Dear Slingers across the globe!
I hope it’s been a positive start to 2023 for all of you and that you are still sticking to your new year’s resolutions! We, unfortunately, started the year with the devastating news of our Chief Test Pilot, Sean Russell, AKA the “Sling Whisperer” having a fatal accident on the last day of the Christmas holidays. A huge and heartbreaking loss to the Sling family worldwide, but especially to his family and close friends, of which many are colleagues here at Sling. RIP my friend.
We had a fantastic end to the year last year and managed to deliver 38 aircraft in October, November and the half month of December. We however sold more than that in the same period so the ramp-up continues. Delivery times for Sling TSi’s and Sling 2 kits currently sit at four months from deposit paid to ready for shipping from Joburg, QB kits are a three-month lead time and Ready-to-Fly planes are at 11 months from the date of deposit to ready from delivery out of Joburg. High Wing sales have passed 210 (88 sold in 2022 alone) so unfortunately, lead times on High Wing kits is two and a half years, and on Ready-to-Fly planes, it is three to four years. This number changes regularly due to the sheer number of High Wing orders we have been receiving. So, if you want to get your hands on a Sling Aircraft sooner rather than later, a Sling TSi is the plane for you.
JP Schulze continues to release world-class films of his Sling High Wing build and transatlantic trip with “The Dream Team”. Some of the videos already released are below for you to watch and JP tells me there is another coming soon so subscribe to @the_candourist on YouTube and/or Instagram. These are an absolute must-watch, partly due to the pressure and sheer extent of the adventure but also, the production quality is just next level! Beautiful work!
We have some exciting new developments and partnerships we have entered into. Our engineers and sales team have been working with the team at BRS Aerospace to start fitting BRS parachutes in Slings. We are very excited to be displaying a Sling TSi at Aero Friedrichshafen on the BRS stand with a BRS parachute installed. Bit of a tongue twister… But a very exciting step up for us! Also exciting is our development work with MT Propellers and RS Flight Systems to develop a prop which we will be fitting on Sling High Wings. Finally, we will be offering Beringer Brakes and wheels on all Sling models from the end of the second quarter of 2023 as an option.
I hope you enjoy the read below, the adventures and stories and, if you want to see us, we will be at SUN n FUN Florida, The Avalon Airshow in Australia, Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany, Oshkosh in Wisconsin of course, and numerous other events throughout the year. Check out our International events page for more information.
Andrew Pitman
CEO
It’s go‑time! Load up your gear, strap on your gravel shoes, and aim for the wide‑open Karoo horizon. The Tanqua Kuru is calling, and we’re answering with throttles, pedals, and hearts wide open. At least four Sling aircraft and our solid team of riders will make the pilgrimage to Tankwa Tented Camp for what’s become an annual tradition of grit, gravel, and greatness.
There’s still one title former Springbok Bob Skinstad hasn’t claimed… This isn’t a stadium victory. No crowds, no ceremony, no easy applause. This one is fought for. Across endless gravel, through the dust, under the relentless Tankwa sun. And he’s chasing it down on a Sling Cycles Tagati. So, the question is — when he rolls up to the start line… will you be there with him?