The Sling Squawk – June 2026
7 Jun 2026
…but of course this one promises to be something special.
Joining Mike and James for the journey are filmmakers and pilots Josh and Chelsea from Aviation101, all the way from the USA, as well as their friends, Chris and Keelyn. After documenting and completing their very own Sling TSi build in the States throughout the course of the past year, the duo are now heading to Africa for an unforgettable adventure across some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes and events.
The journey begins in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where they’ll compete in the Zim Air Rally in ZU-TSI from 21st to 24th May alongside Mike, James, and their wives in ZU-ZED and ZU-DFU. From there, the adventure heads south to the Karoo, where they’ll join Team Sling at the legendary Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race from 29th to 31st May, before continuing on into the vast and breathtaking landscapes of Namibia until 8th June.
From aviation and racing to dust, desert roads and stories waiting to be told, Aviation101’s next film promises to be an epic one. Keep an eye on both Aviation101 and Sling channels over the next few weeks as the adventure unfolds — and if you happen to spot the crew along the way, be sure to say hello.
Follow the journey here:
Facebook: @Aviation101Films
Instagram: @aviation101films
Instagram: @highmaintenance_chels
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.