On Wednesday 24 July, I attended the Sling Aircraft award presentation by EAA’s Charlie Becker to Mike Blyth and the Sling Aircraft team as the 2024 recipient of the esteemed August Raspet Memorial Award. The award constitutes a very satisfying recognition of Sling’s development work over the past 18 years and is a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to become the world’s most loved and respected developer and manufacturer of light aircraft.
About the August Raspet Award
The annual August Raspet Memorial Award recognises the person or business who has made the most outstanding contribution to light aircraft design each year. The award was created in memory of and named for the American, Dr August Raspet, a pioneer in aeronautical research. An aerodynamicist and researcher, Raspet was one of the most influential contributors to the science of aeronautics, dealing primarily with efficiency in flight, aerodynamics and wing design structures. Established to recognise outstanding contributions to the advancement of light aircraft design, this award celebrates visionary work that pushes the boundaries of aviation technology and safety. Being chosen for the August Raspet Award is a testament to the relentless efforts and groundbreaking contributions of the entire Sling Aircraft team and serves as our inspiration to become the world’s most loved and respected aircraft developer and manufacturer as a consequence of the outstanding qualities of our people, products and ideas.
Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh board shared the following message: “I am pleased to announce that Sling Aircraft have been selected as the recipient of the 2024 August Raspet Award for their achievements and contributions to the advancement of light aircraft design. EAA recognises the innovation and vision that Sling Aircraft brings to the aviation community with their kit and ready-to-fly designs. Long range capabilities as demonstrated by their flights from South Africa to various countries across the globe throughout the years, incorporating BRS parachutes for added safety, designing airframes that maximise the use of the efficient Rotax engine series, unique seating adjustments for added comfort, pulled rivets for ease of construction and the overriding objectives of quality and reliability speak to the special place that Sling Aircraft has earned in the aviation community.”
Celebration at Oshkosh 2024
Sling Aircraft’s management team invited several journalists as well as Sling owners to join them at the presentation of this prestigious award at Sling Island that featured several of the current Sling models on display. “This celebration is not only a recognition of Sling Aircraft’s achievements but also a moment to acknowledge the support and collaboration of our clients, suppliers and the wider aviation community.”
Sling Aircraft have been sold in 30 countries around the world with around 60% to the United States, followed by Australia, Europe and South Africa. Each month Sling Aircraft produce four ready-to-fly Sling 2 aircraft that after test flying are disassembled and sent to Sling Aircraft’s Pilot Academies located in Torrance in Los Angeles and San Diego in California.
Each Sling Pilot Academy has around 45 new generation Sling 2 aircraft, whilst somewhere in the region of 65 new students are signed up each year. In addition, two new Sling Flight Training Academies are scheduled to open soon in Long Beach and Santa Monica.
Heartfelt comment from Athol: “I can clearly recall that Saturday 18 years ago when James and Mike invited me to the first test firing of the Sling ballistic parachute system when the company was still in its infancy with the first Sling 2 design was located in Sunny Rock, Germiston. Over the years African Pilot has published many features on Sling Aircraft as the various models have evolved to the point where the company occupies a series of manufacturing facilities totalling 9,000 M2 floor space at Tedderfield Airpark. In addition, Sling Aircraft’s considerable Alberton factory produces most of the parts and subassemblies that are finally assembled at the Tedderfield facility.
Design, drafting and testing work is carried out by an in-house team of highly experienced aeronautical engineers and draughtsmen. Some of the engineers are pilots themselves, with a passionate interest in Sling Aircraft types.”
