Maxim and his father, Alexander, together with their mechanic Yusup, came to South Africa in May 2019 to learn about the Sling TSi being built for them. Maxim, a trained private pilot with over 480 hours logged, says” I have flown a Dynamic WT9 and believe that both myself and my father will quickly transition to Sling TSi when it comes to basic flight maneuverers. However, it will take my father a long time to switch from Dynamic WT9’s obsolete Dynon D120 EMS and D100 EFIS to Sling TSi’s newer Garmin glass panel.”
Recalls Maxim: “During the training at the Airplane Factory we spent time learning with Sean Russell, TAF’s Chief Test Pilot learning about the preflight inspection, basic flight maneuverers in a training zone, and touch-and-goes. crosswind landings, engine failures, various emergency situations, stall recognition, and stall recovery, the basics of Garmin glass panel, as well as the auto-pilot use cases. On my return to Russia, I will slowly teach my father myself all the intricacies of Garmin glass panel and auto-pilot during our joint flights in Russia”.
Yusup is an airplane mechanic by training. He maintains multiple Cessna 152, Cessna 172 and Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat aircraft belonging to the local flying school, as well as Dynamic WT9, SportCruiser and many other aircraft owned by private persons. What is more, Yusup can fly most of the aircraft he maintains. He dreams of becoming a flight instructor but can’t yet afford the transition from an airplane mechanic to a flight instructor.
Maxim enthuses” Because my Sling TSi will be the first one in Russia, I will be unable to find Sling TSi instructor in Russia. What I learned during my short stay at TAF will become the foundation of my safe flying in Russia”.
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?