The Plane

Sling TSi

When I first set eyes on the Sling TSi, I knew I had found something special. It wasn’t just the sleek design or the impressive specs—it was the promise of adventure, the thrill of building something with my own hands, and the freedom of flight.

What Makes the Sling TSi Stand Out?

The Sling TSi is a four-seater aircraft with a powerful Rotax 916 iS turbocharged engine that gives it both impressive speed and efficiency. It has a cruising speed of around 160 knots and a range of over 900 nautical miles. This means I can comfortably take my family on trips without worrying about frequent fuel stops.

But it’s not just about performance. The avionics suite—Garmin G3X Touch and GTN 650Xi—turns the cockpit into a digital command center. With advanced autopilot features and modern navigation tools, this plane is ready for serious IFR flying.

Building It Myself

One of the most exciting aspects of this journey is that I’m building the plane myself! Well, mostly. The kit comes with a ton of support from the Sling team, and I’ll be spending about a month of my own time on the build. The rest of the work is done under their guidance in a state-of-the-art facility.

The Sling TSi is an Experimental Amateur-Built (A/B) airplane. This means it is not constructed by a certified aircraft manufacturer but rather by an individual (in this case, me) or a group. Experimental aircraft offer more freedom in customization and maintenance, but they also require a significant commitment to understanding the plane’s systems and ensuring safety.

This hands-on experience not only gives me a deeper understanding of how the plane works but also ensures that every rivet and every bolt meets the highest safety standards. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing you built the plane you’re flying.

The Innovative Spirit of Sling Aircraft

Sling Aircraft, the company behind the TSi, is known for its innovative approach to aviation. Based in South Africa, the company was founded by a team of passionate pilots and engineers who wanted to create aircraft that combined safety, performance, and versatility. Sling’s planes have completed numerous long-distance flights, proving their reliability and endurance. From the initial design to the final product, every detail of a Sling aircraft reflects a commitment to excellence.

One of the standout features of Sling Aircraft is their Factory Assist program. For builders like me, this program is a game-changer. It allows you to complete your build in their professional facility, surrounded by experts who guide you through every step. This approach not only accelerates the build process but also ensures the highest standards of quality and safety.

Where Will the Sling TSi Take Me?

I have big plans for this plane. From exploring the Pacific Northwest to taking longer cross-country trips, the Sling TSi is my ticket to adventure. I’ll be sharing stories, photos, and lessons learned along the way, so stay tuned!

https://www.sportys.com/funflying

Follow Along

Curious about how this sleek bird comes together? Follow along as I turn crates of parts into a fully operational aircraft—and maybe pick up a few tips and stories along the way. You can check out more about why I chose this plane here.

Let’s take flight!

Specs

Performance

Engine: Rotax 916iS Turbocharged (160 hp)
Cruise Speed: 155+ knots
Fuel Burn: 6-8 gph
Range: 900+ nautical miles
Endurance: 8 Hours
Climb Rate: 1200 fpm
Service Ceiling: 18,000 ft

Sling TSi

Airframe & Design

Construction: All-metal airframe for durability and strength
Wingspan: 30.9 ft (9.4 m)
Sliding Canopy: Easy cockpit access, unique among four-seaters
Landing Gear: Fixed tricycle gear for simplicity and low maintenance

Avionics & Systems

Standard Avionics: Garmin G3X Touch with GTN 650Xi
Autopilot: Garmin GFC 507
Transponder: ADS-B compliant GTX 45R
Electrical System: 12V with dual alternators
Oxygen System: Available for high-altitude flights

Sling Shot

Interior & Comfort

Seating: Four-seat configuration with premium leather upholstery
Cabin Space: Spacious and ergonomic for long flights
Baggage Capacity: Generous rear compartment for luggage
Climate Control: Cabin ventilation and heating available

Safety Features

Parachute System: Full-airframe emergency parachute
Fuel System: Dual-wing tanks with redundant fuel pumps
Redundant Electrical Systems: Ensures reliability in critical flight operations