It took 15 years to get here... 2024: A Year in Review

[@4alphazulu]

Man...I don't know what to congratulate you on first... New fiance, new airplane project, new puppy, new home. All of it sounds like an amazing 2024 for you both. Congratulations!!

[@Bulldog1653]

100%! I agree. HUGE year!

[@CaptCap25]

New puppy. Always new puppy.

[@dsinha99]

You guys are the most wholesome lovable couple I’ve ever known. Can’t pray enough for your health and happiness. Merry Christmas guys. May the new year bring you immense joy and prosperity.

[@Aeronate199]

Best aviation KZbinr of all times

[@ibgarrett]

Welcome to the Sling Family Josh. You two should do a South African tour as well. :)

[@andersongeorge4653]

True

[@Aeronate199]

High-wing for video/photography purposes

[@cmejaf30]

Yup, my thoughts as well. Assuming performance of both is similar, high wing fits the total mission for flights, which is content capture & creation. All the best to you both! Love the channel and following your journey!

[@bobninemire5154]

Taildragger High Wing ...Off field here we come

[@dibs92365]

Agree

[@dibs92365]

Agree

[@LazyDog_937]

I could also see low wing because they already have two high wings 😅

[@FarmLaurel]

Couldn't be more happier for a guy Ive never met. Well deserved Josh... Congrats on the engagement!!!!! Merry Christmas :)

[@MichaelLloyd]

If you meet him in person you'll meet the same guy you see in the video. He's good people.

[@robertm348]

Excellent end to the Aviation 101 year. By far, the best chapter is yours and Chelsea's commitment to each other. She's a keeper, for sure! I would love to see her share her own perspective of future adventures on KZbin!

[@mikearnold9363]

Congratulations on the pending marriage and the decision on Sling. I built my TSi in Torrance in 2023 and loved working with the team they have in the builder assist program. The plane, as you know, is a blast to fly. I have over 140 hours on mine and looking forward to 2025 to be one where I can put a lot more hours on it. I am based in San Antonio and if passing through I would be glad to show you my beautiful TSI.

[@MarkJones-os1vo]

Josh...you and Chelsea are pure inspirations in the sky and in life in general. Congrats on your milestones in 2024 and all the best in 2025!

[@Mets747]

Josh I’ve said this before and will continue to say it. You are one of my favorite aviation content creators. The way you narrate and tell your story is something you’d see in a discovery channel documentary. I’m so freaking happy for you guys and I can’t wait to be apart of all the future content in the coming years! Congrats Josh and Chels!!!!

[@stevecastro22]

WOW, that is exciting news, Josh. I know that I am not alone when I say that we are excited to see your new Sling being built and flown. Congratulations, Merry Christmas, and a Blessed New Year to you and Chelsea.

[@jbl7092]

We'll miss hearing, "niner, niner one". That's how my wife knows I'm watching your channel when she's in the other room 😂 I'm thinking ya'll will go with the high wing plane for better photography options. Merry Christmas!

[@treyfeeley2519]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so happy for you! I have followed you for years and so glad to see you begin this new chapter of your life!!!!

[@wairworthy]

Welcome to the wild world of building your own airplane. It's an extremely rewarding adventure. I love seeing more people jump to the experimental side of aviation. It better be the high wing so you two can come play in the backcountry!

[@gerardsamuel1649]

Congrats on all fronts! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to the build series..

[@johnisley4578]

TSI for sure ! Faster cruise, Better climb rate, Shorter T/O & Landing rolls, better endurance, etc etc etc. The Sling HW would no doubt have amazing unobstructed views from all seats, however seems to have a higher dihedral than most which I believe looks a tad different. I will be retiring in 2 years from flying heavies for 38 years, and I proudly own a Vans RV7A in Australia. There's also that little thing in the back of your mind with full cantilever strutless HW aircraft and moderate/severe turbulence, I don't think that VA would be suffice, I would certainly be somewhere between VA and VS "closer to VA" which I believe should be the case in most aircraft anyway, and If it was my choice I think I would go for the TSI even though I do love high wing AC. Hard choice ! Happy holidays, be safe. Have fun building your TSI !!!

[@Bulldog1653]

Well, another year has come and gone and I couldn't be happier for you both. You and Chelsea look perfect together. So you got a new dog, a new plane, engaged, and upgraded the planes. That's a hell of a year in anyone's book. I think a LOT of us are very curious though: with you buying the new Sling, does that mean N80991 is getting sold/retired?

[@baero2019]

Congrats Josh, I also did a demo flight in 916TS and I'm building a Sling TSi via build-assist (at Midwest Sky Sports) right now! Should be going into paint within the next couple months. I know the HW had a wait time of two years or so back when you ordered just to receive the kit, so normally I would say it would have to be the TSi but I wouldn't be surprised if they moved you up in line :)

[@ryanbarry2505]

Man Josh you're literally out here living all of our dreams lol. I'm so happy for you and Chelsey, and for your new airplane purchase. Not sure what you're planning to do with 991, but I hope she stays around for some nostalgia. Thank you for the amazing vids and life lessons!

[@PilotDiggerdavid]

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Safe travels and continue to cherish each moment!

[@ajmjtl]

Congratualations on the new Sling...can't wait for the reveal. Since you are a cinematographer/aviator, my guess is you chose the high-wing Sling!

[@OneAlphaMike]

TSi wins on speed, and IMHO, looks. (Though they’re both gorgeous!) I’m sure you’ll love either Sling. I absolutely love my TSi!

[@jonc8179]

Love the channel! Wear my 101 T-shirt with pride and get stopped often to talk about your channel. Merry Christmas and a great 2025 to you both!

[@Acc0rd79]

Merry Christmas guys. I hope nothing but the best for you in this new adventure with a new plane. Me and my wife are moving from Florida to Paducah, KY where I'll be storing my Beechcraft Sierra so I may see ya out and about in the future. I just hope the adventure never changes with the new plane, this channel was built on a little Cessna cruising all over the country doing what we all wanted to do but never could. Just keep the good times rolling and never forget about the Cessna!

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Cessna cardinal?

[@ChevyJay283]

As a GA pilot of over 42-years, I still learn from your content. However, we also enjoy your videography as you really have talent in that area as well. We remember seeing you for the first time flying your C172 with Kelly Phillips on Texas Country Reporter. We clearly saw your passions then. Merry Christmas, HNY and see y'all at OSH '25!

[@theaerolife]

How come this channel doesnt have millions of subscribers

[@gregory.stopyra]

Josh, you’re an amazing storyteller. Had me guessing what the “big announcement” was going to be…until I heard Sling!! Yes!!! Can’t wait to see what y’all chose. I’ll side with team Sling HW! CHEERS TO AN AMAZING 2025!!

[@1hornet1]

That's awesome news man. I am looking forward to that. I have always thought the Slings had a weird look to them, even more so with the high wing, but from the vast majority of the angles look really good and their performance numbers are always very impressive. Best of luck to you two!

[@abaird1234]

Thank you Josh and Chelsea for a great 2024 of videos. Lots of beautiful videography and uplifting messages. Congrats again on your engagement and congrats on your latest news too. Here’s to 2025 - looking forward to the ride. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you both.

[@The_Flying_Mechanic]

I’d go with the low wing all because of the tailwheel but given your purpose I bet you do the high wing for the better views. Either way, I’m excited for you both! It’s been a real treat to feel like I’ve observed some of this years recap take place in first person through conversations with you both. You encourage me to keep on going…

[@robertdavis6708]

Rotax for sure Josh. I've been running them for 4 decades in my snowmobiles and never had a break down on the trail. One powerful and dependable product. I hope other engine manufacturers get up and running so the Experimental crowds can fly reasonably. Good luck with your February wedding. There's nothing better than a dependable AP wife that's particular about her aircraft.

[@veritasmanagement18]

Congrats Josh and Chelsea. As a former Mooney Ovation 3 owner, I think you made the right choice with the Sling. Although the Mooney is a great aircraft, I think the Rotax in the Sling is a nice "modern upgrade." Plus you get to customize your panel, interior, paint, etc. I'm guessing you are going to go with the TSI. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@jaredcook7275]

You inspired me to get my PPL after watching your first videos back in 2010. Took me 4 years after you first started uploading but I got my private because of you. Good things come to good people! Awesome to see you choose a Sling too. They are fantastic airplanes. That BRS gives a peace of mind that is invaluable especially when you have so much to lose! I myself have been thinking of building the Sling 2 but it’s a tight squeeze for my dad. I’m guessing you’re building the Sling TSI for no other reason than Sling told me that HW kits won’t be available until 2026-2027. Maybe you got some special KZbinr privilege, though 😂

[@jonclassical2024]

Congrats and Merry Christmas !

[@AZFrank4x4]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both, Josh and Chelsea.

[@markschlegel1036]

Congrats Aircraft owner, thanks for the vid 's and good luck in the coming year. Please one a month of ya all!

[@KevinW8BRY]

Merry Christmas Josh and Chelsea! I have enjoyed the video’s of 2024. Laughed, watched in awe, and cried happy tears at the most exciting moment of the year…engagement video. Keep pressing on towards your goals..great advice! Who knows what will come on the other side of the disappointment. Love the content you put out this year. I look forward the sling build. Whichever one that is. God bless.

[@easttexan2933]

Have so very much enjoyed following Aviation101 through the years. Your videos are second to none in every way; editing, sound, scenery, story telling, etc. Can't wait for 2025. Wish you and Chelsea all the happiness y'all deserve in the new year. Y'all are without a doubt the cutest and most interesting couple on youtube !! I truly hope to hear wedding bells in the new year. Well, I guess I missed it, but which one did you decide on? That wasn't perfectly clear to an old man lol. I'm guessing the high wing for the camera work. Either one would be great though. Wish you two a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year. Looks like to get to San Marcos from Kentucky you have to pass right over my house. My treat at the Picket House for lunch. God bless.

[@Cottageguy2010]

Congrats for making your life what you dreamed it would be! It takes persistence , patience and planning but you did it! Safe flying!!!

[@chadgautier1004]

Welcome to Torrance, on the correct side of LA!!! That’s our home airport, on the laidback-beach side… Sling is where my 10yr old son & I did our discovery flight, and that is where I’m determined to begin my aviation journey, Lord willing, and funds available that is. My wife and I love your channel, and are looking forward to your local video content! Congratulations

[@Assassin1959]

Congratulations on your engagement and the purchase of your new chapter. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work, and thank you for your continued education of all aviators on this channel.

[@cuttingconversations5161]

Josh, thank you for your contribution to aviation. I’m so rooting for whatever you do. Awesome channel. #Goals

[@420Donnelly]

Congratulations to you both for a great year together, a new plane on the horizon, and best of all, Millie

[@amcdonald307]

High or low wing? I think you should build them both to give you more time to decide, then give the other to the first person to mention this great idea in the comments. (No one else has brought it up yet, have they?) But really, I don't envy you having to choose - they are both spectacular. If forced to guess I would say you go low wing, it's not like you're getting rid of the Cessnas, right? Looking forward to Chelsea discuss the rotax engine compared to those designed decades ago.

[@Tourn4x4]

Congrats on the Sling! got to see JP and the guys fly them over the Ocean, definitely a great plane!! And Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Look forward to the content in 2025!

[@markstevens6359]

Congrats to you both! Exciting year, and more excitement ahead! High Wing - easier to load, get in, load Millie, shade at airshow, roomier volume especially back seats. Also high wing easier for parents, mobility limited passengers, etc. I believe the long range fuel option easier in high wing as well... Plus you are both already "high wingers"... right? Regardless of choice, you will become huge Rotax fans... cruising at 12,000 to 14,500 sipping 6 gph, and enjoying fixed gear maint and insurance costs. Can't wait for your build series.

[@SuperAirplanemaster]

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Mr. Aviation 101! I’m very happy for you and Chels. Speaking for myself, thank you for being a role model of what it means to be a professional aviator and always putting safety first. I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter in 2025 holds for you. Thank you.

[@jon4739]

Wow! what an adventure for you two. While I follow you for the aviation I am much more excited for you guys on your knew life journey. Your love will only grow as the years roll by. I have been with my wife for almost 30 years and I had no clue how our love would grow over the years. I am beyond lucky and sending good vibes that you guys will experience the same. As for the Sling ( LOVE IT!) I am rooting for the bottom wing but I trained in the Piper's so there's that :)

[@Jake_WY7JMS]

I'm looking forward to seeing the progress you make on your new project. From what it appears, you have a pretty good set of hands right there with you for more bloody knuckles, cusswords, and long days. Good luck you two!

[@brandonb417]

Good video, looking forward to the plane build. I have to admit though, as a financially grounded pilot I get frustrated by the flying vlogger channels. I think it's great the awareness being brought to aviation, but the frustration comes with the lack of effort to make flying more affordable. I know it's not the focus of this channel, but with the mission of bringing awareness to flying and the capital ya'll have in the industry these channels could be good advocates for more affordable flying. With all the technology we have now, and mfg techniques, there is no reason someone can't design a more affordable plane. These Sling aircraft are cool, but they're super expensive. You have to be very well off just to fly a 172 now, even one that is 60 years old. The industry is pricing itself out of existence and no one seems to care.

[@jimcook6682]

Love the recap of 2024. And glad of your new plane. I saw the video of your engagement but didn’t see your wedding if you made one. Pray you and Chelsea have a blessed life together. My wife and celebrated 61 years this year. Jim Cook Olive Branch MS

[@sssigsauer2266]

Josh is a safety guy which is a good thing. He’s also in the business of videoing . So I pick the high wing for both those reasons. 1. You have really good visual in a high wing. 2. Off field landing in case of emergency. High wing gives you better visibility for putting down and a little higher clearance of obstacles than a low wing. 3. I believe he’s a bit more comfortable in a high wing although I believe in a cross country I give a little bit of a nod in performance to a low wing. 4. I don’t know the difference with a ballistic chute in coming down or landing . I do know you have no control of the aircraft after the chute is pulled. Same as a Hummer coming out of the back of a C 130 I imagine. All this is a complete guess of course but I do believe he’ll love either one of his choices. He’s already made his most important one, his wife to be. I wish him nothing but success, happiness,safety, and them both to have much Love. Have a great holiday season.

[@MichaelPhillips-s3z]

You two are great teasers.. I would guess that with all the filming you do the high wing would be the right choice

[@lostmajesty]

Congrats Josh! On everything you've accomplished! My DREAM is to build a Sling as well ever since I followed JPs process! Cannot wait to watch the build series! ❤

[@ranjrog]

Congratulations and Merry Christmas to you both! Getting hitched to a super cute A&P mechanic has to be one of the smartest things you will ever do!!

[@edmoser5594]

Congrats on the decision to go with a Sling.... going through the same internal process right now as well... but a little further behind you. Go with the low wing!! Merry Christmas!

[@danielstanford9141]

I'm at a loss of words for you 2 you just keep getting better I cant get my ppl due to health Your content is what got me interested in getting my ppl You are truly good person god will guide you Keep up the good work I'm truly happy for the both of you

[@chrisnordstrom6652]

Good for you, I am so happy for you and Chelsea, been married to my bride for 52 years and pray you have the same life and lots of kids. I am not a pilot, but have flown in many small and large planes . I don't know the technical pros and cons of each model, but, I like a high-wing plan for it's visibility of the ground.

[@MarionBlair]

Congratulations! Assuming the performance and range is equal, I'd go high wing, but that's a personal preference. The downside is refueling a high wing.

[@ronsflightsimlab9512]

I was flying with a student at SEE, and wandered in to Sling Pilot Academy... I think I'll get checked out in one, then fly my wife to Torrance to check them out. I've been watching the TSI... I agree it is the next generation.

[@ronsflightsimlab9512]

That said, I won't be able to instruct or lease back an experimental, as far as I know...

[@ronsflightsimlab9512]

And, love your stuff man. Keep going!

[@albertazua9219]

Best of holidays Josh and Kelsey, God Bless you both. Wish you and yours a long and blessed life.

[@redeyerabbittubing]

Josh, YES!!! My fav aviation youtuber now a Slinger!! man o man, you definitely made the right choice, took me over a year to decide on it for my mission, and just over another year to get it done...kit from South Africa, build center at KTOA, fly-off at french valley, I have a low wing, but you can't go wrong either low or high, I love mine just love the low-wing look, I think since you and Chelsea both own HW, why not switch it up? :)

[@paulorangel3620]

Congrats for you two from Brazil. 2025 with sky clear for 101.

[@markbock3027]

I’ve been wondering how long a Sling announcement would take ever since I spotted you and Chelsea sitting in one at AirVenture. JP seems to love his; I’m sure you will as well! Congrats on a great year, and much happiness to you and Chelsea, and of course the new pup. Can’t wait to watch the build videos… and see the plane at AirVenture 2025!

[@CheckSixAviation]

Welcome to the experimental aircraft builder community, Josh! While Sling is a great platform, I’m saddened that we couldn’t get you on the Van’s bandwagon. I look forward to seeing your project progress. Oh, by the way… I’m guessing you went with the high wing. However, my choice would be the low wing.

[@danphillips3125]

On the subject of short girls from Kentucky, they tend to be a bit feisty at times, but always genuine, smart, and creative. I married mine nearly 48 years ago. A lot of our courtship was in and around old airplanes. The smell of 60 wt oil and hydraulic fluid is like perfume to us and can bring back lots of good memories. We used to hang around KLAL. We were there to see an antiquer's fly in turn into Sun'N 'FUN. Merry Christmas to you both from me and my short girl from Kentucky, Rebecca.

[@FlightSimMuseum]

Grace, patience, discipline. Great messages to promulgate. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!

[@shonen84]

Haven’t been on your channel for awhile but thank you for sharing your life here. It seems so exciting. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful 2025 with the new Sling (I think the HW). Onwards and upwards!

[@everydayfamilyman167]

Very happy for you all! Merry Christmas :)

[@Michael-k3d]

Congratulations and great decision. Will provide you with great revenue/content, great business deal for Sling, leveraging off your good standing in the aviation world and popularity on social media. Everyone is a winner. Marrying Chelsea makes you the greatest winner of them all

[@serverninjas]

Amazing year in review. Thank you for sharing.

[@berniecanada2967]

Wow! You have given me so much joy as a single young man….then God gave us Chelsea and my spirit has soared! Thanks for including us in your journey. 2025 will give you so much more….BC

[@jackmacner9824]

Congratulations to you and Chelsea and thank you for all your wonderful footage. I earned my private pilot’s license in 1985 but have not kept up with my flying for various reasons. Despite that I will never forget the experience. Following you on your journey is something I always look forward to! Merry Christmas to you and Chelsea! Jack

[@Paul355c]

I’m so happy for you two. What a great thing to happen to a great couple. Cross country is my jam (SR22T) and I know you’ll love the Sling. Have fun and thanks for the best aviation content on the web.

[@tshimologoleso3148]

Congratulations to you guys, i think ya'll are going with the High wing, great visibility and perfect for your missions. I'm from South Africa, I am an FAA A&P Mechanic and a Sling Pilot too. Following your channel has inspired me to get my pilot's license. I am looking forward to your Sling Aircraft build series. Merry christmas and a prosperous new year.

[@thomasdavis5514]

Whichever you choose, add the parachute. Having owned a 1943 Taylorcraft L-2, and a Cessna 177RG, I now fly a Cirrus SR22. It changes nothing about how you fly. I still do a constant scan of my surroundings for where to go if the engine quotes. What changes are you odds of walking away unscathed. All the best to you in 2025 and beyond.

[@MyHealthByDesign]

Great choice! I flew the Tsi at AirVenture a few years ago (a week before my Private checkride). I'm still putting together the details, but I'll be building one soon as well. Can't wait to watch your progress, and following adventures in your Sling.

[@wavebuff]

Congratulations! Enjoy your new adventures!!

[@JSD7106]

Congratulations on all the new things that have happened in 2024. As far as Sling goes, I have always liked the Sling TS. It is sleek and looks like a racecar for the sky's. I have always enjoyed this channel from day one. You have taught me how to be a better pilot, even tho its only flight sim based, due to some health reasons keeping myself from the real thing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family, and I look forward to new videos in 2025.

[@jan3195]

Love following you throughout the year but especially enjoy reliving it with your year-end reviews. Congratulations on an incredible 2024 and wishing you and Chelsea an even better 2025!

[@volkerjansen3901]

Love your videos and looking forward to the Sling video series in 2025. Merry Christmas to both of you :)

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Make your dreams come true. Merry Christmas 101’ers

[@mickburek3202]

Congrats again, you two, and now congrats on the new Sling! You lucky dawgs, I've been wanting a Sling TSi for a few years now. Me, I would've still gone with the TSi (it's a sweet looking aircraft), but I'm betting Josh went with the high wing for several reasons: bigger cabin, easier for video/photography purposes, easier ingress/egress, and probably more I'm not aware of (but Josh is). I can't wait to see the video of the build! Soooo jealous!

[@str33tkng]

You have had major accomplishments this year, and I wish you all the best. Your words of advice towards the end were spot on!

[@linka1886]

Yes! Proud of you both! Welcome to the world of experimental. Both slings are wonderful planes. I’d personally go for the high wing to go alongside my RV-7. Happy holidays!

[@feinbush]

Love you Joshie!!! Blessings to you and your Family

[@alextrevino3284]

Congrats. Enjoy the built of the new airplane.

[@sinisabirovljev3896]

Simply Beautiful ! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@JulioHernandez-gz5lr]

The 201 is my favorite plane ever! I would choose the low wing because it would remind me of the 201. The high wing will work better for videos and photography. Josh, I think you will choose low wing just because of your love for the 201.

[@jasonleach2961]

Congrats you two! Excellent and exciting. The biggest reason I’ve steered away from experimental is you can’t fly into a bravo with it. But other than that, I may start looking at them anyway. Will be nice to tartar your progress. Can’t wait.

[@L2FlyMN]

I have been watching your content now, since you were in your teens to early 20’s I think? Been dreaming of flying my whole life! I finally got to solo in a single seat PPG, so finally broke that barrier, looking around in disbelief I was finally alone at the controls! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & congratulations again on your engagement this year!!!!!

[@thomaspittock4018]

Many Congrats and that was so darn awesome absolutely loved it!!!!!!!!!

[@mrb13676]

Congratulations on choosing the sling. You’ll be very happy in it. I really love mine although I wish it was the TSI!!

[@astampa1234]

Congrats on the Sling! Welcome to the club!

[@ralphwoodard609]

I think for video and photo purposes the highwing would do good. And congrats to you and Chelsea for forgiveness such memories that we can share with you. I hope to see you maybe one of these days but kind of doubt it. Take care and safe flying.

[@6MikeCharlie]

Congratulations and welcome to the Sling family. I thoroughly enjoyed the build process and the Sling community is awesome! My guess is the high wing, but you'll be happy with either. Turns those $100 burgers into $50 burgers - a highly efficient machine! Look forward to the reveal in 2025!

[@jacopieterse6577]

Welcome to the Sling Family. I’m still wailing to fly mine as it arrived just before Christmas in Australia (factory build). VH HPY hopefully will be airborne mid January for many adventures

[@kevinbraun9286]

Congratulations to you both. High wing is my guess. Exciting 2025 coming. I’ve have made somewhat of the same decision this week. Upgrading from a sr20 to a sr22g3, my dream plane. Thank you for your Aviation 101 channel. It’s been so motivating!! Merry Christmas & all the very best in 2025!

[@jamesbradshaw474]

Wow! The high wing would probably give you a better view for filming, but the low wing looks really cool. The low wing looks more streamlined and should give you better range. Of course I don’t know having never checked them out. You have a tough decision to make, but I’m sure you will make the right choice. Good luck and will be looking forward to your next adventure.

[@GregAllsopp]

Congratulations Josh! Very thrilled that you're going for a Sling. I actually live in Johannesburg, SA, not far from the Sling factory. And I have to say that they are lovely machines!