Flying The Sling 4 - First Impressions

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You’ve probably seen a few videos on MojoGrip channel; covering the Sling airplane. I’ve had more questions on the operational side of the sling 4, this is why I’m uploading a more lengthy flight video today to answer some of those question. Please watch the entire flight to see some of your questions answered.
I first checked out the Sling 4 three years ago, and my first impression of the airplane was great. Here are some of the impressions from the operational side
1. Light body frame - If you saw in the video, we were almost caught off guard when the airplane took off. I was personally used to flying heavier airplanes with similar performance, so I’d expected the takeoff roll to be similar. But no, the Sling took off before I could even catch it. And that’s because of the power to weight ratio of this airplane. Just imagine if you tossed a little bit more power in there. Then the Sling is truly ready from prime time
2. Responsive controls - Another thing I noticed flying the Sling 4, was how light and responsive the controls were, may be a little too responsive at times. But all of this will take some getting used to for any new pilot to the Sling
3. Power and engine management - If you watched again, you saw that I was naturally inclined to adjust my power setting during our climb and cruise. This honestly is just reflex, coming from flying a Diamond DA40, which also has a constant speed prop. Major difference with the Sling 4 though, is that the constant speed prop is controlled by an electronic system. So instead of having to adjust your prop angle at different phases of flight, you simply hit a switch, and that manages both your pitch angle and in some ways your power, engine and fuel flow. Such a neat feature because it presents less work load for the pilot
4. Overall performance - The Sling 4 uses a Rotax 914 turbocharged engine which has a power output of 115 horsepower. The turbo and extra 15 horsepower really helps during your climb. This is why the light frame of the airplane, even when loaded can lift off the ground and climb at a respectful rate of 1000 feet per minute. And then at cruise at 3500 feet, I saw our true airspeed go up to129 knots (148 mph) and our indicated airspeed was 116 knots (133 mph). And we were only burning 5-6 gallons of fuel per hour. Oh and I had the power set to full almost the entire flight. Those are some respectable numbers, given the Sling 4 can still travel up to 140 knots (161 mph) at higher altitudes.
It’s a neat design with a comfortable cabin, a true cross country airplane with low operational cost. That said, as much as I was impressed with the Sling, I still thought it was a bit under powered with the small 115 horsepower Rotax engine. We are expected to see a more powerful version of the airplane later this year at Oshkosh air venture so stay tuned.
Music: bensound.com

[@jodifu6274]

Great video, as always! You're so lucky to have figured out at such a young age where your heart tells you that you belong. I'm 50 years old now (God, that's so weird to say that! How did this happen so quickly?), and just now, FINALLY getting into aviation.It's always been a dream of mine, but for some inexplicable reason, I didn't seriously consider it for a career until very recently. I ended up all over the place; I was a machinist, then a submarine crewman, then a hospital corpsman that worked part-time as a cop, a paramedic, then a preventive medicine tech/public health sanitarian. At one point, I decided I HAD to be a SEAL, so I put my heart and soul, and an indescribably huge amount of effort, into that, but ended up being NPQ'ed (not physically qualified) for diving duty before I could wear the Trident, so I ended up being a "combat medic" (FMF corpsman) with marines. After getting out, I drove a tractor/trailer, working at one point as a roofer while between jobs, then got another degree in psychology, and found out after almost completing an MS in that field that UCONN wouldn't apply my graduate credits towards their clinical neuropsychology PhD. So, here I am, having just finished a post-baccalaureate certificate in pre-medicine, not feeling wildly enthusiastic about medical school, knowing I'm facing an uphill battle to even be accepted to medical school at my age. The funny thing is, while my head needs to be "in the game" for med school, all I can think about is airplanes! What an inopportune time to finally be properly bitten by the aviation bug! So, no doubt, after hearing this long and convoluted tale of woe and misadventure, the burning question in your mind, as it is in mine, is "why the Hell didn't you get into aviation as a career a long time ago?!?" Why indeed! Even worse; I bought a house in Sanford, FL right after I got out of the Navy, literally a couple miles away from Sanford Airport, which must have had a dozen flight schools back then! In fact, I even went on introductory flights at several of them, but for some reason that I just can't fathom in retrospect, I never followed through, probably thinking that I didn't want to put in the time as an instructor to accumulate hours towards an ATP. So, anyway, point being; this is obviously your passion, and I sincerely hope that you never let ANYTHING get in your way; no lingering doubts, no uncertainties, no well-intentioned friends or relatives who might not think it's a "serious" career. Hell, if I was you, I'd be pounding on a Navy recruiter's door again, telling him "I'm either flying jets off a carrier, or you can piss up a rope"! You have an entire LIFE ahead of you still, and please believe me when I say this; it goes by in a flash. Don't waste your time thinking "I don't want to invest myself in this, because what if I'm missing something that I'd REALLY love doing?" After all of these years, it's as if a light-bulb suddenly went off, and it occured to me that flying truly is the ultimate adventure, and the ultimate freedom. You can look at most careers, and think "well, this is obviously something that's not for everyone", but not aviation. Who the Hell could ever say "God, I HATE being a pilot!"? That's a good thought exercise for ya: Imagine being at the helm of your favorite aircraft, and thinking "God, this job sucks !" Can't do it, can you? I think there are two types of people in the World: Pilots, and people that haven't pulled their heads out of their ass yet. You are light-years ahead of the curve! Godspeed, my young friend! Follow your heart always!

[@toddb930]

Joseph DiFusco -- I hear what you're saying Joseph. I didn't have my act together in my earlier years and ended up going into the AF in the early 70's. They had me working electronics. After the service I went to college and got an EE degree. The Engineering profession, along with a family pretty much consumed me over my career. I'll be retiring in a year or so, (at 65), and recently looked into flying since it was something I have thought about all my life. While I now have the funds and the time I realized I wouldn't be able to make use of it so I'm going to pass it by. I wish I knew what I know now.

[@jodifu6274]

One of the many cruel ironies of life; that we all too often don't acquire the wisdom we really need to live a great life until long after we can really use it. I just hope that I can convince my kids to learn from my mistakes.

[@dam4274]

Joseph DiFusco I’m almost 60, still love aviation and now with the internet, KZbin, Dan Johnson and guys like Mike here, I’m really getting into it and would love to own a plane! Only thing is that I’m poorer than dirt disabled and on SSI.

[@vela4360]

Great vid man!

[@hellomotto4213]

Mojo grip you're the man! Keep posting videos please.

[@VMCAviationVideos]

Great explanation on the Sling 4, Thanks!

[@pbbrown1963]

Hey Mike! Great vid. Thanks. Do an RV-12 vs Sling 2/4 comparison.

[@mojavegreen9538]

My vote goes to an RV-8 with the big Lycoming up front.

[@pbbrown1963]

Yep, for speed I like the -8. However, I don't care for tandems. I like the extra seat beside me to put my junk in or to have a passenger I can see to talk to. Because of that I like the -7A. I like the -14A for the extra space and visibility. A great plane for long multi-day cross countries. Very comfortable.

[@l.a.tobangkok4896]

Mojo...what are you doing back in L.A. I thought you had moved to Georgia?....by the way, I just bought a beautiful Yamaha 2014 Stryker. 14k Mileage, very clean and strong....also bought an Extended 2-Year Warranty for $600. So, for next 2 years all major internal components covered, etc....Thanks for the introduction to this great Bike. Love it.

[@mojogrip]

Haha sweet! I've definitely missed that bike. You'll love it. I did move to Georgia. I was just back in L.A for some work. Enjoy that bike. Safe!

[@mrdeurknopp]

When do you think you'll be able to try one of those new electric planes? I have been seeing a lot in the news today about different companies around the world buying the Pipistrel electrics.

[@AlexanderOslanbg]

I', having a difficulty of determining practical differences​ between Garmin and MCL. Could You please discuss it in some of Your videos. Thanks

[@mojogrip]

Noted! My opinion maybe biased though because I've only spent about an hour using MGL and 100 hours on Garmin

[@AlexanderOslanbg]

Thank You in advance:)

[@l.a.tobangkok4896]

Mojo...Another question. What are the $$ Logistics of renting the Sling-2 from this Operator in KTOA..I think you guys were flying out of TOA?...How much to rent per hour? I heard the HHR radio Comms...Palos Verdes practice area ...How much for Sling-2 per hour rental?....Thanks

[@mojogrip]

Correct. I think rental fee for the sling 2 is $130/hr but I'm not sure. Please contact Barry @ 424.241.0341 He can get you the exact numbers.

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

Is that your wife in the background? Awesome.

[@CraigMaiman]

Nice! :-)

[@luntbanzi1967]

I flew its little brother sling 2 and man it is so sensitive😂😂

[@l.a.tobangkok4896]

Just Googled it....Airplane = $130 Per Hour + Instructor $70 Per Hour....Reasonable for this plane.