Sling About Us
Our Legacy
Sling History
Mike Blyth, adventurer, aviator and founder of Sling, having earned his wings on trikes, is a die-hard stick and rudder man. Following years of research and a three-year obsession to design and assemble the perfect LSA he delivered a handy prototype.
But the perfectionist in him would not rest. Rigorous testing of the aircraft revealed opportunities for nip and tuck improvements that would transform a good design into a great one.
Enter the Adrenaline Junkie
Enter the contribution of chairman of Sling, James Pitman, a Johannesburg-based corporate lawyer and adrenaline junkie.
Mike knew James from some crazy rock-climbing adventures. James was drawn to the creative doyen of the light aviation community, while Mike was intrigued by this wild-eyed rough diamond who combined a sharp intellect with a devilish sense of humour. And of course they both shared a boyish passion for adventure!
With increased means available, the business was able to dis-assemble the development prototype and assemble a new improved version. The production prototype was specifically designed to perfect the flight characteristics and ensure handling aligned to “mil spec”.
To prove to themselves and their future customers that they had a worthy achievement on their hands, in July 2009, Mike and James set out (in their production prototype!) on a global circumnavigation.
ZU-TAF Takes on the world
It is safe to say that the Sling was built for heroic adventure. The original yellow Sling 2, known as ZU-TAF, flew Mike and James around the world on a 40-day, 45,000 km journey. This journey included numerous 22-hour legs through the severest of weather conditions.
Following the performance of ZU-TAF over the world’s oceans at more than 50% over MAUW, it was clear that with a turbo-charged engine, the aircraft would work well as a 4-seater. So the Sling 4 followed (and in turn circumnavigated the globe in 2011). The Sling Taildragger followed close behind and, with the introduction of the Rotax 915 and 916 iS engine, the Sling TSi, and finally the Sling High Wing, which marks Sling Aircraft’s most modern and effective machine to date.
Designed by pilots for pilots, extraordinary lengths have been taken to build an aircraft that is safe, reliable and durable. The wide cockpit, excellent all-around view and spacious luggage capacity make the Sling a comfortable and versatile aircraft. But with its sleek design, it is also a head-turner. Throw in best-in-class handling, manoeuvrability and responsive feel and you have yourself an aircraft that is truly making a mark in the history of aviation.
Vision & Mission
Vision
Sling’s vision is to become the world’s most loved and respected aircraft manufacturer as a consequence of the outstanding qualities of our people, products and ideas.
Mission
To foster an environment which stimulates and inspires the team at Sling to create the finest, most loved, practical, safe and reliable aircraft in the world. In addition, to contribute to the growth, happiness and personal fulfilment of all stakeholders in the business.
Key Values
In identifying the values which are central to our business and to the achievement of our vision and mission, we consider the most important to be:
- Leadership
- Excellence
- Courage
- Family
The Innovators
Mike Blyth Founder
Mike’s earliest connection to aviation came from his father, who flew in the RAF. An early childhood fascination with flying was given expression when in 1984, Mike took a short flight in a Quicksilver ultralight. “I immediately realised I had found my calling.” He began sketching again and a few years later made and flew his first aircraft, a two-seat ultralight.
Mike, a well-known figure in aviation circles before developing the Sling, won the 1995 Microlight World Championships on a prototype trike that had just four hours of flight time. “I am not sure what gets into my head but I have made a habit of flying my prototypes over long distances after just a few hours of testing.” One such trip involved a record-breaking 45,000 km cross-continental flight on a weight-shifting trike.
By 2005, Mike was eager to test his design skills on something more substantial. “I made a list of features I would like to see in my perfect aircraft. On doing some research, I was surprised that I couldn’t find a Light Sport Aircraft that had all the features in it that I considered important.” As South Africa’s distributor for Rotax,
Mike was keen to design an aircraft that would do justice to these famously reliable and efficient engines. He teamed up with an aeronautical engineer, an aerodynamicist and a draughtsman, and by 2008, they had developed a prototype.
James Pitman Co-CEO
James Pitman studied science and law at the University of Cape Town before deciding on following the legal route. If law paid the bills, adventure animated the soul. James was something of a legend in South African adventure circles, with some serious mountaineering challenges under his belt.
In 2006, he joined up with Mike Blyth and Marianne Schwankhart for a flying (microlight) and rock-climbing trip around southern Africa. This trip was turned into a movie, No Need for Parking – An African Rock Adventure.
From there, the idea to team up with Mike on an around-the-world adventure took root. Almost by accident, James – a lawyer, businessman and adventurer – was building an aircraft. He realised that his very eventful life had been working up to this moment.
His keen intellect and sharp scientific brain meant he could add serious value to building the Sling LSA prototype. His irrepressible energy and crazy enthusiasm helped fuel Mike’s vision of the ideal LSA. They made great partners and they achieved their goal of flying the Sling around the world. James, whose love of flying is palpable, sunk his savings into Sling and spent the first seven years in the business giving life and soul to creating an aircraft brand of lasting value.
As Chairman of Sling, James brings a unique mix of leadership and passion to the company. While he oversees key areas like Production, Quality Assurance, Legal and Regulatory Compliance, he is best known for embodying the spirit of adventure that defines the Sling brand.
Andrew Pitman Co-CEO
Growing up on a farm in the Midlands of Natal, Andrew, early on, developed a love for traveling, the outdoors and speed, often being found stripping a 2-stroke dirt bike only to see if it would go faster once put back together. After attending Michaelhouse boarding school for a fairly rebellious five years, Andrew graduated from Cape Town Varsity College in 2002 with an IMM diploma in International Business Management and Marketing.
He moved to London the following year and joined Addison Corporate Marketing as an Account Executive and later, Account Manager. Andrew provided support to the investor relations teams of various clients, including Anglo-American, Vodafone, The Premier League, Visa and WPP.
With six years’ experience in corporate financial communications, Andrew left the UK and returned to South Africa to join Sling. He started as the tea boy and book keeper, later becoming Sales and Marketing Manager. Having developed a passion for business, flying and adventure, Andrew now heads up Sling.
Having developed a passion for business, flying and adventure, Andrew is now Co-CEO and oversees Sales, Marketing, Daily HR, Finance, Procurement and the Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO).
Terry Musiker Engineering Manager
Terry’s passion for flight and engineering led him to the University of the Witwatersrand, where his curiosity for how things worked, especially aircraft, began to take shape. Graduating in 2009 as an Aeronautical Engineer, he was eager to leave his mark on the aviation world. In 2010, he joined The Airplane Factory, now known as Sling, stepping into a company that matched his bold ambition. Here, he became part of something extraordinary – The design of the very first Sling 4. This wasn’t just another engineering project. It was the start of a journey that would define his career.
As the company grew, so did Terry’s role. His expertise expanded beyond engineering, immersing him in manufacturing, certification, production management, IT and customer support. Earning his Private Pilot’s License gave him firsthand experience of what it meant to fly a Sling, refining his designs with a pilot’s perspective.
After nine years, he sought new challenges at Paramount Aerospace Systems, where he spent six years refining his skills in engineering and project management for certified and military aircraft. Now, Terry has returned to Sling as Engineering Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to innovation.
His mission is clear: To drive technical excellence and push the boundaries of design and technology, ensuring that Sling remains a leader in the aviation industry.
Manufacturing Facility
Our in-house team of aeronautical engineers and draughtsmen bring years of experience to the design, draughting and testing phases. Many of our engineers are also pilots, infusing their passion for aviation into every detail of the aircraft. Unlike most manufacturers, Sling produces nearly every component in-house, using a combination of aluminium, carbon fibre, composites and glass fibre materials.
Each stage of production incorporates rigorous quality control measures, ensuring only the highest standard of parts make it to final assembly. Rejected parts are quarantined and those reaching our stores department have passed at least five quality checks. Our aircraft kits, available in both complete and quick-build formats, are designed to streamline the construction process while maintaining compliance with the 51% rule.
Sling’s production process is a seamless blend of craftsmanship and innovation. Detailed parts are assembled into aircraft sub-assemblies, incorporating cutting-edge aerodynamic design, structural integrity, systems integration and tooling development. Our composite shop meticulously crafts lightweight components, while our spray shop and expert painters provide fully customisable aircraft finishes to match owner specifications. The final assembly of avionics and engines are completed by highly trained technicians and engineers, followed by rigorous test flights of approximately five hours. Sling interiors, featuring premium leather and lavish carpeting, are available in four elegant colour palettes. Cast Iron, Red Velvet, Indigo Sky and Cloud Burst with complementing stitching, piping and paneling.
Sling operates from three dedicated facilities, each playing a crucial role in the design and production of our world-class aircraft. Our Tedderfield facility with over 160 staff spans 5,825 m², with 925 m² dedicated to our Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO), ensuring top-tier aircraft servicing and support. The Bentonite facility, with over 130 staff, covers 2,975 m², with a focus on the High Wing, composites and parts manufacturing departments, while our Basalt facility, with over 170 staff currently at 6,450 m² and dedicated to key manufacturing processes, will expand by an additional 1,500 m² from April 1, 2025 to accommodate increased production capacity. This is where our expert team oversees every step of the manufacturing process, ensuring precision and excellence in every aircraft we build.
SLING TEDDERFIELD
– Administration
– AMO
– Box Making and Container Packing
– Draughting Office
– Electrics
– Engineering Office
– Final Assembly
– High Wing Final Assembly
– Logistics
– Marketing
– Production
– Research and Development
– Sales
– Spray Shop
SLING BENTONITE
– Composites
– High Wing Composites
– Parts Manufacturing
SLING BASALT
– Alodining
– Kit Packing
– Machine Shop
– Maintenance
– Perspex
– Production
– Quality Control
– Sub Assembly
– Sub Assembly 2
– Small Sub Assembly
– Stores
– Upholstery
– Welding
Customer Testimonials
“Today I met with Tim Hardy, the Sling Aircraft Distributor here in the UK. I made contact with Tim a while ago and through email, managed to arrange a meet, following relaxation in CV-19 regulations over here. Tim set up a meeting at the air field where he keeps his aircraft - the first built in the UK (and she’s a beaut!) I was overwhelmed by Tim’s friendly and patient demeanour. Knowledgeable and more than happy to answer and elaborate on all the questions I asked him. He graciously let me sit in his plane to get a feel and quickly showed me the Garmin systems - which are awesome. The experience was a pleasure and for my first interaction with an aircraft manufacturer, could not have been a more enjoyable meeting. Thanks Team Sling!!! ”
"Many, many thanks to Sling Aircraft for ensuring our “Zanzibar Sling Africa Tour" was an adventure to remember! We were honoured to have been allowed to fly ZU-TAD which not only provided us with a remarkable lifting capability, endurance and speed, but also supplied parts to others less fortunate! We really appreciated the effort put in by Sean and his team in the rather mad days. Our flight back to UK was unbelievably tedious. At least in a Sling 4, there is no room for screaming babies, nor indeed for bored air stewardesses discussing their love life in the galley throughout the night whilst passengers are trying to sleep – what joy. I can now confirm I have made 3 great choices in my life – marrying Sandy, having Nick and Chris, and buying into the Sling dream!"
“What an exceptional experience this has been as the proud owner of a Sling 4.”
“It is one of few aircraft anywhere close to this price range that can carry four adults, six hours of fuel and 70 pounds of luggage.”
“The Sling is a superbly balanced aircraft and would be considered a ‘pilot’s airplane’ if that term hadn’t been worn to dust by marketing people for airplanes that don’t come close. The Sling inspires you to fly it.”
"My wife Maureen and I wish to thank the dedicated Sling Aircraft employees who built our Sling 2, #262, N517JT. It is truly a work of art and a mechanical genius. Since retiring for good in April 2019 and with the cooperation of Mother Nature, we’ve been living up to the Sling “Taking You Places” motto. I want to share with you, pics I had hoped to take some time ago, but didn't have the resources to accomplish. Well, thanks to Doug Goodrich, Goodrich Aviation, we were able to do some Air to Air work yesterday for his new website. I hope fellow Slinger’s enjoy the pics. Live From New York!"
“The Sling is a gentleman’s airplane, you don’t have to be on it all the time.”
“We built an aircraft to give expression to our love for flying. Little did we know that the Sling would become the lead character in our story, the plucky fighter who said ‘YES’ to our crazy around-the-world adventures.”
“A very nicely integrated control panel throughout.”
Good evening to the Sling Aircraft employees. Today, I flew my Sling TSi for two hours and the aircraft flies very well! My landings were not even as terrible as I thought they would be. Thank you for making me a wonderful plane. In addition, my father has also flown and was exceedingly happy. Thank you Sling Aircraft for making my father a happy man!"
Professional business people with deeply embedded old fashioned care factor!
During my journey with Sling, I have met many great people here in Australia and was lucky to do most of my aviation training on these remarkable aircraft. Errol Van Rensburg and his wonderful wife, Mariette, who head up the Australian division of Sling, share their time freely with all of us aviation freaks, always ready to help and share a laugh. Chris Moroni and his team of instructors… what can I say…. they created an amazing adventure into the ‘3rd dimension’. Naturally, my love for these flying machines that are such fun to fly, ensured I would only buy Sling. So, last year I ordered a new High Wing, Sling’s latest model off the production line.
Recently, my wife Milly and I enjoyed an extensive safari trip into East Africa followed by an extended Europe holiday. As ex South Africans, we took the opportunity of stopping off to see family in our old homeland en-route. Knowing our trip would take us via Johannesburg, we decided to pay Sling Aircraft at Tedderfield Airpark a visit.
Well, as soon as we made contact with Joint CEO, James Pitman and Bertus Janse van Rensburg, Sling’s Sales Manager, we were completely bowled off our feet with genuine enthusiasm and an energy, I have seldom experienced in my 40-year business career! Interestingly, James and I both grew up on farms around Howick, in the Natal Midlands and attended the same primary school!
When we arrived in Joburg, James arranged to pick us up the following morning and personally drove us to Tedderfield. This man is an adventure junkie, just like myself. We connected instantly. Upon arrival at the factory, we were handed into the caring hands of Bertus and Jonathan Shaw, the two champions of their sales team. They took us through every department at the factory and ensured each was a revelation!
The people we met within the organisation, all bar none, share that same deep-rooted sense of pride for their enterprise and for what they do. Sharing that same enthusiasm, which obviously stems from the top, through the ranks, to every last human we met on the production line. It left Milly and I with a warm sense of knowing – Knowing we had chosen the right people to share our aviation journey with. Knowing we had invested in the best possible aircraft for our needs. Safe, long haul and load capable, responsive and economical aircraft, that you just can’t wait to get your backside back into! We knew we had arrived. Sling is more than an aircraft manufacturing company. It is a close-knit and dedicated family of like-minded people, a tribute to Joint CEO, Andrew Pitman!
We took the High Wing for two flights on separate days while we were there and were not disappointed. Bertus and Jonathan were oozing enthusiasm the whole way through the process. Remarkable, considering they would have done that a squillion times before. Maybe it’s just natural when you are advocating such a great product?
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for extending the hand of friendship in such a warm and caring way. I have heard many great things about Mike Blyth too and know he was instrumental in the birth of Sling Aircraft, but sadly didn’t get to meet him on the day. From one business family to another, don’t change your recipe guys. It has stood the test of time and will ensure this brand ascends through the Cirrus clouds of aviation.
Best regards,
Brad and Milly Neilson
Brisbane Australia
Career Opportunities
Contact us if you’re passionate about a career in aeronautical design and manufacture.
The aviation industry is one of the most exciting and competitive industries in the world! At Sling, we employ people who can help us soar above the rest; people ready to commit themselves to quality and performance.
We know it takes passion and energy in every area of our business to create quality aircraft. That’s why we invest in highly talented people, providing them opportunities to continuously grow and realise their full potential.
You will find that we stand behind our values of safety, people, quality, service and community. At Sling, we aren’t just employees. We are parents, community volunteers and sports enthusiasts who enjoy warm weather year round in sunny South Africa.
If you share our values, start your search for a new career by emailing **@***********ft.com.
Social Responsibility
Being an intrinsic part of South Africa is important to us.
Since our inception in 2008, Sling has been an intrinsic part of South Africa. As a longstanding pillar in the community, Sling has been actively involved in several community outreach programs, including The Children’s Flight, Race For Rhinos, activists in local rights marches, multiple sponsorship efforts for both local and international pilots in training, educational tours for our local scholars as well as family day flights and festivities for our own staff and family members.
Our company continues to look for ways to give back to the community, providing positive, immediate local impact, as well as efforts far-reaching.