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
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.