The Sling Squawk – June 2026
7 Jun 2026
“Three Sling aircraft with a new high-wing design departed South Africa on July 17, with stops in Ghana, Angola, Cape Verde, and Barbados, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Weather delayed their arrival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, though not the enthusiasm of pilots, crew, and customers. The voyage from Johannesburg to the world’s largest aviation event spanned about 72 flight hours, the arrival on July 27 a little later than originally hoped, though Sling Aircraft North America co-CEOs Matt Liknaitzky, Wayne Toddun, and Jean d’Assonville had plenty of time to make an impression at EAA AirVenture.”
– Alicia Herron (AOPA)
After reaching Cape Town in Part 2, Josh Flowers and Chelsea Smith of Aviation101, along with Chris Lammert and Keelyn Costello, reunite with friends and fly their Sling aircraft north from Stellenbosch through the Tankwa Karoo, before crossing into Namibia and exploring the spectacular Fish River Canyon. From formation flying and the Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race to fireside celebrations and an off-airport landing in the desert, the journey becomes less about following a plan and more about embracing whatever comes next—because sometimes the most memorable part of flying happens after the engine shuts down.