FLYING THE NEW SLING TSi around bad weather

FILMED BEFORE LOCKDOWN: Test flight review of the Sling Aircraft TSi over the Queensland Coast. Watch the flight, learn about the TSi, see the Garmin avionics and autopilot in action as we fly low level along Surfer's Paradise and up the cost in this new aircraft.
The Sling TSi is a four seater single engine aircraft designed by The Aircraft Factory in South Africa, featuring Garmin 10-inch G3X touch EFIS and full FADEC controlled Rotax Engine. I got to test it out thanks to Errol at GAP Aero based at Heck Field Airport near Brisbane, Australia.
Check out GAP Aero for more info on the Sling TSi and Bushcat
👉 www.gapaero.com/
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VERY IMPORTANT: I am a private pilot and am NOT qualified to give flying instruction. This video, like all videos on this channel, has been significantly edited from the original source footage and is provided for entertainment purposes only. Many radio calls and procedures have been omitted. If you have any questions about anything you see or hear, please speak to a Certified Flying Instructor first.

[@JonnoFly]

Love a sling! One of the greatest aircraft to come out of South Africa. The Rotax engine is a work of art. Super reliable.

[@kylephilippides]

It’s so cool hearing a fellow South African with you Steph 😂❤️

[@gerritvanrooyen1395]

Lekker man

[@springbok4015]

Great seeing more South Africans here.

[@kingncaba4984]

You can miss an SA accent 😉

[@nicholasgomez9762]

12:40 " Probably the widest cockpit, so you can fu-"

[@iesikhaty]

hahaha...yup..sounds like he hit the brakes on that one!

[@tomatosoupwoo]

He just missed the K like why did he say that lol, who would F in the cockpit anyway it makes a new meaning for cockpit

[@frankvein5126]

Sling make South Africa proud! Hope to fly one, one day!

[@RemyRAD]

So I'm just a almost 65-year-old retired, former student pilot. Dad was a private pilot. I flew Piper Cherokee, 140-180's and once an Arrow. Which was awesome. But generally 140's. So much more fun than a Cessna 150. The glass cockpits today just blow my mind. I've used two old-fashioned steam gauges. Everything manual. And well also, I'm an electronics technician and 50+ year, multi-major award nominated, music recording engineer/producer. And former maintenance and on-air operations engineer of 20 years for NBC-TV in Washington DC. So I'm fairly technical. And here's my stupid senile aging uninformed, Yankee question to you Aussies. I knew one was not supposed to fly a single-engine prop aircraft over open water. But knowing how cool and freakin' wild you Aussies are. There you are on the Miami style East Coast of Australia. As you said near Brisbane. And just across from you there is something like Wellington, New Zealand. Where I had made a recording for a Los Angeles record label. With the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. And I was there for a week. But I didn't get the opportunity to go and see Australia. So with you crazy Aussies. Whom I dearly love. (Really it's your accent you know LOL) Would you guys ever take that groovy little aircraft. Across that really wide river like area to New Zealand? Would that be too far for the aircraft? Or would you lads simply not do that? That's the first time I've ever used the term, lads. I thought it appropriate here. As a typical American that only speaks, the Midwestern English dialect. Like the newscasters speak. Because I are one. And so is just curiosity. Whether you would take a single-engine prop aircraft from Australia to New Zealand? I mean from where I am originally from, Detroit, Michigan. No big deal to fly into Windsor Ontario across the Detroit River. It might be a big deal to try and traverse Lake Superior to get into Canada that way. Which I think would be inadvisable and not necessarily allowed? But I haven't flown in 50 years. And obviously cockpits just have a couple of smart phones in the dashboard today. Personally I found the F-22 Lockheed/Boeing,, multimillion dollar military simulator. Pretty fucking wild. When I got a chance to fly that at 54 years of age. Without any training. Except the Boeing guy pointing things out on the dashboard. And before it was out of his mouth. I was always a step ahead. I've never flown anything like that before in my life. It was, needless to say, beyond awesome. And I really didn't care that much for the old-fashioned, Fairchild Northrup/Grumman A-10 Warthog simulator. That was much more difficult to fly than the fly by wire F-22. I didn't fly that simulator very well. I did much better with the F-22. At the United States Air Force Association Convention in Washington DC. Where I was merely a freelance video camera operator. But they let me try it out after daily closing time. When only the manufacturer vendors and media crews like me. Got to hang out after the crowds left. Which are all military from the US and all of our allies countries. Where they could purchase this stuff. Except the F-22. Because it had not yet fully entered service or was just entering service. I didn't know the F-22 had afterburners? I knew it had supersonic, super cruise. But I didn't know it also had afterburners. Plus the articulated jet nozzles. I mean oh my God. What an unbelievable thrill flying that multimillion dollar military simulator was. This is a fixed simulator. It didn't move. You were wrapped in a display. When the simulation was over. The Boeing guy was rather impressed. This was the brand-new Boeing cockpit for the Lockheed F-22. And apparently the cockpit that was entering service. Which was not the original Lockheed cockpit design. And little did I know. I I stepped out of the cockpit. There were 4 US military fighter pilots. That were standing behind the simulator watching me from behind. I was not aware of them. And they asked me if I'd flown, 14's 15's 16's? I said no. Just a Piper Cherokee 140 between the ages of 13 and 15. And nothing since. They asked me why I didn't join the Air Force. I told them I tried. But found I would need a Masters degree in something to fly one of these. I'm not that gifted with math. Because I did want to become an Electrical Engineer. But I couldn't hack the math. They said I missed my calling. I said I called. No one answered. LOL. And I just left one helluva message in a military F-22 simulator. Really I have Dave Grohl to thank for this. We both have virtually identical control rooms for our recording studios. Just watch his movie called Sound City you can stream for free right here on KZbin now. Turn it up loud. And the whole movie is about my control room. Because mine is basically identical only slightly better. Because the old man who designed and built this audio console in Great Britain. Is, still alive and was interviewed in the movie. I had been talking to them since 1996. The movie was produced in 2013. I bought mine from NBC in 1996. And stuck it in my recording studio. And all the extra stuff you use with that. I've got plenty in all the best. Just like in the movie. I've got the doppelgänger. And it's like flying a 747 in my control room. So I'm used to this. Especially flyby rock. I mean wire. Both. Rock 'n' roll goes through wires. You should control an airplane that way also. It works much better. You have to be a real engineer to fly those things. Both things. RemyRAD

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Looks like fun having a stick instead of a yoke 👍

[@maxkillers26]

The sling is so amazing to fly, it feels like you're driving your car because off it's sensitivity being really high.

[@ashokaliserilthamarakshan5079]

That's another great flight review of Stef. Glad more people are taking notice of the Sling TSi. I was sold on it around this time last year and am half way into building one. Also a fun aircraft to build.

[@FunPlacesToFly]

Great video! Love the Sling!

[@JodelFlyer]

Thanks for that Stef. Interesting aircraft and glad the weather cleared for you.

[@dylan_mcevoy]

Hi Stefan, I am so happy you uploaded this video. I actually train out of the flight school next to Erell’s hangar. I am learning to fly the sling 2 (also the first one registered in Aus). I would love to own a sling someday. Anyway, keep up the great content. Dylan

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks great, some nice shots of your home airport then I hope Dylan. Thanks for watching and all the best with your training, I hope it's going well for you.

[@craigwillis3372]

Great to see back mate...great vision over the GC...just wish we could all get there at the moment !! Thanks as always mate and hope you and the family are all well !!

[@nigelstringfellow5187]

Thank you for the great video Stef, your video content is keeping me sane at the moment keep it up cheers

[@planecarfanaticjosh9086]

nice video Stef really keeps me entertained during these times keep up the good videos :)

[@rylandnewby]

Look at that cockpit! What a beautiful craft.

[@Conehou5e]

Hi Stef, Great video mate, thanks for keeping the content coming during lockdown. Really enjoy your channel mate, and you've inspired me to restart my training towards a PPL ! I did my first lesson in 2 years at Baccus Marsh last weekend!

[@theslingcouple8787]

Great video!! We love doing those long missions with the Sling 2 here in South Africa and also sharing our experiences and landscapes...

[@mojogrip]

Dammit I was trying to to edit over here and you just distracted me for 14 mins. How do you like the Sling?

[@StefanDrury]

Ha, sorry Mike! Yeah I really enjoyed flying it, and the customisation options make it a very appealing choice. I can understand why you chose one, especially if you’re still putting the parachute into yours as well. I enjoy your channel too mate, thanks for watching this.

[@ForFunFlyer]

🤣

[@MaxMaxwellYT]

Distracted me to man.... I was trying to get some work done! lol

[@richardseton7014]

Best airplane!

[@flxsuki]

Good distraction 👍🏼

[@gertvanaarde5061]

Awesome aircraft,huge fan of the Sling aircraft.

[@luigi7026]

Beautiful vidéo 👍 Sling is a very good aircraft 😉👍 Thank you and fly safe

[@MrWidows]

Awesome!

[@lou2737]

Great vid Stef!

[@marsgal42]

I want one. I've always thought the South African accent sounds like Dutch people who learned English in New Zealand. :-)

[@normannutbar424]

What a remarkably accurate observation! I’m gonna remember that one.

[@theomorkel6713]

Thats somewhat accurate, we are Dutch people that learned English in Africa

[@richardseton7014]

Laura, just get one. The Sling 2 is at a lot of flying schools now so a tif is easy. The Tsi has the four seats

[@kingstonwhite8935]

good experience flying the sling, great video- Thanks. Kingston''''!''''

[@stewartwilkinsonsnr]

Great how others involved in Aviation get in touch with you Stefan and that was an Awesome plane 👍

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Stewart

[@benjaminfox7105]

Hey Stef! Whooo Hooooo! What a great little video! Errol seems such a character! The performance of the aircraft looked awesome as well. I hope you're keeping safe down in Melbourne mate! In exciting news, I've finished my nursing training! Registered Nurse from last Wednesday! I'm now having a few weeks of rest and relaxation (watching aviation youtube videos! + reading + cooking + cleaning ... etc ...) Take care mate and from a health perspective, keep safe in Victoria!

[@nightflyer40]

Another great vid!

[@GiuseppeBasile]

Stefan congrats on the 75K subs, onwards and upwards to 100K. Always great content and I don’t miss an episode.

[@vsznry]

Beautiful plane

[@chipcheesestudios]

Great video stef keep them coming we all really enjoy them 👍

[@Michael-oy3pz]

Beautiful little aircraft, looks like a pleasure to fly. 😀

[@Cathy-yg9fr]

Great video again Stef, really enjoyed it, Great plane and nicely presented. Just wanted to also say I’m sitting my PPL in a couple of weeks, fingers crossed!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Cathy, best of luck with your PPL test, you got this!

[@tysonngubeni8545]

Phenomenal video ☺🙌

[@hytcy7507]

Great content your making! Keep it up!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks HYTCY, glad you enjoyed it.

[@jacobweir1795]

Thanks so much Stef, you are one of my biggest inspirations and one of my reasons to become a pilot. So greatful for you being able to deliver such quality videos. (Ps. will we see a bread week) Hope your safe down in Melbourne.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Jacob, not sure about Bread Week but I am working on some new content for this phase of the lockdown which I'm excited to share. Glad you enjoyed this in the meantime and I wish you well with your journey to become a pilot.

[@PilotBusaKaine]

Awesome, Errol is a great guy and that TSi is beautiful.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for watching Kaine, yeah Errol was a great host and it's a fun plane hey.

[@mikercflyer7383]

Beautiful looking aircraft.

[@TREVORDAWSONTHD]

My favourite holiday playground the Gold Coast. Nice flight in the Sling.

[@ABC-hc5yq]

You never disappoint! Great video! I literally just saw a sling today.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks AB&C, glad you enjoyed it.

[@grantmcasey4134]

jeez, the sling performance I wasn't expecting that. so good great video stef!

[@StefanDrury]

The numbers were a lot more impressive than I was expecting to be honest with you. Seems like a very capable aircraft for the price and level of customisation available.

[@grantmcasey4134]

@@StefanDrury agreed 100%

[@kevinphillips9408]

Great aircraft

[@kevinphillips9408]

This is a wonderful aircraft

[@flyingwithchris2723]

Love that BushCat as well.

[@JonMulveyGuitar]

Nice landing! I was just down at TAF in Torrance Ca. Checking out the TSI. An amazing plane and great facility. Both the build center and the Sling Academy.

[@milk-it]

That's an interesting aircraft! Nice.

[@blucklightfoxartinnovation9357]

nice video brother stefan brother keep up the good work a+

[@geoffj3191]

Beautiful view of Point Lookout half way through.

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah it's a very scenic coastline up there. Was nice to check it out.

[@mjotd8670]

Great video Stef, love the looks of the Sling, and the performance seemed pretty awesome too!. How does the overall range( distance) compare with the Cirrus?

[@alexanderdavidson7837]

I met Errol when he flew a Sling into Ymmb for RVAC... Friendly fellow to be sure

[@D0539]

A VH Rotax, not something you see every day and impressive cruise speed. Very nice. I especially like the FADEC automation.

[@kevinphillips9408]

Absolutely wonderful aircraft. I few in one over LAX with the Sling Academy. Can't wait for the high wing.

[@JoeGoldman]

Hey i've flown into there! There was a lot of slings out on the day I landed i believe the aero club uses some as well for their training aircraft. Got coastal clearance both up and back going past Q1 at 500ft nice little view!

[@StefanDrury]

That's awesome, yeah it's a well located strip and nice to fly along the coastline hey? Thanks Joseph.

[@sunshinecatcher8779]

Love that bush plane

[@tomc0012]

South Africa viewers are da best

[@LunarLithos]

the TSI sling was one of the first planes ive flown it was amazing

[@StefanDrury]

Cool plane to start in, nice.

[@LunarLithos]

@@StefanDrury yeah it was

[@marcel-koks]

Very nice looking machine!

[@SteveDaviesCPT]

Shout out to The Airplane Factory up in Tedderfield for a beautiful aircraft

[@MrWidows]

Love your vids

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you

[@MrWidows]

I love airplanes I'm intrested in them but... you make me happy by me seeing plane like thiz

[@MrWidows]

What does it feel like been in that plane? I've never been in 1 on those planes before I've been in the planes that you just I don't know

[@maverickhawk5540]

Looks good 👍

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks 👍

[@derkiwi151]

I love this plane

[@StefanDrury]

It loves you too!

[@derkiwi151]

Stefan Drury is this one that Errol has recently built? I was over there just over a year ago and I think he was starting to build one then. I looked at bringing a Sling from Aussie over to NZ before buying a plane locally

[@nsw72]

Nice little aircraft. The implementation of glass and FADEC in a small private airplane like this is a sensible move as it defo takes a lot of the load off the pilot. The centre stick though looked such such an anachronism!

[@StefanDrury]

A FADEC controlled engine is fast becoming a priority item for me in any future aircraft I think. Manual mixture and prop control is such an old technology. When aircraft design has come so far it's crazy to think the oldest tech onboard many modern planes is often the engine itself.

[@spiro5327]

I can see where this is leading. The Cirrus will be traded for a brand new TSI with S.A.P.S, haha. What a great little plane, and a 4 seater at that. Garmin glass and the blue level button. Thanks to Errol and you Stef for sharing, really enjoyed this one. Thanks mate

[@StefanDrury]

Haha, not sure I could give up EYZ but the TSi sure is an appealing aircraft. The Garmin avionics alone are a big appeal I have to be honest, especially compared to the 13-year old Avidyne tech I'm currently using.

[@lloydavontuur3018]

Yeah, was hoping the aviation pride of South Africa would make it to your channel. Hello Mike too!

[@rikspector]

Hi Stef, Now that was a different experience. Hope all is well and you can do some real flying again. AS always, Cheers, Rik Spector

[@Laz_Arus]

What a great little aircraft. This needs to be modelled for FS2020. Come on developers ... there's an audience of at least one waiting 👍

[@StefanDrury]

I think someone else in the comments said it coming with FS2020. Can anyone else confirm?

[@Ulbre]

Fairly sure Errol is a Flt Instructor, so anyone in the SE Qld area that is interested in the Sling or BushCat but doesn't yet fly, then what a way to learn to fly. Seems like a nice bloke too!

[@fukawi2]

I'm thinking the TSi high-wing will be an excellent aircraft. Looking forward to being able to take one for a test flight.

[@walterweigert9840]

Hi Stefan. While I was watching this video, I thought to suggest you to visit "MojoGrip"´s channel, and when the video ended, and I went to the comment section, WAT WAS MY SURPRISE when I reed the very first comment from Mike, ha ha. What a coincidense! I´m subscribed to his channell too and followed his assisted asembly of his Sling. Thank´s for the video and for introducing this nice fellow. As always, I hope you and your family are safe; cheers from northeast patagonia, Argentina.

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah I enjoy Mike's content, nice to see he watches my channel too that's a compliment. Cheers Walter, we're all good here thankfully, hope you and yours are too.

[@guitarDad100]

Very nice. I hope to see a video of the Bush Cat...

[@x2quinno680]

Considering flying one of these, Thanks (still wanna fly cirrus - wanted to before i saw your channel) Need a comparisan video now (haha). Look forward to seeing more planes.

[@StefanDrury]

I was thinking of a comparison video. It's a good one to make during lockdown, I have some thoughts on pros and cons of both and I wonder if people are comparing a 2nd hand Cirrus SR22 G2/G3 to a new Sling TSi because price wise there's not a massive difference.

[@x2quinno680]

Stefan Drury I am interested as I’m kinda tossing between the 2 for my traning

[@nickwest4080]

@@StefanDrury Id love to see this. A smart objective critique in your style. Yeh, objective, you'll have to tone down the aeromance of EYZ though !

[@ozziepilot2899]

That was interesting thanks Stef, the Sling is growing in popularity. I was flying around Mt Beerwah area on Sunday and the largest number of radio calls I heard were from Sling pilots out of Caloundra and Caboolture, I felt like the outlier in the 172 lol :) I'm starting to like the sound of the Sling as an alternative choice as it matures.

[@StefanDrury]

Cheers Paul, to be honest for the money and the level of customisation it's a very appealing aircraft. I think it will sell well as a touring aircraft and I yeah reckon we'll hear more Sling's on the radio as time goes on. Thanks for watching.

[@adrianbarber2905]

@@StefanDrury Just so I can allocate funds out of this weekend Tattslotto Division 1 that I hope to win, what is the pricepoint?

[@BonJoviMad100]

Go Fly Aviation in Caloundra (And now Heck Field) have sling aircraft, and they're the best to fly. I can actually see out the front, unlike when I flew Cessna's.

[@igorvainshtein]

@stefan funny running into you at Gold Coast airport last Monday and then I actually flew a Sling today at Heck Field and had a good chant re TSi with Erol as well and then find this video here!!

[@garthnaude9920]

Great aircraft. And not only because my mate is the chief test pilot at the factory in Johannesburg.

[@maccamacca7762]

He's a very happy salesman! 😉

[@sydneyaerospotter5856]

Great vid Stef! I really enjoyed seeing the take off and landing from outside the aircraft. I think JP @the_candourist fly the sling in South Africa! The sling suits the Australian market.

[@daveborg]

Good looking aircraft. Can you kit these out for IFR?

[@beagle7622]

Looks like the field I used to fly out of. Having to avoid the water on one side of the runway when I took off & landed.

[@guillaumefo]

When were you there ? I was there on the 18th-19th :( I would have loved to meet you, you inspire me so much Stef

[@dommycool100]

Omg Stef was in my training area, Wish I knew you were at Heck!

[@StefanDrury]

Just a quick day trip in and out. Hope to be back to fly the Bushcat once Melbournian's are allowed out again.

[@dommycool100]

@@StefanDrury Yeh that things looks epic!

[@johnclauder615]

I want a Bush Cat !!!

[@craigb3138]

Great Video. ... maybe you could give us a demo of the Bush cat, next time you are in QLD?

[@bryan.meijer]

What do the sling and this video have in common? They are both amazing!

[@StefanDrury]

This comment too! Thanks Bryan, glad you enjoyed it.

[@tomkenyon1650]

I'd be keen to see a video on the VL3 once they let you out of lockdown. They sell that too.

[@phillangham7756]

Milkshake is on the new torquesim SR22 for X Plane 11

[@thomasmiller3115]

Love the Sling TSi! SO glad you got to get a go in one. Also, that BushCat looks super intriguing. Hopefully you can get a video in that coming soon.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Thomas, yes we were planning to do some filming in the Bushcat but then you know, global pandemic and all that. But once we're travelling again I'm going to take Errol, the Bushcat, and a drone, and go do some beach landings.

[@Vansaircraftbuilders]

Thanks for a great video! I wonder how it compares to the Van's RV-12iS?

[@andrewmorris3479]

Hard to compare the two. TSi is a much larger aircraft and weighs a good 250 pounds more than an RV-12iS. 160 knots vs 120 knots as well.

[@DiamondriverPlays]

Stef i am a big fan and want to be a pilot one day!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks DRP, keep working hard and absorbing as much as you can about aviation and I wish you well with your goal of becoming a pilot.

[@JagTheRipper]

Hi Stefan, great video man. Just found your channel and am loving it. Wanted to ask how much does it cost to get a PPL in Australia. Cause I live in Singapore and it costs way too much over here, this city is literally the most expensive city in the world. Was wondering maybe I could go down to the land down under in the future and get my license since Singapore is not that far away from Australia.

[@jabariphillips766]

I flew a sling from Bankstown to SYD

[@airviator9194]

Ah yes plane

[@airviator9194]

@@DEAD-cu5uc wait I think it is🤔

[@nate9352]

Hello Stefan! Love the content as always! Also, a week or two ago, you mentioned that you were locked down for 6 weeks and won’t be able to fly again, so, how are you flying again??? I’m not Australian so I don’t know all the details, so if you could explain it that would be great! Anyway, great vos as always!!

[@StefanDrury]

Hey Nate, yeah we're in lockdown but I put in the description this was filmed before that. It's from back in March. Thanks, stef

[@flightsim524]

@@StefanDrury Ah! now I know. I'm in Queensland and was wondering how you got in from Melbourne. Another great video thanks

[@muddles74]

I Have been waiting for this vlog for a while. I hope you liked the TSI. What do you think of it compared to EYZ? I would love to build one someday

[@StefanDrury]

First of all, EYZ is the best plane in the whole world so let's just get that straight. But secondly, the TSi genuinely seems to be a very capable aircraft for the price. Plus the customisation (especially with the Garmin avionics) and fuel efficiency are really strong selling points. I think it will perform well as a touring aircraft and won't be surprised if we see more TSi's flying around over the next few years.

[@timmikep1978]

How does the sling tsi feel compared to the cirrus?

[@byro6812]

Noice.

[@rossmcdonald2486]

Wait heck field is were I fly out of i never expected you to come out here

[@michaelsideris8799]

Hey Stef, some people are calling the Sling TSI the Cirrus of the LSA!! How would you rate that comparison? Loved the video as usual, keep them coming legend.

[@StefanDrury]

I can understand the comparison. The modern avionics and automation are definitely appealing in an LSA touring aircraft. I think this will do well and would be a strong consideration for those looking for an aircraft, that's why I was keen to check it out so everyone can see it on the channel. Thanks Michael.

[@dazgodbold]

2nd favourite tourer after the RV-10. How'd you escape Melbourne?

[@tonymorris7377]

Barbecue at YBAF this Saturday, coming?

[@Inserico]

Oh wow, Stefan, you still around? Love to grab a coffee with you!

[@pascalcalixte1583]

Hey Stefan are you considering a change of aircraft after this flight?