Join African Pilot’s Kent Gibbon for a comprehensive aircraft walkaround and technical discussion with Aidan Cantin, Sales Executive at Sling Aircraft, filmed at the Sling stand during Aero South Africa 2025.
We take a detailed tour of Sling’s aircraft line-up—including the popular Sling 2 trainer, the high-performance four-seat Sling TSi, and the innovative High Wing model— alongside expert commentary from Aidan on the aircraft’s design evolution, engineering features, and operational strengths that position Sling as a leader in the light sport and experimental aircraft market.
A South African success story! Sling manufactures nearly every component in-house at its Johannesburg facility, exporting globally to key markets like the United States, Australia, the UK, Europe, and increasing parts of Africa. With 515 employees and a rapidly growing customer base, Sling’s aircraft are flying in flight schools, owner-built kits, and training academies across the world.
In this interview, we highlight;
- Market footprint and export success across five continents
- Kit-built vs ready-to-fly options: navigating CAA regulations worldwide
- Overview of the Rotax 916 iS engine (160 hp, turbocharged, fuel-injected)
- Four-blade Duc hydraulic propeller system and manual pitch control
- The strutless High Wing: design rationale, comfort, and performance
- Integrated Garmin G3X suite, G5 backup EFIS, ADS-B and terrain mapping
- Real-world demonstration of Garmin autopilot capabilities and “Level” mode
- Focus on safety, simplicity, and ease of operation for both private owners and flight schools
Whether you’re an aircraft owner, aspiring pilot, engineer, or enthusiast, this walkaround offers valuable insight into one of the world’s most innovative light aircraft manufacturers, built in South Africa and flown globally.
