“Dirk and Thomas, from the Bundeswehr Air Sports Club Laupheim, are building a Sling TSi together. They do this in their quiet workshop, but at the same time, in front of an audience of thousands of TikTok and Instagram users. Under the name “Apfelkuchenflugzeugbau”, Dirk’s wife, Diana, regularly posts video clips, making such an incredible project accessible even for aviation novices.”
– Lars Reinhold (Aerokurier Magazine)
Read The Aerokurier Magazine Full Article Here
Beyond the pages of Aerokurier though, lies a story of passion, perseverance and pure dedication! Dirk and Thomas have been on an incredible journey since their Sling TSi project was featured in Aerokurier just four short months ago. But don’t take our word for it! Here’s what Dirk had to say about their remarkable progress and their pride at representing Sling Aircraft along with our Distributors, Aircraft Builders Europe, at this year’s AERO Friedrichshafen.
“Hello Andrew and Jonathan.
I would like to briefly introduce myself after you had some contact with my co-builder Thomas.
I’m Dirk and I built the Sling TSi #355 (PH-DTI) with Thomas, which is now finished and has successfully passed the final inspection. The maiden flights were performed on April 7th and recently, I flew the plane to AERO Friedrichshafen where we had our very own booth!
I assisted your Distributors, Aircraft Builders Europe, at AERO 2023 on their trade fair stand as a current and German-speaking Sling homebuilder, and answered questions of those who were interested. It was a lot of fun and I was incredibly proud to represent Sling Aircraft.
To be honest, at first, I wanted to build a different airplane. I work professionally as an engineer for Airbus in the A350 project and have had a lot to do with composites since I was a student. It is for this reason I wanted to build a Lancair 360 or a Glasair III, but Thomas introduced me to the Sling TSi and I immediately fell in love! In Germany we say, “Die Eierlegende Wollmilchsau!”, which means, “The jack of all trades!” Now after two years of construction, falling in love has turned into love!
This plane has already given us so much. I learned a lot of new things and made so many new contacts that mainly came through my wife Diana’s social media channel, Apfelkuchen Flugzeugbau, on Instagram. She has been accompanying the building process of my Sling for about a year and a half and we now have a very large fan base, so we have already received a few inquiries:
– A local newspapers and a television station interviewed us.
– The Aerokurier paid us a visit in the workshop and published a 5-page article.
– And then the AERO trade fair approached Diana and asked us whether “Apfelkuchen Flugzeugbau” would like to have its own exhibition stand. Of course we agreed!
Furthermore, I gave a lecture with Aircraft Builders Europe at the Spring meeting of the OUV (The German Association for Experimental and Homebuilt Aircraft), thus increase the brand’s awareness in the experimental scene. My part was to show the history of Sling Aircraft, all aircraft types, the quality of the kits and give an idea on how to build a Sling Aircraft from the customers perspective.
We will of course take advantage of this great opportunity to further promote Sling Aircraft.
Warm regards from South Germany,
Dirk.”
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?