft.

Paul's Experience with LSA

My 1,000 pound weight-shift control trike and Sling 2 at 1,320 pounds, both with the 100 horsepower Rotax 912iS fuel-injected engine are getting 300 FPM climb at 12,000 foot density altitude, which I typically fly in the mountains. No problem taking off at South Lake Tahoe airport but the increase in takeoff roll is noticeable. The carbureted engine performs almost as good with automatic mixture control.

Giving lessons in the Evolution Aircraft Revo over mountainous terrain.

I have had a number of people who are thinking about buying a LSA with a 100 horsepower engine who are worried about LSA and density altitude. We go flying and they are really impressed with the performance as we cross the mountains at 10,000 feet (12,000 foot density altitude) and land/takeoff at South Lake Tahoe airport (TVL). The high-drag Quicksilver with a Rotax 582 (65 horsepower at sea level) barely climbs at Carson Airport 4,700 pressure altitude with 7,000 foot density altitude; it has only 100 FPM climb, not enough to climb out depending on other conditions such as convective lift. Ultralights typically do not have that much power to begin with so they also do not climb the best at high density altitudes. You can look at performance at sea level for a guide to how an aircraft will perform at high density altitudes

Paul and Loretta Hamilton enjoy the beautiful area around their home base, flying in a The Airplane Factory Sling 2 LSA.

Overall, you need to take the performance at sea level standard conditions, which the manufacturer typically provides optimum pilot and light weight conditions, and look at the density altitude or Koch chart to determine the performance of your LSA or Ultralight. The recipe to disaster is the airplane that flies up from sea level to South Lake Tahoe in the cooler morning. Headed home by afternoon, they load family, luggage and fuel. In the heat of the afternoon the airplane easily stalls on takeoff or climbout. Remember, they were facing — high density altitude (high elevation plus heat), were likely near max gross weight, and had a tailwind. Don't be that pilot. Density Altitude is a condition to be considered seriously.

An accomplished photographer and videographer for years, Paul captures some marvelous views. In this striking image, a Sierra wave cloud is forming. For years, sailplane pilots have used wave formations to soar to amazing heights (flying the lifting leading edge of the wave).

Normally, this website focuses tightly on airplanes and the equipment and services needed to keep them flying. However, on regular occasions, I receive questions about density altitude and light aircraft. A surprising number believe LSA perform less well than legacy airplanes in these conditions. (They’re wrong.) Since I also hear questions regarding techniques to fly in mountains, why not combine these two challenges? This information can be useful to anyone who flies any kind of aircraft anywhere in the world. To provide the best information, I went to an expert. I know a thing or two about airplanes but Paul Hamilton, founder of the Sport Aviation Center, is an expert trainer, not only writing and making videos on the subject for years but regularly providing flight instruction. Further demonstrating his versatility he does so in three-axis and weight shift. I asked Paul to compose a short lesson about density altitude and he quickly complied.

Look Out, Legacies! Light-Sport Aircraft in Flight Schools Operated by the Aircraft Representative

By Dan Johnson || July 2, 2019 11 Comments

Student, Victor Ponte celebrates a new Private Pilot certificate following his check-ride with instructor Kathryn Stanley.

This is a tale, not of two cities, but of two coasts, the Pacific and Atlantic yet the story is unfolding in several other locations, too. Based on multiple flight schools deep into using LSA (as portrayed in the linked article above), current LSA appear more than up to the job. That has been ongoing for some time. The new development that is popping up on the coasts and elsewhere in between are entirely new flight schools, ones organized completely around Light-Sport Aircraft as primary trainers. While selling to any existing flight school using legacy trainers — such as Cessna 150s, 172s, or Piper Cherokees — vendors of modern LSA aren't waiting for every training operation to see the light. Instead, they are starting their own academies and using their Special LSA for primary training and more. Some of these are Part 141 schools and, without exception, those I've interviewed find SLSA completely worthy of this important task. With a looming pilot shortage reported around the world, their initiative is likely to pay off. The airlines are now admitting they have a huge problem coming. Even some military organization are finding it harder to enlist pilots. As someone once said, "If you want a job done right, do it yourself!" So, they did.

East and West Coast Flight Ops

Both Sling Pilot Academy (SPA) and Sebring Flight Academy (SFA) are relatively recent starts but both already have students well trained enough that they can begin taking some of the chores of training the next batch, under controlled and highly supervised leadership, of course. This is serious stuff. These students could be piloting the airliner in which you are flying in just a few years.

Classes are filling at both SPA and SRA. This scene is from Sling Pilot Academy.

When students earn their credentials and are ready for more, SPA uses a pair of recently-acquired dual-Rotax-engine Tecnam Twins. SFA uses the well-proven Piper Seneca twin. Both places appear to be humming with activity! SPA has evolved from a modest, quiet flight school into a bustling operation. "We're just getting started," said SPA boss, Matt Litnaitzky. "Four new aircraft are on their way, we've added an additional hangar, as well as nearly quadrupling our staff. The first academy class is already airborne well on their way to a dream career." SPA said students are expected to complete their ratings in nine months and finish building their 1,500 hours in a year and a half. By utilizing efficient Rotax-powered aircraft with state-of-the art modern avionics, SPA students will be entering the airlines with glass cockpit experience at a fraction of the cost.

Compare this luxurious and superbly-equipped cockpit to a 50-year-old Cessna 172 (or any number of legacy flight aircraft). Which do you think your average millennial would prefer flying?

Across the continent at Sebring Flight Academy, they are using Lou Mancuso's ingenious system of elevating their freshly-certificated students into flight training under the supervision of seasoned pros. As a former instructor myself, I can confirm a CFI learns every bit as much as each student he or she trains. SFA offers a full package of nearby lodging (they bought a house not far from SEF airport) and a work opportunity as ways to hold down the cost and concentrate the student's payment into actual training rather than lodging and transportation expense. Likewise, SPA has a whole web page dedicated to showing the savings they can offer. Both of these modern schools are very keenly aware that, as SPA reported, "The hot topic of every FBO around is 'a pilot shortage is upon us'..." Indeed, Boeing predicts over the next 20 years that North America alone will need 206,000 airline pilots. Globally that figures rises dramatically to some 800,000 pilots. Students getting into professional courses like those offered by SPA and SFA have very bright futures in my opinion. Airlines have great need, but so do corporate bizjet departments and military aviation divisions. China's military — even given its immense population — is increasing recruitment as they face upcoming shortages. Then, we have eVTOL air taxis in hot development and all manner of remote pilot positions.

It's not just pilots either. Although it's a story worthy of another article, mechanics are predicted to have even higher job opportunities with pay scales increasing to entice trained workers. This is a great time to be a young person pursing aviation, better than I've seen in many decades of following aviation closely. It's wonderful to see Sling Pilot Academy and Sebring Flight Academy rewriting the old rules of how a flight school should be operated. I'm exceptionally proud of both enterprises. Current pilots can contact The Airplane Factory USA or Bristell USA to learn more about the aircraft they represent.

For years, I have been interviewing suppliers of Light-Sport Aircraft about how functional and durable their SLSA are for flight training. Contrary to what many think many SLSA actually make good trainers (see this recent article). Old timers might think you have to stick with Cessna or Piper to have an airframe built robustly enough to handle student flight training. Those who feel that way are behind the times. LSA are here and now in flight schools. This is a tale, not of two cities, but of two coasts, the Pacific and Atlantic yet the story is unfolding in several other locations, too. Based on multiple flight schools deep into using LSA (as portrayed in the linked article above), current LSA appear more than up to the job. That has been ongoing for some time. The new development that is popping up on the coasts and elsewhere in between are entirely new flight schools, ones organized completely around Light-Sport Aircraft as primary trainers.

Breaking News — Sling TSi Will Fly Non-Stop from California to Sun ‘n Fun 2019!

By Dan Johnson || March 30, 2019 Leave a Comment

This Just In!

Follow the Sling TSi LIVE tomorrow, Sunday March 31st, 2019, as the new model flies this route: KTOA – KLAL (Coast to Coast) • Torrance, California to Lakeland, Florida, a distance of 1,900 nautical miles

Intended Departure: Sunday at 4 AM Pacific • Landing Florida before 7 PM Eastern in a flight forecast to take "under 12 hours" at a predicted speed of 160 knots (184 mph), at altitude. You can track the flight on FlightRadar24. Why would the boys from The Airplane Factory USA make such a long flight non-stop? Their purpose is "to demonstrate the altitude, true airspeed, and endurance/economy of the Sling TSi." They call out a normal cruise will be at 155 KTAS at 9,500 feet burning eight gallons an hour using the Rotax 915iS. The turbocharged FADEC engine will allow the airplane to climb as high as 20,000 feet.

Sling TSi has standard tanks of 45 gallons capacity or optional long-range wing tip tanks that add an additional 22 gallons plus an internal portable tanks of 20 gallons for a grand total of 87 gallons on board. Visit The Airplane Factory USA at Sun 'n Fun and see Sling TSi — you can also arrange a demo flight — at their Sun 'n Fun exhibit spaces N-082 and N-089. Until you can see it in all its aluminum glory, here is a short video to whet your appetite. Also, added since this post went live is a longer-length review of Sling TSi. Click this link to read the report in General Aviation News. https://youtu.be/JVH2Gt0BNEU

This Just In! Follow the Sling TSi LIVE tomorrow, Sunday March 31st, 2019, as the new model flies this route: KTOA – KLAL (Coast to Coast) • Torrance, California to Lakeland, Florida, a distance of 1,900 nautical miles Intended Departure: Sunday at 4 AM Pacific • Landing Florida before 7 PM Eastern in a flight forecast to take “under 12 hours” at a predicted speed of 160 knots (184 mph), at altitude. You can track the flight on FlightRadar24. Why would the boys from The Airplane Factory USA make such a long flight non-stop? Their purpose is “to demonstrate the altitude, true airspeed, and endurance/economy of the Sling TSi.” They call out a normal cruise will be at 155 KTAS at 9,500 feet burning eight gallons an hour using the Rotax 915iS. The turbocharged FADEC engine will allow the airplane to climb as high as 20,000 feet.

Copperstate Day 2 — Big Crowds Plus Flying Sling TSi with Rotax 915 Power: Superb!

By Dan Johnson || February 9, 2019 4 Comments

I have to admit my pleasant surprise. This tie-up of Copperstate and Buckeye Air Fair might be exactly what is needed to generate a major show in the Southwestern USA.

Let me be fair. Other West Coast aviation events have interesting qualities but none has ever risen to the level of AirVenture Oshkosh or Sun 'n Fun. Those two dominate general aviation events. Both are "back East." With big pilot and aircraft populations in California, Arizona, and Washington, why have we no major shows in the West? No one I've asked can explain the riddle but could Copperstate Buckeye Air Fair be the right combination? Only time will tell yet on Saturday, crowds were as thick as Oshkosh, albeit in a much smaller area. City planners offered an airshow and lots for attendees to look at plus the Copperstate trade show alongside the Buckeye Air Fair gave the public close access to pilots operating all manner of light aircraft.

Serious airplane buyers encouraged vendors on Thursday before the public attended. They came out in huge droves on Saturday. Vice Mayor Eric Orsborn, whom I interviewed on video, estimated 15-20,000 people that day. It looked like it and we have video proof. By the way, Eric is not only a city leader, he's a pilot who just earned his ticket. His wife is also pursuing flying lessons and is going through ground school now. If Sunday is equally strong, most will consider this pairing of city air fair with industry trade show to be a resounding success. Vice Mayor Eric said the city was very pleased about the link-up and sees good things in the future.

Flying The Airplane Factory Sling TSi

A year ago, I got to fly the 915 in Wels, Austria at a Rotax journalist event after Aero Friedrichshafen.

In two quickly linked flights, they let me compare 915 to 912iS. That was most helpful but I did not know either airframe well so it was challenging to compare performance with my earlier experiences. Now, I have a better picture. At Copperstate a couple years ago I flew Sling 4 with Rotax's 914 Turbo. I was very impressed, feeling it flew as well as the Sling LSA. Dare I admit I actually liked the four seater's flight qualities better than the LSA? Like Sling 4, Sling TSi is not a Light-Sport Aircraft. It cannot be flown with the Sport Pilot certificate. Several reasons explain why, even though the new model closely resembles the Sling LSA. First, it's a four seater. Secondly, it has much higher power. That's allowed but the Rotax 915 engine currently requires a constant speed prop not permitted under LSA regulations — though perhaps in a couple years. The Turbo Intercooled 915iS energized the Sling 4 airframe much more than the 914. The difference was clear.

Acceleration was fast, we rolled less than 500 feet and climbed quickly from the start and kept going. Jean d'Assonville and I flew perhaps 300 pounds under gross but CPS Rotax specialist Bryan Toepfer said it did well when loaded to the limit on a flight he experienced. Thirdly, Sling TSi is too fast and too heavy to be a LSA. Here's something important… this is not Sling 4. Oh, it appears so similar that I would not have known without closer inspection. Instead, Sling TSi is a nearly brand-new aircraft from nose to tail, literally. The distinctive Sling nose cowl has also changed subtly, better accommodating the 915 and its new hardware. Aft of the engine compartment, Sling TSi uses dimpled flush rivets on the front portion of the fuselage and on the leading edge of the wings. This clearly works to pick up the speed of Sling TSi without raising its stall speed.

The wing itself is a fresh new airfoil and wingspan is about 16 inches shorter on each side. The tailplane has counterbalanced surfaces to reduce chances of flutter given Sling TSi's speedier ways. Aloft we saw 128 knots at modest cruise power and 3,500 feet MSL. Coming out to the show Jean and Wayne reported seeing better than 160 knots TAS and 180 knots GPS groundspeed, thanks to a tailwind. Fuel burn was a bit over six gallons an hour. Climb out of Buckeye (1,000 foot field elevation on a cool day) averaged 1,000 fpm and we saw 1,500-1,800 fpm on successive climbs from a touch and go.

Stalls in all configurations were very mild, even with full stick aft and no quick effort of recovery. At full power, Sling TSi would not stall and only wobbled the nose to signal the pilot — well, that and a clearly audible stall warning plus a very steep deck angle. Handling was very responsive but steady with a light touch even in steeply banked 720 turns. My efforts at dutch rolling produced acceptable results either fast or slow. The landing was straightforward. Sling TSi manages energy very well — an LSA-like feel, it had — making roundout and touchdown quite easy. Visibility is good, a very good thing at a busy Buckeye Municipal (KBXK) when numerous airplanes entered the pattern to pay a visit. In all, Sling TSi is a commendable achievement, a further refinement of the original Sling LSA introduced in 2009. In that decade, Sling has delivered more than 500 aircraft, Jean indicated. We recorded a full Video Pilot Report with cameras on and in the airplane. When it's done in editing, this will provide much more detail and very few complaints about The Airplane Factory's Sling TSi. Well done, Mike Blyth and team, well done indeed! Find more factory info on Sling TSi here and catch a video glimpse below. https://youtu.be/JVH2Gt0BNEU

I have to admit my pleasant surprise. This tie-up of Copperstate and Buckeye Air Fair might be exactly what is needed to generate a major show in the Southwestern USA. Let me be fair. Other West Coast aviation events have interesting qualities but none has ever risen to the level of AirVenture Oshkosh or Sun ‘n Fun. Those two dominate general aviation events. Both are “back East.” With big pilot and aircraft populations in California, Arizona, and Washington, why have we no major shows in the West? No one I’ve asked can explain the riddle but could Copperstate Buckeye Air Fair be the right combination? Only time will tell yet on Saturday, crowds were as thick as Oshkosh, albeit in a much smaller area. City planners offered an airshow and lots for attendees to look at plus the Copperstate trade show alongside the Buckeye Air Fair gave the public close access to pilots operating all manner of light aircraft.

Speedy Sling TSi Powered by Rotax 915 — News from The Airplane Factory USA

By Dan Johnson || December 12, 2018 7 Comments

When Rotax debuted their new 915iS engine at an Oshkosh press conference, Sling designer Mike Blyth raced forward at the end of the conference to closely examine the new power plant. It was clear to me this answered a creation he had in mind and now we can see the fruit of his ambition: the new Sling TSi. Since the Rotax 915iS remains a powerplant that requires an in-flight adjustable prop, it cannot be used on a Light-Sport Aircraft, but TSi is based on The Airplane Factory’s Sling 4 four seater so kit-built it must be. More on the builder effort below.

For Oshkosh 2018, The Airplane Factory USA said, “[We are] excited to present the North American debut of the all-new Sling TSi! This kit is the airplane Sling fans have been waiting for!” The Southern California importer said TSi has all of the style, economy and practical utility of the Sling 4 but with more speed. Harnessing the power of the new Rotax 915 turbo-charged, fuel-injected, and FADEC engine, Sling TSi can cruise at speeds up to 145 KTAS (167 mph) at 9,500 feet. Sling TSi has speed modifications not on Sling 4 including an all-new high-speed wing design that has been optimized for the power and weight of the aircraft. In addition, leading edges of the wing and forward fuselage and empennage are now flush-riveted for reduced drag. On the inside TSi has seating, ventilation, and heating improvments for passenger comfort and luxury.

“Sling TSi was hands-down the hit of the show,” exclaimed The Airplane Factory USA. They reported one media outlet dubbed it the "Best New Sport Plane of 2018."

Builder Assistance for TSi

At an upcoming event at TAF USA’s base of operations — KTOA Airport in Torrance, California — the importer is closing a strong year by hosting one of their TAF Sling and Sling Flying Club Taco Social events.

In addition to the Taco Bar treats (it is Southern California, after all, just a few miles from the Mexican border), attendees can hear about a most unusual Builder Assist experience. The “Main Event” will feature a presentation by Wayne and Matthew Toddun who traveled to South Africa to build their Sling TSi. Not only did the father and son travel half way around the world to build their Sling TSi, the aircraft was subsequently re-assembled in Oshkosh and shown to visitors before it was flown back to Los Angeles. TAF said that according to Matthew Toddun, "When my dad decided to purchase a new Sling aircraft for us to learn to how to fly, he went for the very best, the brand new Sling TSi!” Matthew continued, “When he decided [to pursue] a build assist program, he wanted the best assistance that we could get.” ”That is when our life-changing opportunity came about,” related Matthew. “[We would] travel to South Africa to build the first conforming Sling TSi. We spent a little over two weeks working side-by-side with the experienced factory crew, learning the ins and outs of our new plane, and assembling it piece by piece.” It was this Sling TSi that was revealed at Oshkosh 2018.

After Building, Learning to Fly Sling

Once you’ve built or bought a Sling aircraft, you can travel to SoCal and be trained at TAF USA’s new New Sling Pilot Academy.

TAF USA also announced, “Next Year we are starting the Sling Pilot Academy to help prepare pilots for the airlines.” However, If you’re not in Southern California or don’t wish to travel to Torrence, you have another attractive alternative run by a veteran flight trainer.

“Life is grand in Carson City, Nevada at the Sport Aviation Center, said proprietor Paul Hamilton. "This has been a great year for flight training in the Sling. We have had a number of Sport Pilots go through the complete course from start to finish and successfully take their check ride.”

Paul continued, “We are also teaching private pilots in the Sling LSA and now we have successfully completed three Private Pilot training and checkrides in the Sling. Additionally, two CFI long-expired certificates were reinstated with Sport Pilot CFI checkrides per 61.427. The Sling has been a reliable and tough workhorse and everybody loves how it flies up in the mountains. Check us out here.

When Rotax debuted their new 915iS engine at an Oshkosh press conference, Sling designer Mike Blyth raced forward at the end of the conference to closely examine the new power plant. It was clear to me this answered a creation he had in mind and now we can see the fruit of his ambition: the new Sling TSi. Since the Rotax 915iS remains a powerplant that requires an in-flight adjustable prop, it cannot be used on a Light-Sport Aircraft, but TSi is based on The Airplane Factory’s Sling 4 four seater so kit-built it must be. More on the builder effort below. For Oshkosh 2018, The Airplane Factory USA said, “[We are] excited to present the North American debut of the all-new Sling TSi! This kit is the airplane Sling fans have been waiting for!” The Southern California importer said TSi has all of the style, economy and practical utility of the Sling 4 but with more speed.

Sling 2 Light-Sport Aircraft or Sling 4 light aircraft kits — Buy and Save Now

By Dan Johnson || February 9, 2018 4 Comments

Special deals are unusual in aviation, an industry of hand-built flying machines sold in modest quantities. This is the paramount challenge in keeping aviation affordable. Challenging, but not impossible. Mainly due to the fluctuation in government currencies, The Airplane Factory USA has little choice but to raise prices by about 10%, however, they are offering a chance to capture the current price if you can make a decision before March 1st, 2018. TAF-USA has two choices depending on your wishes. I've experienced both models and find them both highly desirable. The Sling 2 — their Special LSA entry — can be had either fully built or in kit form. The four-seat Sling 4 is available only as a kit. Either is available as a quick build (QB) kit or standard. Either will save you some money in exchange for a few hundred hours of your time.

Pricing the Kits

Since we focus on "affordable aviation," just how much will you part with to own a Sling 2 or 4?

The ready-to-fly SLSA Sling 2 runs from $132,000 for a basic model to $165,000 for a "Garmin IFR" version. You may not consider that "affordable," but it helps identify the savings with a kit. According to TAF-USA, a Sling 2 kit runs $38,000 for the airframe kit (including interior and finishing) or $83,000 with avionics, engine, and prop. That saves you more than $50,000 in exchange for 900 hours of your time. If you value your time more highly, a $17,500 QB kit will tip the scales at just over $100,000 …but even that saves $30,000, and it saves you 400 hours of your (yielding about $45/hour for your labor). TAF-USA's Sling 4 kit adds more cost but also adds more capability, specifically two more seats and the turbo Rotax 914 that adds a few knots even with the heavier load. A Sling 4 airframe kit sells for $50,000 or $115,000 with engine, avionics, and prop. Sling 4 will take more time to build: 1,200 hours. You can shave off 500 hours with the $20,000 QB kit. Act before March 1st — and save about 10%, making the offer worth about $4,000 to over $13,000 depending on which model and type interests you. Call 424-241-0341 (west coast time) or send an email for more details or to place an order. TAF-USA's all-metal CNC-accurate components come significantly completed (photo). Control surfaces are nearly finished. Wings are almost complete. Key elements like fuel tanks are finished and sealed, and where driven rivets are used, those components come already fabricated. Here's an especially modern idea, thanks to the young staff at TAF and TAF-USA. The South African producer allied with the U.S. importer helps builders with more than building manuals. They've created an iPhone/iPad app that reads the bar codes attached to every part in the kit. You scan the code and the app will display information for that part including the part’s name, where in the plans that part is used, how many parts should be included. It even keeps a running inventory of how many of those parts are used and how many are left. Prior builders may recognize how handy is the use of this modern technology.

At Copperstate 2015, I finally got a chance to fly the Sling 4.

TAF-USA is closely associated with MGL Avionics line (also from South Africa) so I urge you to check out these fine instruments and radios while you ponder a Sling 2 or Sling 4 kit purchase.

Special deals are unusual in aviation, an industry of hand-built flying machines sold in modest quantities. This is the paramount challenge in keeping aviation affordable. Challenging, but not impossible. Mainly due to the fluctuation in government currencies, The Airplane Factory USA has little choice but to raise prices by about 10%, however, they are offering a chance to capture the current price if you can make a decision before March 1st, 2018. TAF-USA has two choices depending on your wishes. I’ve experienced both models and find them both highly desirable. The Sling 2 — their Special LSA entry — can be had either fully built or in kit form. The four-seat Sling 4 is available only as a kit. Either is available as a quick build (QB) kit or standard. Either will save you some money in exchange for a few hundred hours of your time. Pricing the Kits Since we focus on “affordable aviation,” just how much will you part with to own a Sling 2 or 4?

Flying for You … Video Pilot Reports

By Dan Johnson || December 3, 2017 2 Comments

Sometimes I am told I have the best job in the world. Hmm, could be.

Let the sun shine in… Flying with Glasair Sales Manager, Kyle Martin in the storied kit builder’s first factory-built aircraft, Merlin LSA.

My work entails some of those things no one truly loves, like paying bills, but it also involves flying airplanes for review. That part is indeed quite a pleasure. In this post, I want to tell you what I flew at the DeLand Showcase 2017 plus a little about how we do these VPRs or Video Pilot Reports. For many years, I wrote such things for print. That still happens but most of my reporting now goes online and my more detailed pilot reports have significantly — though not exclusively — gone to video …hence “VPR.” At DeLand 2017, I went aloft six times, five to evaluate aircraft and once on a photo (and video) mission. Video reporting consumes much more time than an interview, 30 minutes or more simply to attach some or all of our eight Garmin VIRB cameras inside and outside the subject aircraft. Especially, securing cameras on an aircraft’s exterior has to be done with care. Taking all the cameras and mounts off is far faster.

(Top left, clockwise) Steve Minnich in Evektor’s Harmony; Alex Williams in Aeropilot’s L600 (Alex deserves special mention for a superlative job of demonstration flying); Rand Vollmer in Pipistrel’s Sinus; and, Aerosport’s Jeremy Knoll in Sling LSA.

VPRs will be coming on Evektor’s Harmony, Aeropilot’s L600, The Airplane Factory’s Sling LSA, and Pipistrel’s Sinus motorglider. The photo/video shoot gave Videoman Dave the footage he needs for a video about Flight Design’s CTLSi. Gathering the flying experience and the footage are up-front exercises but then the real video work begins: editing. I think you should be very glad Dave is willing to sit in a darkened office for hour after hour after hour to assemble these videos. Your interest in them makes the work worthwhile and your support of this website and Videoman Dave’s YouTube channel are deeply appreciated.

Gone Flying!

Once aloft, I try to go through a uniform regimen of evaluations. The routine can vary by aircraft, for example, flying the Pipistrel motorglider had to involve shutting down the engine and feathering the prop. You don’t, in fact are not allowed, to do the latter on most LSA. Even entering the aircraft varies if it is a high or low wing.

Tom Peghiny of Flight Design USA handled the flying chores while I photographed another CTLSi carrying Videoman Dave and his camera.

Performance and stability checks include — but, as lawyers love to write, “may not be not limited to” — handling qualities, high speed flight, slow flight (both while checking various engine parameters such as temperatures and fuel burn), slow flight, steep turns, and a thorough group of stalls: approach and departure stalls as well as accelerated, or turning, stalls. I fly on whichever side of the aircraft the representative pilot does not wish to fly. As a former flight instructor I am comfortable in either seat. Before or after I do my routine, I generally ask the rep’ pilot to show me anything he or she would perform in a purchase demonstration flight. Once in a while this gets especially interesting. As with the videos interviews I conduct — which often result not just in a video but also a post (or even a print magazine article) — I try to ask the questions you would ask if you had the opportunity that I have. Hey! As stated at the outset, I agree I have a pretty cool job. Thanks SO much for reading posts and articles, for watching videos, and generally for supporting this work. If you really want to help, please consider membership but I’ll end the pitch and repeat my gratitude for clicking or tapping your way to this website.

HAPPY FLYING!

Sometimes I am told I have the best job in the world. Hmm, could be. My work entails some of those things no one truly loves, like paying bills, but it also involves flying airplanes for review. That part is indeed quite a pleasure. In this post, I want to tell you what I flew at the DeLand Showcase 2017 plus a little about how we do these VPRs or Video Pilot Reports. For many years, I wrote such things for print. That still happens but most of my reporting now goes online and my more detailed pilot reports have significantly — though not exclusively — gone to video …hence “VPR.” At DeLand 2017, I went aloft six times, five to evaluate aircraft and once on a photo (and video) mission. Video reporting consumes much more time than an interview, 30 minutes or more simply to attach some or all of our eight Garmin VIRB cameras inside and outside the subject aircraft.

The Airplane Factory USA’s Sling Flying Machine Continues to Climb

By Dan Johnson || September 12, 2017 Leave a Comment

"Oshkosh is all about airplanes, right?" asked The Airplane Factory USA's Jean d'Assonville. I loved his remark since that is how we promote ByDanJohnson.com. "It's all about the airplanes!" is how we modeled our line after Apple's Steve Jobs famously said, "It's all about the music," when promoting iPod (remember those!?) in the early 2000s. Jean — one of the TAF heroes who has done long portions of the South African company's several (yes, several!) flights all around the globe — went on to write, "This was my third Oshkosh and what rang true for me is that Air Venture is actually all about people who love airplanes! It is the people who dream them, build them, fly them, polish them, sleep in or under them and just simply love them. Yes, it's the people!" Jean is right. The airplanes are the main message here and at AirVenture but they exist to give satisfaction, education, and inspiration to those who fly our wonderful light aircraft.

The Airplane Factory USA's Sling Taildragger.

The Airplane Factory USA assembled a team of ten to man the stand. "It's always enjoyable sharing the Sling story because it is a pilot's airplane that has been refined by pilots for pilots," observed Jean. TAF-USA reported that their Midwest SkySports' build center had two of their beautiful Sling 2 LSA on display. In addition, the Southern California company based at the famous Torrance Airport (near Los Angeles) brought the legendary Sling 4-4-40, a four seat model that was built from a kit in 4 days by 40 people. Their main display was in the kit-centric North Aircraft Display area but TAF-USA also had an exhibit in the ultralight arena, now commonly called the Fun Fly Zone. Jean discovered a fact of Oshkosh. "As a demo pilot during the Air Venture, it's really exciting — but quite stressful — flying in the extreme traffic with only 500 feet of vertical separation while only listening (not talking back) on the radio," he said. "It was worth it, though. Almost everyone that went for a demo flight has purchased or is in the process of purchasing a Sling aircraft or a kit."

Vastly easier demo flying can be done at events like the just-concluded Midwest LSA Expo in Mt. Vernon Illinois. "Our dealers, Midwest SkySport of Caro, Michigan and AeroSport of Wonder Lake, Illinois were present with their Sling Light-Sport Aircraft!" Slings have mid-range pricing among all LSA but that makes them, in my opinion, fairly priced. Nonetheless, if you don't a hundred grand laying on your kitchen counter you might need an option and TAF has one. "You can now finance a Sling LSA for less than $900 a month*," the company said. A new Sling is therefore about the same monthly payment as a luxury automobile, although with a longer payment period:

Sling LSA Basic - $135,000 (approx. $880/mo.)
Sling LSA Garmin VFR - $142,000 (approx. $920/mo.)
Sling LSA Garmin IFR - $165,000 (approx. $1,060/mo.)

* With 20% down, 15 year term, fixed rate as low as 5.24% (4.99% with 25% down) through AOPA Finance.

To keep up with demand and spark more TAF-USA hired Barry Jay as North American Sales and Marketing Manager, who will work closely with Matt Liknaitzky and Jean D'Assonville. "Barry comes to us with decades of experience in the general aviation and automotive industries," said The Airplane Factory USA. Jay has sold new Piper and Mooney aircraft, managed Lexus national advertising and worked with Toyota's aviation business development department." A private pilot with over 900 hours, Barry has been a member of the Sling Flying Club for over four years and has been a strong promoter of The Airplane Factory brand. An FAA Safety Team Representative, Barry was also recently reelected to the post of President of the Torrance Airport Association for a twelfth term.

“Oshkosh is all about airplanes, right?” asked The Airplane Factory USA‘s Jean d’Assonville. I loved his remark since that is how we promote ByDanJohnson.com. “It’s all about the airplanes!” is how we modeled our line after Apple’s Steve Jobs famously said, “It’s all about the music,” when promoting iPod (remember those!?) in the early 2000s. Jean — one of the TAF heroes who has done long portions of the South African company’s several (yes, several!) flights all around the globe — went on to write, “This was my third Oshkosh and what rang true for me is that Air Venture is actually all about people who love airplanes! It is the people who dream them, build them, fly them, polish them, sleep in or under them and just simply love them. Yes, it’s the people!” Jean is right. The airplanes are the main message here and at AirVenture but they exist to give satisfaction, education, and inspiration to those who fly our wonderful light aircraft.

The Airplane Factory — Sling

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

You should already know the Sling. The South African design set a new benchmark by coming off design and initial development to take an east-to-west trip around the globe. That showed the confidence of designers Mike Blyth and James Pittman. At Sun 'n Fun 2013, we spoke with reps from The Airplane Factory USA who answered questions about flight characteristics and future plans plus talk about the kit Sling they're assembling. Watch this video to get all the facts.

You should already know the Sling. The South African design set a new benchmark by coming off design and initial development to take an east-to-west trip around the globe. That showed the confidence of designers Mike Blyth and James Pittman. At Sun ‘n Fun 2013, we spoke with reps from The Airplane Factory USA who answered questions about flight characteristics and future plans plus talk about the kit Sling they’re assembling. Watch this video to get all the facts.

Flying Sling 4 … Airman’s Medical Update

By Dan Johnson || November 26, 2015 Leave a Comment

As I've indicated many times in the last couple years, this website seeks to deliver news and video about Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, ultralights, and light GA aircraft. The latter refers to four seat (and larger) aircraft created by the same companies that make LSA or kits. Specifically, I do not plan much on Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Diamond, and other legacy brands as every magazine already examines these every month. Instead, I plan to cover emerging models from companies that established their brand in the LSA space: Tecnam, Flight Design, Pipistrel, Evektor, Van's and The Airplane Factory. These six manufacturers are presently in the four seat game either with ready-to-fly aircraft or four seat kits. More are expected to follow.

At Copperstate 2015, I finally got a chance to fly the Sling 4 from The Airplane Factory, which I had been anticipating since enjoying the Sling LSA. The South African company has a rich history in light aircraft, with principal Mike Blyth flying weight shift trikes all over the world, including several epic journeys. He certainly "gets" all manner of light aircraft and sought to make a four seater, which, of course, he also flew around the world. Such voyages a something of a habit for Mike. Sling 4 uses Rotax power, in this case the turbo-charged 914 model. (I'll bet they start using the 135-horsepower 915 when it becomes available. I witnessed Mike paying close attention when the new powerplant was announced at Oshkosh 2015.) Like the two seat Sling LSA, Sling 4 is all-metal excepting some composite elements. Except for the second row of seats (see last photo), Sling 4 looks much like the Sling LSA. I'd call that a very good thing as the LSA model is a comfortable machine. Different from Sling LSA that uses a sliding canopy, Sling 4 has a couple upward-hinging doors that allow easy enough entry though you must first climb up on the wing. I didn't get in the rear but TAFer Jordan Denitz made it look easy enough.

Naturally, as TAF-USA entrepreneur Matt Litnaitzky also represents the MGL Avionics line (also from South Africa), Sling 4 uses these fine instruments and radios. Sling 4 featured twin large EFIS screens. Unlike Sling LSA, for which we did a full Video Pilot Report that you'll see before too long, I did not do a full review of Sling 4. However, my 20-minute experience with it suggested I could really come to like the airplane. It flew very nicely and offers the extra space some covet. Useful load is significant even with — and partly because of — the small-ish Rotax engine. Sling 4 felt a bit heavier, which of course it is, but it exhibited the same wonderful handling I'd enjoyed on Sling LSA. Perhaps best of all for those trying to not break their budget, Sling 4 is quite modestly priced, barely into six figures. Naturally, you'll have to build this model but the TAF boys say it is a reasonable project. Since you need a medical to fly a four seater like Sling 4, you may want to know more about the effort to move beyond the Third Class Medical. EAA states, "Third-class medical reform is closer than ever before, but it's a complex issue ..." "Almost anyone who has held a regular or special issuance third-class medical certificate within the 10 years preceding the date the legislation is enacted will never again need to visit an aviation medical examiner (AME). If you've never held a third-class medical certificate, you will need to get a medical certificate. If your regular or special issuance medical certificate lapsed more than 10 years before the legislation is enacted, you will need to get a medical certificate. And if you develop certain cardiac, neurological, or psychological conditions, you will need a one-time-only special issuance medical." The legislation is by no means a done deal. "A number of lawmakers made it absolutely clear that they would not support legislation that completely eliminated the third-class medical," clarified EAA. "The compromises Sen. Inhofe arrived at represent the very best deal possible for pilots while winning sufficient support in Congress to keep the legislation alive." Even if it passes in the Senate and the House and gets the president's signature, FAA then enters into rule making and a minimum of a year will pass before you can use the proposed new privileges. The initiative's cosponsor, AOPA, wrote, "Both chambers must pass the bill and reconcile any differences before it can go the president for his signature." The big member organization added, "The original language of the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 did not have enough support in the Senate. It was not going to pass or move forward in its original form." Being completely honest, AOPA noted, "Even with all the progress, there's still work to do. Few things move forward quickly in Congress." To get all the info EAA (and AOPA) offers, visit this FAQ link.

As I’ve indicated many times in the last couple years, this website seeks to deliver news and video about Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, ultralights, and light GA aircraft. The latter refers to four seat (and larger) aircraft created by the same companies that make LSA or kits. Specifically, I do not plan much on Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Diamond, and other legacy brands as every magazine already examines these every month. Instead, I plan to cover emerging models from companies that established their brand in the LSA space: Tecnam, Flight Design, Pipistrel, Evektor, Van’s and The Airplane Factory. These six manufacturers are presently in the four seat game either with ready-to-fly aircraft or four seat kits. More are expected to follow. At Copperstate 2015, I finally got a chance to fly the Sling 4 from The Airplane Factory, which I had been anticipating since enjoying the Sling LSA.

Light-Sport Aircraft … Going the Distance

By Dan Johnson || November 9, 2015 Leave a Comment

Michael Smith and son pose with the Southern Sun Searey.

Surely a very welcome sight for two aviators who need a stretch: Majuro (PKMJ) in the Marshall Islands

Yellow line is the route and red circle is where the Sling pilots were at the time. Yikes!

Similar to the Quantas flying boat, Boeing's B-314 had multiple levels, large passenger compartments, a dining room, and seat unfolded to become beds. In the nearest engine nacelle, a mechanic works on the engine in flight. Flight crew had large tables to review maps.

Among the critiques some old school pilots employ when trying to marginalize Light-Sport Aircraft is that these aircraft are not suited to flying long distances. I've reported several around the world flights (check this article and here's another) but that's hardly all the long flights. The invitation started out, "Join all of us at Progressive Aerodyne and the City of Tavares on Friday, September 11 for a presentation by Michael Smith about his epic Searey flight from Melbourne, Australia to Central Florida. Michael will give a presentation at the beautiful Tavares Pavilion on the Lake about his incredible journey." Unfortunately, I can't attend as I'll be working the Midwest LSA Expo in Mt. Vernon, Illinois that weekend. However, many readers probably cannot attend either so here's a bit of Michael's story. In the not-too-distant past, documenting a trip like his probably meant appealing to a magazine or publishing a book. Either would be challenging and by the time it was printed and distributed, it would be dated. Thank goodness for the Internet and a website called TravelPod that allowed many to follow in near real time. At the outset, Michael wrote, "The plan is to loosely follow the Qantas Empire Flying Boat route of 1938 from Sydney to London in the Searey amphibian aeroplane named 'Southern Sun.'" Of course, Quantas was a giant flying boat and the S.S. Searey is tiny plus Michael would fly solo. His blog continued, "The story of the grand flying boats on the pre-war era I found captivating. All of the research I was doing [for my flight] came together when [I visited] an excellent exhibition of the Flying Boat era in Sydney. I snapped up photos of dsplays, maps, itineraries and the like, and decided, one day, I would really like to do that." Michael notes that his Searey has "a similar range to the flying boat airliners of 1938 ... just a little less amenity and comfort." He observed, "Those planes were conceived with [ocean-crossing] ship comfort in mind, with three levels of decks, lounge chairs, even mini golf." Then he added dryly, "I lack most of those facilities ..." Unlike a record-setting dash, Michael chose to make his an enjoyable expedition, pausing in each city for a day or two "to seek out the old landing spots and hotels that were used" by the airline companies. For those of you who read his travel blog, you can find plenty of info with numerous photos chronicling his discoveries along the route. While the first legs allowed more frequent stops, departing England got serious. Admitting that unlike the airlines, "I don't have the range to do Ireland to Canada direct," Michael shows his explorer side saying, "I've always been keen to see a few islands in the North Atlantic." This comment sums up the North Atlantic crossing, "Deep down ... I was apprehensive about this flight. It was only a 575 mile leg, and while I had fueled the plane close to the gills to give me spare range, it's a long passage over some very cold water." You might think he would simply climb to the safest altitude but that's not possible Michael discovered. "Flying VFR over the Atlantic means staying out of controlled airspace, which starts at 6,000 feet, and as [I was] heading west that meant 4,500 feet." It is more important to watch winds at various levels to minimize fuel use. Having extra height to extend a glide is less meaningful over the North Atlantic. Despite his apprehension, 9.2 hours later he landing in Iceland. I recommend you read about Michael's long trip via his regular posts on TravelPod . He's quite an engaging writer and in this way you can follow his experiences. I found it a fascinating travelogue. Is Michael done with these long distance flight? It certainly does not sound like it, and after a success flying half-way around the world, who knows? Here's how he ended his 53-part travel blog, "I'm flying home with Qantas on Monday. On the whole 'what's next question,' that needs some thinking, but I do note on today's track map there is an interesting island south of Florida that Americans can't currently visit ..." I'll bet we see more from Michael. Another Very Long Flight Underway ... In a completely different attempt, we continue following the flight of a Sling LSA as it circles the globe. (See earlier article.) Flying even farther than Michael Smith and the SS Searey, these fellows have no boat hull under them as they cross two oceans. However, they have experience as TAF aircraft have now three times done a circumnavigation of the Earth. So much for LSA not flying long distances (though one of the TAF flights was their four seater, presently built as a Experimental). The U.S. Sling company wrote, "The 2015 Sling Around the World Expedition is once again underway! After a month's rest in Los Angeles, Patrick Huang of the Airplane Factory Asia was joined by Jean d'Assonville of The Airplane Factory USA, a veteran Sling circumnavigator, and the two took off from Torrance, California for Hawaii on Saturday, August 29th. "Once situated in their trusty steed — the South African registered Sling ZU-TWN — the pair made a quick fuel stop in San Luis Obispo, CA (KSBP) and then began the non-stop flight to Hawaii. They originally planned for a stop in Maui, but after favorable tailwinds and a fuel burn of 4 GPH, they amended plans and flew even further to Honolulu, PHNL. Total flight time was around 21.5 hours and fuel used was 102 gallons. "After a check of the weather they determined it would be best to make a quick turn around and were back in the air the very next day. They took off from Honolulu at 7:38 Pacific time on Monday, August 31st and began the long journey to Majuro (PKMJ) in the Marshall Islands. They were in constant communication with TAF's team in both the USA and South Africa, who navigated them around a few Pacific Ocean storms (image). Some favorable tailwinds were seen initially and after 19.5 hours and over 2,000 nautical miles, they landed on the beautiful coral atoll of Majuro." The Sling trip is underway as this is written but, as with Michael Smith's voyage, you can follow the pair en route. This blog link describes the trip. Or go to TAF USA's Facebook page.

Among the critiques some old school pilots employ when trying to marginalize Light-Sport Aircraft is that these aircraft are not suited to flying long distances. I’ve reported several around the world flights (check this article and here’s another) but that’s hardly all the long flights. The invitation started out, “Join all of us at Progressive Aerodyne and the City of Tavares on Friday, September 11 for a presentation by Michael Smith about his epic Searey flight from Melbourne, Australia to Central Florida. Michael will give a presentation at the beautiful Tavares Pavilion on the Lake about his incredible journey.” Unfortunately, I can’t attend as I’ll be working the Midwest LSA Expo in Mt. Vernon, Illinois that weekend. However, many readers probably cannot attend either so here’s a bit of Michael’s story. In the not-too-distant past, documenting a trip like his probably meant appealing to a magazine or publishing a book.

Aircraft of Copperstate 2015 Continued (Part 2)

By Dan Johnson || November 7, 2015 Leave a Comment

Copperstate 2015 crowds were good on Friday and Saturday as shown by a throng examining this Scoda Aeronautics Super Petrel LS seaplane.

Kitfox's new STi model with John McBean and Dan preparing to go aloft for a Video Pilot Report.

Sling LSA was one of two The Aircraft Factory models we flew at Copperstate 2015.

Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL painted in the colors Rotax BRP uses for their fuel-injected 912 iS Sport engine.

In this Copperstate Part 2 article we resume the list of aircraft Videoman Dave and I reviewed at the show south of Phoenix, Arizona in Casa Grande. To remind you, this was the 43rd running of this show that invites all sorts of aircraft — and many dozens did fly in each day plus others did fly-over demonstrations. However, Copperstate generates a particularly strong response from manufacturers and representatives of Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, and utralights. That makes it a must-go show for our team at ByDanJohnson.com and Dave's SportAviationMagazine.com YouTube channel that so many of you seem to enjoy. Like other shows, many of you approached us at the event and expressed your ongoing interest in the video content we create. We are very pleased about your loyal viewership and will continue to work hard to build our growing video library ... already at 400+ videos and moving steadily to 500 and beyond. Dave started his channel before I joined the party and his channel now offers around 1,000 videos ... lots to enjoy! KITFOX STi — Around the globe, everybody knows Kitfox. Some 6,000 kits have been sold and owner John McBean is sure of more than 4,000 flying all over the world. (Many countries don't report such things so he was estimating conservatively.) No matter the precise count, Kitfox qualifies as one of the most successful kit aircraft of all time. John and his group have also achieve Special LSA status for the Super Sport model, sometimes referred to as Series 7. Dating back nearly three decades Kitfox is a very familiar shape, but what you might not know is all the updates that have occurred over the years. While early Kitfoxes had a reputation of being very light on the controls and a bit jumpy in yaw, that's all ancient history for the models produced under John and Debra McBean's careful guidance. Yet making the aircraft more refined and more enjoyable to fly is not all the Kitfox'ers have been doing. At Copperstate I went aloft with John in the STi, which stands for "STOL inspired." With substantial changes to the wing (more chord, for example) and 29-inch tundra tires, the STi left the runway in even less distance than a typical Kitfox, which is no slouch in that department. The flight with John proved he is a consummate professional with very adept in-flight practices that show his years of experience. I believe you'll enjoy the VPR this flight created. SLING LSA and SLING 4 — From way down under in South Africa comes the Sling. Ha! That long distance is no big deal, really. This company has flown multiple models all the way around the world | not once, not twice, but three times! I guess that answers all questions about the cross country capability of this handsome design | or designs. Yep, at Copperstate, I got to fly the Sling LSA but also the Rotax 914-powered Sling 4, their kit-built four-seater entry. Sling was a bit late to the LSA party. While The Airplane Factory had been operating in South Africa and selling in other countries, The Airplane Factory USA only brought in the first Sling in 2012, SLSA #125 out of 136 so far. When it arrived, Sling displayed some very interesting lines; I especially like the angular engine cowl shape. Obviously, the designers believe the craft is very solid as they were willing to make 'round the world flight #1 almost immediately after the design was completed and built. That's confidence! Main man Mike Blythe brings tons of experience to the table and it shows. However, The Airplane Factory's presence in the USA owes a debt to Matt Litnaitzky and his team. While also tending to the build-up of MGL Avionics , Matt has calmly and steadily nurtured TAF's models now including a Sling SLSA and EAB kit in both tricycle gear and taildragger plus a roomy four seat Sling 4 kit that boasts 1,000 pounds of useful load. I got to fly both at Copperstate and we did a fourth VPR on the LSA model. Look for it when the editing chores are done. JUST SUPERSTOL — At the Flying Magazine Aviation Expo in Palm Springs, California the week before, Videoman Dave and I sharpened our focus on women in aviation. We shot four new videos about women pilots and aviation participants and we continued that at Copperstate in Casa Grande, Arizona. We didn't fly in SuperSTOL as we had already done that at Sun 'n Fun (video) with Just Aircraft designer, Troy Woodland. Instead we focused on this SuperSTOL because Hutch Hudgins was aided by wife Ann Summerton in building this example. Their five month effort on six days a week moved to even longer hours every day of the week before they needed to head back to Montana. Every step of the way, this aircraft was a husband and wife project. Sharp readers may observe that this SuperSTOL is painted in the colors Rotax uses for their fuel-injected 912 iS. A nurse by profession, Ann was no delicate flower guilted into helping her husband. With obvious pride, she threw herself into the project just like Hutch and the result is first a vastly greater familiarity with literally every part on the SuperSTOL but also a deep and genuine interest in the airplane. Now the couple will host builders of SuperSTOL at a builder assist center they are creating where folks can come assemble their kit with supervision from Hutch and Ann (when she's not helping other folks in her nursing role). More info will appear in the video that follows. We have more videos coming about women in aviation that we think you'll enjoy! Click back often.

Flying a Sling Taildragger in America

By Dan Johnson || October 14, 2015 Leave a Comment

If you haven't checked out this cool feature, you should do so. You can click on and off more than 20 different aircraft characteristics, all simple yes-or-no type entries. As you do so, the "Matching List" changes to show the aircraft that meet your criteria. From that list you'll see links that let you read more content (written and video) available on this website. You must register to use PlaneFinder 2.0 (your email is all that is required and after you do so we'll send you a regular English-word password that you can change), however, PlaneFinder 2.0 is completely free, like most of our content. Go have fun! Many LSA are available as nose wheel, tricycle gear airplanes. Some are taildraggers. Some go both ways. If you're not sure about your ability to fly a taildragger I have two things to say: (1) LSA taildraggers are not that challenging to fly for a variety of reasons (some of which I'll mention below), and, (2) taildraggers look so cool.

So, I don't know about you but when I heard about the Sling taildragger I almost started an involuntary Pavlovian drool. I've enjoyed flying Sling in nosedragger form — see this article — but, ooh la la, a taildragger ... now that get's my blood flowing freely. "I flew about 20 hours in the Taildragger while it was here [at our Torrence, California facility]," said U.S. importer Matt Litnaitzky of The Airplane Factory USA. He also reported flying a few more hours in South Africa a year ago. The Airplane Factory is a South African producer of Sling, Sling 4 — their four seater — and who knows what else might be coming from this hard-working manufacturer. "The Sling Taildragger is almost identical to the regular [tricycle gear] Sling LSA, save for the landing gear configuration," Matt continued. "It features dual toe brakes, whereas the tricycle version is delivered standard with direct steered nosewheel and hand-operated brake." As a taildragger, differential braking such as with toe brakes, is important to allow better ramp maneuverability. However this introduces the potential for the dreaded ground loop. So, let me address this for a few lines.

For those that may be new to taildraggers, a ground loop is not really a "loop" in the common aeronautical use of that word. It means that, due to the mass of aircraft aft of the main gear, should the pilot let the tail end move too far toward either side with some element of momentum in that movement, the tail can come more aggressively to the side. With a high wing or low, a sideways moving tail can cause a wing tip to strike the ground, whether somewhat gently or more forcefully. When a wingtip located far from the aircraft center of mass drags on the ground, leverage causes even more movement the wrong way and that can result in quite a twirl on the ground ... the "ground loop." Usually the damage is not too significant and it is the pilot's ego that is more seriously wounded. However, with enough force and speed involved, it can be quite a bit worse. Being relatively light aircraft usually landing at fairly slow speeds, and often having a lower deck angle — meaning the nose is not particularly high compared to the horizontal — LSA ground loops are much less likely and not as much bad stuff happens when one occurs. The solution, instilled by a quality taildragger checkout from a knowledgeable instructor or experienced pilot, often involves what is called "happy feet." If you keep your feet moving on the rudder pedals — using a series of small regular movements, to prevent the tail from getting too far to one side or the other — the ground loop is easily avoided. On something like a DC-3 this is a very big deal. On most LSA, it simply shouldn't dissuade you from trying a taildragger. Did I mention they look SO cool? Until I can fly Sling taildragger, I'm happy to pass along Matt's further comments.

"During taxi, the Sling Taildragger provides sufficient visibility down the runway to see straight ahead without S-turning," said Matt. He elaborated, "The gear geometry is such that when the tail comes up on the takeoff roll, the aircraft remains extremely steady on the runway, with very little steering input required. "In flight she shares the same light control harmony that the standard Sling has, since it is the same airplane. Three-point landings are a breeze in the Sling Taildragger and control is easily maintained on the rollout. "The Sling LSA Taildragger [sells for] approximately the same price as the Sling LSA (starting at $135,000), but the gorgeous lines of the Sling are accentuated by the aggressive nose-up stance on the ground. All photos with this article were captured by photographer Evan Byrne, whom interested parties can contact at his aerial photography web address. Thanks, Evan!

Light-Sport Aircraft comprise an diverse gaggle of some beautiful airplanes. Choices are available in a dizzying array of configurations and variations. In fact, so many selections are available to you (as Special LSA) that I created PlaneFinder 2.0 to help folks narrow the decision to a few that might best suit your needs, interests, experience, and budget. If you haven’t checked out this cool feature, you should do so. You can click on and off more than 20 different aircraft characteristics, all simple yes-or-no type entries. As you do so, the “Matching List” changes to show the aircraft that meet your criteria. From that list you’ll see links that let you read more content (written and video) available on this website. You must register to use PlaneFinder 2.0 (your email is all that is required and after you do so we’ll send you a regular English-word password that you can change), however, PlaneFinder 2.0 is completely free, like most of our content.

4 things to See at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015

By Dan Johnson || July 21, 2015 Leave a Comment

The "Big Show" is just days away, so of course, journalists and readers are asking what will be present? The question is worthwhile, but often the most interesting discoveries are not foretold either to maintain secrecy or due to the last minute scramble to make a new project showable. Here are four products attendees may want to investigate. Watch for more previews. "What a journey so far, wrote Jordan Denitz, spokesman for The Airplane Factory USA! Globetrotters Mike Blyth with Patrick Huang of The Airplane Factory Asia have completed their first three legs on their way around the world in a Sling powered by the Rotax 912iS. Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa, they traveled to Namibia, Ghana, and Cape Verde. On Monday they were taking a well deserved rest after 37 hours and more than 4,000 nautical miles logged so far. "They are gearing up for the biggest hop yet, crossing the Atlantic," added Jordan. This will be the third such round-the-world trips for the Sling LSA from The Airplane Factory. Directors Mike Blyth and James Pitman flew the Sling 2 prototype around the world in 2009. Mike did it again in a brand-new four seat Sling 4 in 2011 accompanied by Jean D'Assonville. Mike has previously accomplished numerous very long flights in trikes. The adventurous pair plan to arrive at Oshkosh on Monday, July 20th. Their LSA will be on display at TAF's booth located in the EAA's North Aircraft Display/Homebuilt area where you can also see the four seat kit TAF-USA is selling to Americans. With any luck, I hope to get up in the Sling 4. Earlier, I reported Sling 2 had many wonderful qualities. Chesapeake Sport Pilot flight school, based in Stevensville, Maryland, has earned the first Vans RV-12 dealership in the United States, reported CSP owner and Chief Flight Instructor, Helen Woods. "The RV-12 is the most popular aircraft we have ever put on the flight line at Chesapeake Sport Pilot," she explained. CSP can now offer RV-12 for sale or rental. Van's Aircraft representative Kaitlyn Tepe said, "Partnering with Chesapeake Sport Pilot will give customers a better opportunity to be introduced to the RV-12 locally. CSP offers the whole range of services for the RV-12 from flight training and rentals to maintenance and flight reviews." Chesapeake Sport Pilot was recognized by AOPA as one of the top flight schools in the country with the 2014 Outstanding Flight School award. The company described itself as "the nation's largest light sport flight school." CSP reported more than 20,000 hours of Light-Sport flight instruction over the past eight years. In LSA Seaplanes Icon may get lots of press for the first delivery of their attention-generating A5, but another company offers a well-proven and evolved design that you can get much more quickly. You'll also save a bundle. While it doesn't offer electric folding wings, Progressive Aerodyne's Searey does offer manually folding wings. AirVenture Oshkosh visitors can see the arrangement in detail. "One of the most frequently asked questions about the Searey LSA is, 'Can the wings fold?'," reported company officials. Indeed, folding wings are an option on the factory-built Searey SLSA Sport and Elite. "This is a great option for those interested in trailering the aircraft or storing it in a narrow space," said Progressive Aerodyne. "We will be displaying one of the folding-wing- equipped Searey Elites at our main booth." A few lucky souls — your faithful reporter hopefully among them — will get to take a flight in the A5. However, more importantly, YOU can take an evaluation flight in a Searey while you are visiting Oshkosh. Act soon! "To schedule a demo flight in the Searey Elite at Oshkosh send an email. They urge you to include "OSH DEMO REQUEST" in the subject line of your email. Then make your way to the seaplane base — EAA offers regular free bus transportation — and get ready to smile broadly. Belite entrepreneur James Weibe sounds the like the tech seller he formerly was, "The most affordable, easy-to-build, legal ultralight you've ever seen ... is coming to AirVenture 2015." He calls his goal a "Part 103 air adventure" and said, "We think we've nailed it!" A new strutless Belite design is the company's first low wing entry and quite a departure from the Kitfox Lite — since renamed and significantly evolved in various directions — that James started to offer. The new model-to-be uses trailing link suspension, free-castoring nosewheel, tricycle gear, and "nice coca-cola lines on the rear fuselage," said James. The new design will use carbon fiber fuselage/cabin construction over wood/foam core. It will have 28 feet of span, a broad 53-inch chord, and weigh 180 pounds without powerplant. If you want to help bring the new bird to market, you can join the fun. "We'll be funding the development of this project through KickStarter." He promises big savings on the kit to those who participate, "plus other fun rewards." Stay tuned ... more to come!

The “Big Show” is just days away, so of course, journalists and readers are asking what will be present? The question is worthwhile, but often the most interesting discoveries are not foretold either to maintain secrecy or due to the last minute scramble to make a new project showable. Here are four products attendees may want to investigate. Watch for more previews. “What a journey so far, wrote Jordan Denitz, spokesman for The Airplane Factory USA! Globetrotters Mike Blyth with Patrick Huang of The Airplane Factory Asia have completed their first three legs on their way around the world in a Sling powered by the Rotax 912iS. Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa, they traveled to Namibia, Ghana, and Cape Verde. On Monday they were taking a well deserved rest after 37 hours and more than 4,000 nautical miles logged so far. “They are gearing up for the biggest hop yet, crossing the Atlantic,” added Jordan.

South Africans Arrive Before AirVenture 2015 Opens

By Dan Johnson || July 20, 2015 Leave a Comment

South African long-distance pilots Mike Blythe and Patrick Huang arrive to cheers and a warm welcome from dozens of their fellow countrymen. Cameras were clicking and videos were filming.

A surprise awaits under wraps for a big announcement Monday morning as AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 opens.

It's almost time! — The tents are in place. Most of the displays are built. Airplanes are already parked by the thousands in EAA voluminous parking areas. The campground and every hotel room for miles is packed full. While the usual pandemonium reigns the night before opening, it is a familiar scene that somehow, almost magically resolves into a ready-to-go show on opening day only hours away, tomorrow, Monday July 20th, the earliest start to AirVenture Oshkosh in years. Today, I got a text — thank some tech guru for inventing text, which always seems to get through quickly even when phone calls do not, with hundreds of thousands of attendees all using their smartphones at the same time. The text from The Airplane Factory USA's Matt Liknaitzky read, "Mike [Blythe] and Patrick [Huang] are arriving in the Sling 912 iS ... if ya wanna see them." We did, so we dashed north to the North Aircraft Display Area space. Mike and Patrick have been making their way to AirVenture, arriving precisely on time in perfect Wisconsin weather — 80s with fresh breezes blowing. Lots of airplanes are arriving, so what's the big deal about this one, you may ask? This intrepid pair of aviators arrived from South Africa, a long distance, most probably the longest flight of anyone arriving at Oshkosh and they did this in their Light-Sport Aircraft with its 100 horsepower Rotax 9-series engine. Woo-hoo! The two pilots are taking a break working the show at Oshkosh because after it ends, they will densely repack their LSA and head off for an even longer ocean crossing, this time the Pacific, en route to Taiwan where Patrick runs The Airplane Factory Asia. But, no, it doesn't end in Taiwan. After transacting some business, the bird will take off again for another long voyage all the way back to South Africa. Perhaps the most amazing fact: this is TAF's main man Mike Blyth's third 'round the world flight in about as many years. Think about that the next time you flight plan a long cross country across this great nation of ours! On a completely different topic, I have a little surprise to offer you. Let's see how much detail the cleverest among you can discern from this image (nearby photo): a taildragger with its engine under wraps. The picture might tell you something if you study it carefully, but can you guess the entire message? Several big announcements are expected during AirVenture 2015. One well publicized example is Icon's first delivery, reportedly to EAA for their Young Eagles program though we will have to wait until Monday morning to get confirmation of this rumor. Today I went out to fly the Icon A5 but rough weather yesterday disturbed the schedule and the company wants me to fly with the CEO, Kirk Hawkins. That is now rescheduled for Wednesday, weather and schedules permitting, though I feel sure it will happen this week and I look forward to reporting it. I spoke with Kirk and examined the twin Rotax 912 iS Sport-powered A5s that were busy flying a reported 173 owners in town to get their first exposure to this long-awaited airplane. We are also expecting big news from Rotax, Beringer wheels and brakes, Dynon, Kolb, and others. Stay tuned for more. Plus, I'll unveil what is under the blue wrap disguising the powerplant on the unnamed taildragger. Stay tuned! See a video of fellow South Africans warmly greeting the long distance travelers:

It’s almost time! — The tents are in place. Most of the displays are built. Airplanes are already parked by the thousands in EAA voluminous parking areas. The campground and every hotel room for miles is packed full. While the usual pandemonium reigns the night before opening, it is a familiar scene that somehow, almost magically resolves into a ready-to-go show on opening day only hours away, tomorrow, Monday July 20th, the earliest start to AirVenture Oshkosh in years. Today, I got a text — thank some tech guru for inventing text, which always seems to get through quickly even when phone calls do not, with hundreds of thousands of attendees all using their smartphones at the same time. The text from The Airplane Factory USA‘s Matt Liknaitzky read, “Mike [Blythe] and Patrick [Huang] are arriving in the Sling 912 iS … if ya wanna see them.” We did, so we dashed north to the North Aircraft Display Area space.

Sling News & Video Maker Paul Hamilton

By Dan Johnson || June 19, 2015 Leave a Comment

Sling owner Patrick Huang (L) poses with Matt Litnaitzky and Paul Hamilton (R) and TAF USA members Jean and Jordan.

When you deliver an airplane to an accomplished video producer you are bound to get some great photos out of the deal. The images with this article show video impresario (and my longtime friend), Paul Hamilton, flying new Sling N288SL around beautiful Lake Tahoe not far from his home base in Nevada. Paul has been around light aviation for more years that he may be willing to admit. He has long promoted weight shift aircraft and was influential in developing early LSA training documents and videos in addition to making several video productions that were enjoyable to watch. The Airplane Factory USA boss Matt Liknaitzky wrote, "It was another great showing for the Sling at Sun 'n Fun 2015 and our team has been busy ever since." Regarding the new delivery, he added, "In some recent exciting news, another Sling has stretched its wings! N288SL, a brand new Sling [powered by the fuel injected Rotax] 912iS, made the journey to its new home at Paul Hamilton's Sport Aviation Center at the Carson City Airport (KCXP). Paul, an industry leader and renowned Sport Pilot Examiner and Instructor, offers primary flight training for both Sport and Private Pilot Certification." Paul confirmed the delivery to owner Patrick Huang of Top View Aviation, writing, "Sling has the best handling characteristics, modern glass panels, and convertible top to make this the best LSA airplane in its class. This is our primary airplane for Sport and Private training and FAA certification." New Sling owner Patrick is also involved in establishing TAF Asia. Based in Taiwan, his operation in that part of the world recently took delivery of three aircraft with plans to assemble the Sling for the Asian market. Paul runs a full-service operation with five full-time instructors in a location featuring excellent flying weather year 'round. He also has FAA Designated Pilot Examiners to make it easy for students or transitioning pilots to earn a Sport Pilot or Private Pilot license in airplanes or weight shift trikes. Those interested can also go on to become a Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor (CFIS) for either airplanes or trikes. His Hamilton Pilot Training System is a very complete package with all you need to study for the certificates when not flying one of the Sport Aviation Center aircraft. The Airplane Factory USA is based in southern California at the famous Torrence Airport (not far south of the main Los Angeles airport). A related enterprise offers the also South African line of MGL Avionics that you see in Slings, of course, but also in many other aircraft around the USA and the world. TAF-USA has new and used Slings available for immediate delivery. For those contemplating a purchase but who don't want to wait months for delivery, this can be most welcome news. TAF said, "N232SL is a brand new Sling LSA, fitted with the 912iS fuel injected engine, autopilot and dual MGL iEFIS touchscreens. Parachute installation is optionally available as parachute cables are already in place." The LSA has the same color scheme and panel as the aircraft shown in photos accompanying this article. "The plane is fully registered and has its airworthiness certificate," said Matt, "She is ready for immediate delivery." If interested, send them an email. The California importer also has a very well equipped Sling with 700 hours logged that probably won't last long. In addition to other desirable gear, this one is already fitted with an airframe parachute system. The Airplane Factory is an ambitious lot. Not only do they offer the Special LSA Sling model, they can also deliver FAA-approved kit versions and those can include the company's four seat Sling 4 as well. As we are currently planning, I'll go up with Matt at AirVenture 2015 to see how their four seater flies. TAF is the company whose founder, Mike Blyth, has flown around the world in both his Sling 2 and Sling 4 models, each of which globe-girdling expeditions followed some very long flights in weight shift aircraft. Beside being a successful airplane developer and manufacturer, Mike has shown great ability in producing videos of these adventures, my favorite of which is his South-to-South adventure of flying 27,000 miles from the Antarctic side of South America, up through North America, across the Atlantic and all the way back down through Europe and Africa to South Africa ... the entire way unsupported by ground crew. In my mind that shows not only great confidence in your aircraft and your capabilities but also a spirit of exploration few of us will ever duplicate. I won't be trying to emulate Mike but I enjoy following his flying feats.

Rotax Awards Free 912 Engine to Flight School

By Dan Johnson || February 8, 2015 Leave a Comment

The updated Rotax 912 iS Sport. photo courtesy Rotax BRP

Madiba Bay School of Flight uses The Airplane Factory Sling models, which are nearly always equipped with MGL Avionics. Both have representation in the U.S.

One year ago Rotax announced a contest to award a brand-new 912 engine to the flight school that achieved the first time between overhaul (TBO) of 2,000 hours on a Rotax 912 iS model that the engine builder had just released. Upon reaching the goal, the flight school had to prove the hours by sending a copy of the logbook to their local distributor and then return the used engine to Rotax BRP in Austria. At the end of January 2015, Rotax announced they had donated a copy of their newest Rotax 912 iS Sport engine to Madiba Bay School of Flight located in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. "Madiba Bay achieved the first time between overhauls (TBO) of 2,000 hours on their Sling 2 equipped with a Rotax 912 iS engine," said representatives of the big Austrian engine manufacturer. Flight school owner Gerhard Van Eeden said, "We are pleased to be the winner of a brand-new Rotax 912 iS Sport engine. Our school flies a minimum of 400 hours monthly, a good reason why we decided to participate in this ROTAX contest as we were convinced we could win." The contest started in February 2014. At the rate Madiba Bay racks up hours on their Sling aircraft, they were well positioned to win a powerplant that retails for well over $20,000. The school reported 400 hours per month using several airplanes and they managed to log 2,000 on at least one in less than a year. Not bad! "It's impressive to see how obviously professional Madiba Bay School is in operating its flight school to accumulate 2,000 hours in such a short time," said Thomas Uhr, Vice President BRP-Powertrain and General Manager BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG. "And, of course, it makes me proud our Rotax 912 iS Sport was a hassle-free partner for many new pilots and it will now provide valuable information to our continuous R&D efforts, delivering the best aircraft engine in its class." Rotax believe that flight schools benefit using the Rotax 912 iS Sport thanks to "easier operation, longer flight range and lower operating costs. The new engine delivers 38% to 70% better fuel efficiency than comparable competitive engines," added Uhr. "For flight schools, the Rotax 912 iS Sport engine is economically extremely valuable considering that a cost-intensive part for flight schools is the vast quantity of fuel [they use]." So, that's it. The contest is over, right? Nope! They are doing it again. "Rotax BRP will continue last year's flight school contest and will donate a brand new Rotax 912 iS Sport to the flight school that achieves the first TBO of 2,000 hours on their Rotax 912 iS engine," the company stated in an early February news release. The procedure is similar to the 2014 contest: Flight schools must register with an authorized Rotax distributor or with the person in charge of the point of sales in its area. The school must inform the distributor when 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 flight hour points are reached using the Rotax 912 iS engine. After reaching 2,000 hours, the school sends their logbook to their distributor, which is to inform Rotax BRP, afterwards shipping the engine to Rotax. BRP will then donate a new Rotax 912 iS Sport engine in return, and the school saves a bundle on either overhaul of their old engine or buying a new one. Madiba Bay is not allowed to participate in the contest again. "With more than 170,000 aircraft engines sold in almost 40 years, Rotax dominates the Light-Sport and microlight aircraft industry offering more than 200 points of sale," stated the company. "Rotax BRP supports customers worldwide and supplies Rotax aircraft engines to more than 80% of all aircraft manufacturers in its segment." Madiba Bay School of Flight uses The Airplane Factory (TAF) Sling aircraft in their active flight school. So, besides Rotax enjoying strong support for their engines, TAF also earns credit for their aircraft holding up to duty that is often said to be one of the most demanding. Students don't learn without making mistakes so hard landings happen. The traditional U.S. flight school community has been somewhat slow to embrace LSA because some allege that LSA are too lightly built. Indeed LSA weigh more than 300 pounds less than popular trainers like Cessna's long-discontinued 150 and 152 models. However, experiences such as Madiba Bay with their Sling fleet and many other Light-Sport models with thousands of training hours logged are proof that in the hands of quality flight school operators these fuel-efficient aircraft can be great instructional aircraft. Video reports and articles like the following unveil the durability of LSA in flight training environments: Kitfox (video); Allegro; Europe-based Remos; and, this general article.

LSA Taildraggers Broaden the Sector’s Appeal

By Dan Johnson || November 7, 2014 1 Comment

The Airplane Factory pilot launches the new Sling Taildragger in South Africa.

BRM Aero has reconfigured its shapely Bristell into a taildragger called TDO (for Taildragger Option).

Taildraggers may be among the least understood and most feared aircraft available in the LSA space ... or for that matter throughout general aviation. While we have many good choices that I'll list below, I have nonetheless heard from many readers or airshow visitors that they are uncertain about their operation of an aircraft that has no nosewheel. If you have no taildragger skills, you'll also find it a challenge to get proper flight instruction in a "standard" aircraft. For those seeking new skills in flying, however, taildraggers may provide high satisfaction. Most who have crossed the barrier to taildragging subsequently look very fondly at such aircraft, seeing a sleeker yet gutsier, more rugged appearance. Of course, nosewheels dominate general aviation as they can be easier to land, especially in crosswinds, but once you learn the lesson of "happy feet" — or keeping your feet active on the rudder pedals throughout approach and touchdown — you may always yearn for more taildragger time. Photos accompanying this article illustrate two established nosewheel designs now offered in taildragger configuration. Both are new to the market but they join quite a flock. Consider these other taildragging Light-Sport Aircraft: Tecnam's Taildragger • the long popular Kitfox • Rans' S-6, S-7, and S-20 • Renegade's taildragging Falcon • Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL and Highlander • Aerotrek's A220 • FK Lightplanes' aerobatic Comet • Phoenix Air's motorglider • and Pipistrel's Sinus motorglider ... and these are just the landplanes. Plus, I've left out a few models that appear to have gone quiet in the marketplace. LSA seaplanes can also be taildraggers (as well as pusher designs). Icon's highly visible A5 is a nosedragger as are Super Petrel, SeaMax, Mermaid, and Freedom that feature retractable nosewheels, yet taildragger LSA seaplanes include Progressive Aerodyne's Searey and Lisa's Akoya. The splashy new MVP and Wave seaplanes still in development plan to offer what might be called "hybrid" landing gear configurations (more on them in the future). Of course, the Cubalikes are taildraggers in keeping with their vintage looks; likewise for the Savage series. Work aircraft like the Dragonfly hang glider towplane are also well served by being taildraggers. The Airplane Factory USA's always upbeat team led by Matt Liknaitzky reported, "After a wonderful trip to the Copperstate Fly-In [we] sold [our] first U.S. based Sling Taildragger or Sling TD. This tailwheel version of the Sling 2 is the latest model designed by Mike Blyth and The Airplane Factory team." Matt added that the South African factory has received the order and has already begun the production process. "This beauty should arrive in the U.S. in about 6 months and we can't wait to have her join the Sling family," said Matt. He also noted that beyond the inaugural taildragger, two ready-to-fly four seat Sling 4s will arrive in the U.S. by the start of 2015 and will be available to demo. Ready-to-fly Sling Light-Sport Aircraft will be arriving every two months, with a few orders already placed. Four kit builders have joined the Sling builders brigade. The Airplane Factory maintains a vigorous pace of development and manufacturing and enjoys good U.S. presence thanks to TAF USA's operation at the Torrence, California airport run by expat South African Matt Litnaitzky who has since gained permanent U.S. status. Last but by no means least is the BRM Aero TDO or Taildragger Option Bristell. This handsome airplane was much admired in trigear form after its arrival in the USA. Some see it as a new generation version of the SportCruiser, which is hardly a surprise as the company owner and chief designer is Milan Bristela who had a great involvement in the original development of the popular airplane sold today by U.S. Sport Aircraft back when it was manufactured by Czech Aircraft Works (renamed Czech Sport Aircraft following an ownership change). Milan has developed BRM Aero into something of a boutique aircraft manufacturer custom building airplanes for customers in a very intimate fashion. Like The Airplane Factory, Milan stays very busy with new ideas and the TDO is another handsome airplane being added to the LSA fleet. You may not think taildraggers are for you as they do require some additional training (for insurance if no other reason) but nearly everyone admits these are good looking aircraft that draw appreciative looks in the air or on the ramp. Welcome to both Sling Taildragger and BRM's Bristell TDO! Although not in a taildragger Sling, you might enjoy this short video of a couple aviatrixes flying the Pacific Ocean shoreline from Sling's base in Torrence to Camarillo, California.

Taildraggers may be among the least understood and most feared aircraft available in the LSA space … or for that matter throughout general aviation. While we have many good choices that I’ll list below, I have nonetheless heard from many readers or airshow visitors that they are uncertain about their operation of an aircraft that has no nosewheel. If you have no taildragger skills, you’ll also find it a challenge to get proper flight instruction in a “standard” aircraft. For those seeking new skills in flying, however, taildraggers may provide high satisfaction. Most who have crossed the barrier to taildragging subsequently look very fondly at such aircraft, seeing a sleeker yet gutsier, more rugged appearance. Of course, nosewheels dominate general aviation as they can be easier to land, especially in crosswinds, but once you learn the lesson of “happy feet” — or keeping your feet active on the rudder pedals throughout approach and touchdown — you may always yearn for more taildragger time.

Sling 4-4-40 Flies After Four-Day Build

By Dan Johnson || September 24, 2014 Leave a Comment

A couple days ago I wrote about the Sling 4-4-40 Challenge. I believe this to be of interest for a couple reasons. One is the fast build at an airshow ... much like the intense interest surrounding EAA's One Week Wonder (video) building of a CH-750 at Oshkosh. The other is my promise to offer coverage of the "New GA" or "LSA 4" planes — which are four seaters built by LSA companies using the technologies and techniques those companies know so well. South Africa's Airplane Factory (TAF) Sling 4-4-40 challenge — in which a Sling 4 was built in 4 days by 40 workers — marked yet another milestone for the Sling manufacturer. What normally takes a kit builder 1,000 hours to complete, took place at the 2014 Africa Aerospace event in just four days. Build team leader and company boss Mike Blyth reported it took their team 854 hours from bare kit to flight, although painting and perhaps some interior finish will take a bit more time, a situation similar to the One Week Wonder project.

The team consisted of highly skilled workers, and even some marketing, admin and catering staff. (Good heavens! They let the marketing guys work on this ... that's brave of them!) TAF reported their team worked around the clock, with the day and night being split into 10 and 14 hour shifts, respectively. On Day 1, the center and rear fuselage were constructed and joined, the gear and undercarriage were assembled, and the engine was wired and made ready for installation. The handover to the night shift went seamlessly, TAF said, with a half hour handover period that saw 32 people working on the plane at once. The night crew then worked to get the fuselage on its wheels, engine and propeller mounted, and wings three quarters of the way complete. On Day 2, team members wired the engine and panel, the ballistic recovery parachute was installed, and the wings and empennage were nearly completed.

With 45 minutes to go on Day 3, Sling 4-4-40 was rolled out of its build area, both wings were attached, landing and strobe lights were connected and working, and the avionics were fired up. As the plane was wheeled out for a celebratory team photo (nearby), company co-founder James Pitman pointed out that it took him and Mike four years to build the first Sling. Day 4 involved a dual inspection and final paperwork. "Support from the crowds was fantastic and [all day] hordes of people crowded around the plane." Mike Blyth turned the key and the Rotax 914UL powering Sling 4 "burst to life" amid cheers and applause from the crowds. "A Sling 4 was born in 4 days," Mike declared!

The following day Sling 4 took center stage at the Africa Aerospace show. South Africa tail number ZU-TES was assigned to and affixed to the plane and it took to the skies. The plane performed flawlessly and put on a great show for all in attendance. The Sling was then flown back to The Airplane Factory's home base and was received with warm cheers from the entire staff (video below). TAF observed the 4-4-40 Challenge was one of many accomplishments already achieved by company. Mike and James flew the Sling 2 prototype around the world in 2009 and the Sling 4 in 2011. Also in 2011, the Sling 5577 Challenge took place, in which 5 men from the factory and 5 women who never had touched a rivet gun built a Sling 2 in 7 days. The Airplane Factory USA, located in Torrance, California (KTOA), will have a Sling 4 available for demo flights starting early 2015.

A couple days ago I wrote about the Sling 4-4-40 Challenge. I believe this to be of interest for a couple reasons. One is the fast build at an airshow … much like the intense interest surrounding EAA’s One Week Wonder (video) building of a CH-750 at Oshkosh. The other is my promise to offer coverage of the “New GA” or “LSA 4” planes — which are four seaters built by LSA companies using the technologies and techniques those companies know so well. South Africa’s Airplane Factory (TAF) Sling 4-4-40 challenge — in which a Sling 4 was built in 4 days by 40 workers — marked yet another milestone for the Sling manufacturer. What normally takes a kit builder 1,000 hours to complete, took place at the 2014 Africa Aerospace event in just four days. Build team leader and company boss Mike Blyth reported it took their team 854 hours from bare kit to flight, although painting and perhaps some interior finish will take a bit more time, a situation similar to the One Week Wonder project.