INSIDE The NEW Sling TSi l FULL Flight Review & Performance Data

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I finally flew the new Sling TSi from The Airplane Factory. we’ve all waiting a few years for this aircraft. After flying it’s predecessor 3 years ago, my initially impression was that the aircraft was light and well built for an experimental aircraft, but it was underpowered for a 4 seater.
The first generation Sling 4 is already a great platform. Now add a cleaner design with some speed mods and 30 more horsepower on the new Rotax 915 engine, and you’ve got yourself a true 4 place cross country airplane.
On this flight, the first thing I observed, was the FADEC system in the Rotax 915. First was the run-up which was seamless, a lot of the manual labor has been taken care of by the ECU computer built in the engine. You just hit a few switches on and off, check your oil and engine temperature that it’s all green, and you’re good to go. Keep in mind that this engine is also turbocharged.
The turbocharger in the Rotax 915 is readily available which means it can be used continuously. And that we did. Through our climb, even during cruise, the turbo was active. As a result, this airplane climb and tore through the air in an impressive manner.
Here are actual performance recorded during the flight.
Climb rate: I saw on average 800 -1000 feet per minute, both on a low elevation and high elevation field. The airplane also climbed post 500 feet a minute at higher altitudes.
Speed: Takeoff was at 60 knots, we climbed between 75 and 90 knots. Below 8000 feet, I saw between 140-160 miles per hour. Above 8000 feet I saw between 175-200 miles per hour.
Fuel burn: I saw between 7 and 10 gallons per hour.
Balance/Behavior: The aircraft behaved itself as we flew through clouds and around mountains. It remained well centered with little to no inputs on the controls.
Comfort: Let’s just say I would have stayed in the air longer if time wasn’t an issue.
Overall impression: The Sling TSi is officially my number 1 pick when it comes to experimental kits/airplanes.
Music:
bensound.com
hooksounds.com

[@mzwandilejanuary4222]

I'm South African, this plane is made here...and I'm getting myself one.

[@pctrashtalk2069]

Nice video. It looks nice. I just read about this in the April Kitplanes magazine and it's on the cover. Fuel capacity is about 40 gallons. Max Gross wt is 2094 lbs, typical empty weight is 1080 lbs and typical useful load it about 1014 lbs, full fuel payload 738 lbs. It is assembled with pulled rivets with matched pre-punched holes. Any solid rivets done by the factory. Kit price at $53,297 and estimated completed price $135k to $200k.

[@homertalk]

Wish they had a $10k kit

[@pilotavery]

Fuel capacity is now 75 gallons. With the extended tanks and larger main tanks on the updated version.

[@thinkingoutloud6741]

What an old man’s dreams are made of... Thank you for this video.

[@arifsealey]

Easily your best video to date Mike. It was so informative, especially the explanation on air speed and ground speed. Keep up the great work!

[@jimflom1]

Excellent video! Any possibility of Deicing?

[@timduncan8450]

Nice film Mike! Really appreciate your comments and insights on this super attractive aircraft!!

[@putuputrasta7706]

Hey Mike, I love most of your videos. Especially this one... You need to make more videos like this. Keep up the good work.

[@WeTubeIn90210]

Wait. So, are we not gonna speak about the awesome vintage birds on the ramp, at 15:33? 😆 Great airplane...Great Video - Like your work, Mike

[@repentuklondonwatchman1373]

Oi, Shhh. 🙂🤔🙂

[@paulburgess8527]

I'm with Sergio....I have been looking forward to this one. Thank you so much Mike for doing this one (I know you were just as excited to this as we are!).

[@wstafco]

Great to see you actually flying the plane! Do more videos with you flying. Nice video as well!

[@NkrumahTure]

I see why you like this style plane Mike. Great coverage.

[@DKNSinha]

Thanks for making this video, very informative and great camera work really let you see what this plane is like

[@austinformedude]

That is a NICE experimental. Its like an SR22 at half the price.

[@austinstroot9910]

Brandon Wright for a new SR22 they start north of 750k, so this is basically 1/4 of the price! It’s an outstanding value!

[@austinformedude]

@@austinstroot9910 Make sure you put a value on the Labor too, however. :)

[@austinstroot9910]

Brandon Wright Very true, but the sense of pride you get after finishing something that you built is pretty substantial. Not to mention your annuals are significantly cheaper (because you do them!), you don’t have to buy FAA cert parts, fuel consumption difference, and no mandatory 10 year chute repack/rocket replacement (unless you elect for the chute option)! The differences other than initial price are substantial, a new cirrus is just not within my reach financially, which is why I’m looking hard at this, I’ve actually went out to visit the people at Midwest Sky Sports (the Midwest region authorized sales, service, and build-assist center) who are extremely friendly and will take the time to show you around their shop! This is just a product that I believe in and want them to succeed just as Van’s did!

[@mgd09050]

Try 1/4 the price! Sweet plane.

[@Tommy-B.]

Still at the beginning of the video. Gave a like because you said the weather was “poopy”. Lol

[@Waveluth]

Hey Mike, I’m so excited to see how your plane comes out. You must be over the moon with anticipation by now. Great video. ✌🏻🇺🇸

[@johnfoster3370]

Greatest show ever seen

[@Scott.Farkus]

That bird gets better mileage than my SUV

[@divindave6117]

Of all the EA's the Sling has been my favorite. Maybe when I win the lottery, I'll get me a couple of em!

[@ibgarrett]

Honestly, I spent a LOT of time at Oshkosh last year looking at this plane and asking a lot of questions. It is my go-to plane if/when I get around to building an airplane. I’ve got money down on the Raptor at this time and waiting to see how that design fleshes out (it’s getting close to first-flight), but the Sling is a very close second for me for many of the reasons you already outlined.

[@damianketcham]

Brian Garrett On a price-point and performance ratio I think the Raptor can’t be beat as long as it performs as advertised. The Audi engine saves tons of money compared to a Lycoming or Rotax option.

[@jamesharkness1058]

Mike: Great job show casing this incredible airplane! Loving this style of video you are putting out!

[@mojogrip]

Thank you James

[@davidt8087]

@@mojogripamerica needs more cool black pilots with dreads lol and dope glasses. Idk why but piloting is never something that reaches the black community even though I know the community would love to be pilots if they knew about it

[@reyesben]

Mike, you have a knack for explaining things in few words. Keep that up. Doug dimura talks way too much.! Ha ha.

[@bobobobo123450]

I’ve been waiting on this!

[@kdabaviation5032]

When I went to SNF the other day I saw this plane there. It was the same one too! Same registration and everything. I got to sit in it and take some pictures.

[@killianjohn4794]

Some time some day i'll get my pilot certificate.. Am so into planes....thanks mike for your inspirations...thanks bro...with love from tanzania, africa .lol..

[@ScottHuey]

Very well done video Mike....I'm currently shopping for a kit and was leaning toward the Van`s kit but not so much after this review...Love the numbers....thanks

[@CurbSlayers]

Scott Huey I was looking at the Van’s too but have swung completely to the Sling. Now just need to convince the wife! 😂

[@HerrinSchadenfreude]

Great video and great new airplane! Love the Slings. I flew the Sling 2 from the same airport but this one with the turbo sounds like it's amazing!

[@kalynstalinski8375]

20+ knots faster than a c172 or pa28 for the same or less fuel burn, as well as sea level performance at altitude...that is some truly impressive performance!

[@FP-xy8zh]

Please do the VASHON RANGER . Thanks

[@CRJ700ERCaptain]

Hey mike awesome video i wish u could do a video review on the velocity aircraft

[@mojogrip]

I wish too Alex. Velocity shoot kinda fell apart. May be at a future date we'll make it happen.

[@lmartinez3633]

Excellent review Mike. Can you also upload the video with the conversation and explanations taking place during the flight. Nice flying.

[@saltzen961]

Well done Mike . Very informative , and enjoyable video .

[@saltzen961]

P.S. Love the lines of that little ship . She's a looker for sure .

[@deaska7434]

Enjoyable review, thanks for the numbers. Turbo makes all the difference, and I'm really interested in the engine management system.

[@mikemarino1917]

Bad ass plane!

[@repentuklondonwatchman1373]

LOVELY JOB.

[@clearprop3804]

Hay bro you're looking good out there in cal flying that slings . But I was hopeing to see you down here at Sun n Fun.keep updates the good work.

[@kennymacdaddy]

Zamperinni Field in Torrance....Great video, Mike!

[@kenngross5306]

That we was an impressive demonstration.

[@mauriceevans6546]

Mike! Saw the first to stream aircraft in the USA at sun and fun 2019. You should track down the owner in Massachusetts and do an interview. I am absolutely in love with the sling tsi and the 200 mph stream. The stream is 200000 with 912 rotax and assist build out of the chej republic.

[@JoeJoe6678]

Mike, Important question... Are you going to buy one? You are looking at getting an aircraft. You can get the kit and starting building. Also, just wondering if this beat out the RV10 as I am asking the same questions. :) Both are ~200k IFR equipped but operating is cheaper with the TSI.

[@doesntmatter3068]

I have been looking for a airplane to purchase, honestly, been looking @ the Commander 115. Ironically, there headquarter now is in Norman, OK. which is also where the builder assist program is for this aircraft. That's practically my back yard! 60 minutes ago, I didn't know this plane existed! I've been a toolmaker for the last 32 years. I made a lot widgets over the years. Can't be THAT hard to build a airplane. (With some help) I didn't heard the mention of an auto pilot in the video but, I'm sure one can be installed. My online store has been doing very well over the years, I will be looking into this possible project a little deeper. Fuel burn on this plane is unheard of for that speed! Like to find some more numbers/spec's on this too. Like the video, but your cameras need upgrading. Thumbs up!

[@CurbSlayers]

Steve Miller The particular model in the video has an AP. Mike has another video with all of the in-cockpit audio and they talk about it. Definitely worth checking out if you haven’t seen it yet.

[@doesntmatter3068]

@Layne Claggett That doesn't even make sense what you wrote.........

[@doesntmatter3068]

@Layne Claggett thank you for clearing that up......and your right , Ive never live in Norman

[@dvsmotions]

This is my dream plane but I just can't afford it. I'm stuck with Wright brothers certified aircraft. I can't stand watching your videos because you make the Sling sound soooooo perfect. Guess I''ll be the little kid looking through the window at the candy store.

[@BillUtah]

Nice video. Looks to be a great plane. ' One thing I'd like to add is remember that a turbo does work magic with the engine only. The wings still feel that elevation so please remember this as you fly into higher airports. Take care!

[@edgarmartinez1407]

ESPECIAL THANK TO SLING FACTORY FOR LET YOU SHOW US THE NEW SLING

[@johnkacarab2661]

Why a stick and not a yoke?

[@homomorphic]

For the lay person: "the weather is poopy" is a technical aviation term.

[@smoothuncut]

Nice aircraft! Affordable also! Thanks for the upload

[@Marc-hy8cf]

Very nicely done... Love this airplane!

[@kintehorton2472]

Outstanding stuff!!!

[@MyUtubefreak]

If you'd ever flown a pusher aircraft then you wouldn't be asking whether the Sling TSI is the best. I've flown both tractor and pusher designs and I would NEVER consider a tractor design, especially one made of aluminum. Too bad you never flew the Velocity. I've flown 3 of them, all XL RG models. Also flew a Lancai ESr, Piper Archer, Cessna 210, and Katana. The stability and visibility are better in pusher designs than tractor designs by far. They feel like you're riding on rails in chop conditions. No pitch or yaw issues like tractor designs. FYI, the Wright brothers plane was a pusher. The only reason we have tractor planes is because of a military decision made a long time ago.

[@gregorygil5812]

Excellent job! Love your videos

[@b.maguire3506]

Really SWEET!! Thanks for Sharing w us all!! Cheers!!

[@taatrs]

Did you consider the availability of parts and the value of the aircraft should Sling go belly up? Love the plane! It’s performance and economy are unmatched in traditional GA aircraft. My concern, as stated above, is with less than 100 sold in the US you might have to fabricate parts.

[@tjonessc]

Great Vid, nice plane. I can see now why this is a much more economical option vs a cirrus, good speed, good comfort, 1/3 the price...

[@Sonex1204]

Great video!!

[@MrVancev]

I would like to see you fly the velocity twin and see what you think of it.

[@pslny]

Just found your channel, nice review. 200 mph is an in between airplane for you? I want see what else you are flying, lol. Nice job.

[@fngonzo]

This thing is sweet! I really would love to own one but I would need some sort of FIKI system for the northern winters. Great job, Mike.

[@kevinbutler9786]

You technically "build" this plane yourself. If you can put it on a cirrus then I don't see why you can't put it on a TSi. Unless that is proprietary to Cirrus that is.

[@ezekielvision]

Sounds good to me

[@BoomerangRCJets]

I'm sold.

[@farmboy694]

Looks like tons of head room for us big guys

[@triedproven9908]

Very nice, looked like a lovely flight in a linear plane.

[@joeheitz1833]

Good vid!

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

Beautiful story and video

[@MarkSlatter]

You can't have an airplane that's too fast Mike, you just need to get used to the speed so you can stay in front of it =) This airplane is awesome and I've been watching theses guys for years. Being Rhodesian, I'd love to support my South African neighbors one day. Sweet ride and loved your report, great job!

[@glennllewellyn7369]

Yep, they make a hell of a plane. Much support for you chaps during these silly times. YMER NSW.

[@jalabi99]

This video made me subscribe to your channel.

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

I looked today and you can get a tidy used Grumman AA-5 for around 40k. If you invest another 50 to 60 you would have a fully loaded certified 4 seater with glass panel so if you had the option of buying a new 4 seater Sling for 200k plus or be able to buy the real thing and save yourself 100k what would most do? To be tempted by a used Sling would mean it would have to be competing in the depreciated market regardless of its age coz no one is willing to put 100 big ones down the can for the sake of it.

[@barnesandrewj]

Awesome! South Africans are very cool. Yeah I'm biased!! Was that Waynes plane from previous video? Very cool he ok for you guys to use it if it is.

[@2vfax]

Yes it was mine :)

[@traumayeti6648]

Great video, recently found your channel. Would love to have one. Seems like an almost too good to be true 4 place. How’d you like the brakes? Used to toe brakes. What is the deal with fuel and tbo? Is it only 1200 hours between overhauls on the 915 is? Any issues with burning 110ll all the time? High quality Mogas is a little hard to come by. Also any ideas on price all options with builder assist? Time to build with quick build?

[@timothyjones7280]

If this airplane came with a tail dragger model and a To Seater with the low wing I do not like nosegear airplanes unless they are retractable.. I would consider it.

[@flexairz]

Okay.... No Rotax engine has magnetos.. Plus with the Rotax 914 (as with the 915) you do not need to pull back the turbo after five minutes. You pull back on RPM not manifold pressure. The flight was with a quartering tail wind of some 45 kts!! Of course you got 173 kts GS on full power.. But no one ever flies a Rotax full power.. 75% is more normal cruise.

[@MJ-vt8sj]

Great video, amazing plane!

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

I am talking to sales rep tomorrow and maybe flying out there next week. Would love to see you sir as I have a bunch of questions..

[@mojogrip]

shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@danielvanzyl3418]

love that plane.. Saving to get one myself...

[@mduthie1]

Great video, would be interested in your evaluation of the Lancair Mako. Thx

[@thor70001]

I went to Sun & Fun specifically to see the Sling 4 TSI, it definitely is a comfortable plane to sit in, my only concern was the actual physical size of it. Really felt like a light sport in size, makes me wonder how it handles in turbulent air?? Also really wanted to speak to actual reps from TAF, not from Mid West Sky sports which is one of the build assist companies

[@mojogrip]

Oliver you can reach out to TAF directly

[@da20eclipse]

In addition to MWSS, Jean from TAF was at the Sling TSi display, having flown with Wayne from KTOA, non stop I may add. Did you miss them?

[@ghostindamachine]

Or a RV10?

[@triedproven9908]

Great flight. Those avionics setup look familiar. Did you decide to go with the keyless push start mojo? I can only imagine the performance of this bird single pilot. I saw you went ahead and grabbed 200mph anyway at probably some absurdly low gph was it 10? Cause you were leveling it off with heavy cargo. Good stuff. Floating nose landing I see you put it down fast.

[@dh-flies]

Excellent review and video. The Sling is a great plane. Keep your eyes open Mike...Bristell is working on a 4 seater too... ;)

[@mojogrip]

Oh is it? where did you hear about this?

[@dh-flies]

@@mojogrip I just got a Bristell...I got the scoop from someone at Bristell. Not sure about a release date though.

[@ralphhippard2995]

Great vid Mike

[@Aviatorpassion]

nice video

[@edsonherald3720]

Hi There ! Ed Here São Paulo, 🇧🇷 I Consider FADEC as a Enhanced EEC. Whereas EEC (Electronic Engine Control) Demands Pilot To Check and Do Actions After a Malfunction, FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Contro) Takes Care Of Check and Take Action Preventing a Big/Hazardous Condition. Awesome ! Aircraft and Video ! Best Regards !

[@dieudonnemcful]

a snazzy lil plane!

[@mavricxx]

That aircraft seems like a dream! Just need to win the lottery so I can go buy my own lol

[@baronpilot2bb]

Am I reading the airspeed indicator correctly: yellow arc STARTS at 105 knots and red line is around 147 knots??? So, you cruise 10 knots shy of red line and are 40 knots into the yellow arc for normal cruise? Since the yellow arc is for smooth air only, even a light to moderate bumps day you are limited to 105 knots? Neat little plane, but sounds like the air frame is well under engineered from a safety standpoint concerning speed. I have flown around 130 different makes and models of planes and have never seen this thin of a margin on airspeed. The 67 Bonanza v-tail with a IO-550 upgrade cruises about 5 knots under yellow arc beginning and 50 knots shy of red line at 9k ft. Glasair III cruises 40 knots under yellow and 100 knots under red line. Not sure about a RV10, but I can't imagine it is that close. I would like to hear comments about this. Also, 15 lbs of wing loading at gross is pretty light and is is even less at weights under gross.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Just checked on the RV-10. Yellow arc begins at 156 knots and VNE is 200 knots. At altitude you are likely seeing 135-140 knots indicated speed, so you will be 20 knots under VNO and 60 knots under VNE. What this means is that you can comfortably cruise well under the "smooth air only" speed limit in the RV-10 and even have good margin in a descent. In the Sling Tsi it appears that you would likely exceed VNE by simply initiating a 500 or more FPM decent in cruise configuration. I assume the ultra low VNO range on the Tsi is due to structural strength limitations and the VNE likely for flutter concerns? Either way, I don't see how you could comfortably fly this plane in normal bumpy weather above 105 knots without concern.

[@mojogrip]

@Dukepilot the plane has been safely flown on the yellow arc on many long cross country trips, even in moderate turbulence. And the wings have been tested vigorously up to 9Gs of pressure applied. I do agree with your concerns, and I'll have more answers for you from test pilot. Stand by!

[@baronpilot2bb]

Ok, thanks for the reply. The fact that it has flown cross country well into the yellow arc only proves nobody has died yet. Generally speaking a yellow arc is a structural warning range with red line being more of a flutter limitation. What is Va in the Sling Tsi? There was a reason they started the yellow arc at 105 knots and red line also pretty low. I know of no other plane that cruises straight and level within 10 knots of red line. I think the plane is a really neat idea, but there is no way whatsoever I would fly this plane in anything but smooth air if the limitations indicated by the manufacturer are accurate. It is very difficult to build a plane with a low stall speed (which is low wing loading), low HP, and light weight and still make it strong AND fast. You can get good economy out of a highly loaded wing with high horsepower and still get efficiency, but stall speed and takeoff distance will suffer. The Glasair III actually gets better fuel economy (About 21 MPG) than the Sling Tsi and gets this economy at 210 knots. It also cruises about 60 knots under the beginning of the yellow arc and 100 knots under red line. It is impossible to break the plane in the air, but the plane will break you if you get it slow. The Piper Malibu is a great cross county plane with wonderful efficiency getting almost 16 MPG with 6 seats and pressurization. Like the Sling Tsi, it is a good short field performer with it's low wing loading and up high it is fast. The problem is that Va is anywhere between 103 and 135 depending on weight due to the design. Do some research to see how many have broken in in the sky because of cruising in the yellow arc. This is serious business. I have been in clear air cruising along fat dumb and happy and instantly hit CAT that literally hurt my back and neck enough to require a doctor visit. That happened in a P210 about 15 knots above Va. I don't think I would be writing this had it been in the Sling at high speed cruise.

[@williambutler2177]

Hey Mike, thoroughly enjoy your videos and opinions on various planes. Have you looked into the Lancair line, Barracuda and Mako or the old IV-P?

[@formula1junkie550]

Hi mike excellent comments any chance doing a video on the financial aspect buying /financing a sling / banks requirements being an exp. aircraft

[@mojogrip]

Noted. I'll try and make that happen

[@andyj72]

Question the fuel burn numbers, is that with avgas or mogas or is it the same for both?

[@dasrockness]

That's a pretty good tailwind. How was the trip back?

[@user-ks7go8im5b]

Hi guys. Where can I get your contacts to talk about purchasing one?

[@chrism9976]

Man, I keep looking at Tigers and Mooneys, but keep coming back to see this. Certified aircraft maintenance and parts are highway robbery. How much headroom is in there? I'm 6'2".

[@alexkoch8716]

I love this plane

[@pinchiwey8473]

Hey mike!! Do you recommend any finance banks and also whats the best way for me to get my pilots license since i live in the middle of nowhere here in west texas?

[@evanhasson6032]

Hey Mike, I'm getting my PPL right now and I was taught to not cruise at full power because in addition to wasting more fuel it is bad for the engine in the long term. Is this true? How long were you guys at full power on the way to Big Bear?

[@mojogrip]

This is true. I was cruising at full power for the sake of this video. But for most of the trip, I had the power set to eco which still gave me about 185 mph :). On a normal day in the Tsi you should see 150+ kt True at higher altitudes. On this day we had some nice tailwinds which pushed us an extra 10-15 mph.

[@slawomirlisznianski7537]

Can rv10 owner (lycoming IO-540) comment if take off out of big bear elevation would be visibly harder? I’m trying to decide sling tsi vs rv10

[@AmatullahK]

Thanks for informative video. There seemed to be good weather for the roundtrip. How would the New Sling Tsi if you were caught in not so good weather?

[@scottmcdonald3019]

Hi Mike, a great video. You said every knot of airspeed means that your fuel consumption goes up by 2 or 3, can you explain a bit more please, because the numbers you quoted in the video showed an increase from 8 gals/hour to 10 galls per hours for a 20 knot increase in speed.

[@TeamStevers]

Are you the dude from Popular Mechanics?

[@reyesben]

The most important numbers you left out though. How much will it set me back to own that airplane you were flying in? Also doesn’t the 915is take Auto fuel? That’s a savings compared to typical engines that require 100 low lead

[@mikegrahn6273]

Mike,. Great job 👍 on the TSI. Can you buy it ready made? How much?

[@deepbluesea1887]

Hey Mojo Mike, I’m Money Mike again… Do you live in CA? I’m in SD. Can you take me on a flight when your in CA???

[@peaceloveforever88]

good job brother