The Sling Squawk – June 2026
7 Jun 2026
“The South African kit plane industry, while not as large as its American or European counterparts, has carved out a niche for itself in the global aviation market. The country has a strong general aviation culture, with many private pilots and homebuilders looking for affordable, high-performance aircraft suited to both local and international conditions. The country is home to several notable aviation companies specializing in light aircraft, bush planes and experimental designs but the leading company is, without any doubt, Sling, (formerly The Airplane Factory). It is also the most internationally recognized South African kit aircraft manufacturer.
In the growing business of kit airplanes, this manufacturer created the Sling series, leaving an indelible mark on aviation fans. Known for its sleek design, robust performance and affordability, Sling is a premier option for homebuilders and aviation enthusiasts. From their debut aircraft, the versatile Sling 2, to the cross-country-capable Sling TSi, they are celebrated for their flight characteristics, ease of assembly and modern avionics with a glass cockpit. This article explores why Sling has become a favorite in the kit plane community…”
– Victoria Agronsky
Read The Simple Flying Full Article Here
The adventure continues! For once, there are no border crossings to navigate, no custom stops, and no major travel plans on the schedule. Just a quiet day at home. Naturally, that doesn’t last long… When Sling Chief Test Pilot, Riaan Denner, has an idea, you know things are about to get interesting. In this episode, Josh and Chelsea take to the skies over Johannesburg for some banner towing, go behind the scenes at the incredible Jonker Sailplanes factory, make a completely unplanned stop to meet a very special young zebra, and then set off on the next major leg of the journey — heading south towards Plettenberg Bay and Cape Town.