How Small Planes are Built - SLING Aircraft Factory Tour

If there is one aircraft company that is stealing the show in the world of aviation, then it must be Sling. With their wonderful range of light aircraft; sold as Production Built Ready-to-Fly (RTF) planes, Quickbuild kits and as full construction kits, they have created the perfect fit for adventurous pilots around the world.
Join me as we walk through the companies factory hangars; where we get a closer look of each phase of the building process.
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DISCLAIMER:
- Editing has removed certain context
- I am speaking out of my own experience, rules and regulations may vary per country
- I am learning and improving everyday and encourage you to share your insights or point out any areas of improvement :-)

[@PilotBambi]

Hey everyone! This is a completely different video style from what I have ever posted before, so I am SUPER interested to know what you all think of it. I'd love to share more informative content, showing all the incredible innovations in the aviation industry (and from all around the world) Leave a comment down below and share what you think!! xx Bambi

[@melvinmurithi]

Kazi nzuri rubani. (swahili)

[@PilotBambi]

@@melvinmurithi Asante rafiki!!

[@grantnyenes3742]

Really interesting, a great South African success story..what was it like to fly?

[@manuelwyss101]

@@grantnyenes3742 good question

[@PilotBambi]

@@grantnyenes3742 Absolutely awesome plane to fly!! I was super impressed by the ergonomics of the aircraft, if i say that correctly. Simple to use, but very modern cockpit set up, incredible power to weight ratio, and the list goes on. I was allowed to fly all the way to Lanseria, and we flew in formation with the TSI all the way. I've done a lot of formation flying, but it was never as comfortable as it was in this plane. You can almost micromanage your throttle which is incredible!! And gosh, don't even get me started on that cruis speed. Nothing in it's class compares!!

[@awonkempetuse3402]

South Africans are very gifted people. All we lack is a Government that will encourage development and innovation.

[@conniealldis]

How is the rioting going there? HAs it slowed down?

[@ZubairKhan-vs8fe]

All we lack is a Government

[@Hiperruimteindustriee]

Well we’ll just have to do without one.

[@MrAzizisse]

I am from somalia. I salute how SA pple are pioneers in aviation and engineering. They build superb attack helicopter that is bought by all countries. They were first in heart transplant. First in many things. Since 91 government taken by blacks the country fall behind. ANC is incompetent . Its failing the nation.

[@flyblueskyguy5863]

Very interesting to see the factory. Sling is doing very well and kudos to them for designing new prototypes. Congratulations Sling and South Africa.

[@sachinamarath6552]

"This is a canopy for a sling TSI, i don't know why its here" best part

[@derekpirie9188]

The words are '' Proudly South African''. Thanks Rosita for show casing South Africa, through your flights by Plane and Helicopter. I agree with all the comments, informative content like this is what ''opens ones eyes'' into how ''it was made''. Keep up the flying and the excellent content. From Durban, South Africa.

[@slingbuilduk400]

Great video. Thanks for sharing the Sling Aircraft story with your subscribers. I was sold on the Sling Lifestyle on a trip to Jo'burg in 2020.

[@jorgedhernandez5407]

Being an LSA owner, I enjoyed watching the development of the company in So. Africa. This is an awesome aircraft that is made for the pure enjoyment of flying. I am so glad that the company is doing well and they will do well into the future. Yes, folks, I'm happy to have my arse in a Sling.

[@sachinamarath6552]

First time i flew the sling 2 i fell in love with aviation all over again. Amazing video Bambi

[@ravingcyclist624]

It speaks well for you that they would give you such a thorough tour and allow you to do a video. Bertus was SUPER ! A great bunch of people are working there. You got them 50,000 views so far and hopefully generated some business for them.

[@ravingcyclist624]

Maybe they'll give you a sample Sling! You could do an "unboxing". :-)

[@antoniog9814]

It is great to see how The Sling Aircraft Factory has become a solid company making a high quality product. I wish them much continued growth! It's easy to see how everyone working there is the backbone of the company, they truly love what they do and they genuinely care about the company. That said, I was completely in love with the Sling TSi, but they ruined it for me by developing the High Wing. The dilemma I have now is deciding whether to get a Sling TSi or a High Wing. Thanks a lot, Sling Aircraft Factory! :)

[@lucypretorius972]

This is the most awesome on KZbin I have come across

[@waynejohn8]

TOTALLY wonderful !!! Thank you, Bambi / Rositta. Love your smile.

[@PilotBambi]

Thank you so much!!😄 really happy you enjoyed it

[@f.scott.fitzbeagle]

Very interesting. They gave you what appears to be full access. Bravo.

[@topsecret129]

Loving all the South African content!

[@isaacmagagula4101]

I actually started building a Sling tsi I love the Sling factory

[@PilotBambi]

That's AWESOME!! such a cool plane

[@gpaull2]

“Designed by pilots for pilots.” As an AME that’s worked with a lot of pilots…that’s scary! 😜

[@Alaskan4Life59]

Absolutely awesome!

[@mcorrive12]

Thanks for the tour!! 🔥🔥

[@BenSieweke]

What an honor, First to fly the Sling HW. WOW

[@PilotBambi]

It was such a privilege!! what a plane...

[@BenSieweke]

@@PilotBambi I had the opportunity to be one of the first few to flight the Sling TSI (not the first) as I won a competition from African Pilot Magazine back in Oct 2018. Great Aircraft and all I can do find a way to own one of these one day. :)

[@natal777]

What an amazing company I love how they do everything in house ! Great video Bambi TY 💖

[@MarcelHuguenin]

"Congratulations, you're the first one to fly the plane outside of Sling", Well done young lady! Thanks for the tour Rosita, and I loved the Mike Patey reference 🤣Do you follow his Scrappy build?

[@ld5954]

Pilot Bambi! The best Pilot on earth!!!😉👍 Love your videos, And so grateful for you sharing your passion for aviation with us!!🙂

[@PilotBambi]

hihi thank you so much Leon!! Really glad you enjoyed this video!

[@philipgledhill7227]

I pilot bambi. Hope you and family are well.what a brilliant and interesting set of hangers.there is a lot of work goes into them.thats amazing work to produce one a week. Philip would like to wish sling all the best for the future. Philip. Bambi take care and good health to you all phil.

[@bramvaneden7318]

Another great video. Very interesting to see how a small plane like this is build completely from scratch. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing Rosita . 👍👍

[@pmh1nic]

Very interesting. I like the idea of height adjustment on the seat. During all of my flight training I always struggled with not being able to see much over the instrument panel (I'm 5'6").

[@roupa131]

I love factory tours. Please do more.

[@wytzesalomons1242]

Wow Rosita, I am so jealous 😅. You are the first non ‘slinger’ to fly the high wing! Would love to hear more about it from you! I have a reservation for hw nr 8. Perhaps we meet at Acha when you are back in NL. It was great seeing more of the sling factory. I hope to visit them myself later this year.

[@PilotBambi]

Wait WHAT!! Will you be flying the sling HW NL?? 🤩🤩 I’m back in NL and would love to talk about the HW with you. It is such an awesome plane.

[@wytzesalomons1242]

@@PilotBambi It will be registered 5H 😉. I Will be in NL this August. I figured you made the video a bit later as the Taildragger has had its maiden flight also by now. 👍

[@engineerahmed7248]

Only 1 good Q "How many boxes makes a real aircraft in packing deptt?" "Watch this Al panel is quite HEAVY"!! Lovely

[@azzamaddas4437]

I thought that I can't like TAF and its aircraft more but this video made me so. Thank you. 👍

[@PilotBambi]

Haha that’s awesome to hear!!! I was such a massive fan of the wild landings series, so it was amazing to finally visit the factory and meet the guys!

[@yaboykawz]

I really enjoyed that!

[@Ghost63123]

Julle ouens bou ongelooflike vliegtuie. Ek is opgewonde oor die hoëvlerk Sling, en dan nog n stertsleperweergawe ook. Mooi so manne!

[@gordonclark7632]

Very interesting and good to see a company that does all their own work which IMO, allows total quality control of the product.

[@alanmcnamara9155]

Lovely to see this tour. I am extremely proud of our own South African aircraft company. Nice to see you were in my part of the world, I'm north of there - east of Jhb and right next to OR Tambo International/

[@PilotBambi]

It is such an incredible company, and I have been a huge fan of their aircraft for years. I can imagine how proud you are that they are being built in your "back yard"!

[@T.I.M.5]

That was terrific. A really great watch.

[@johnkiragu513]

Awesome awesome video.

[@aspergo1648]

Proudly South African. I'm ordering one!

[@PilotBambi]

That is fantastic!! Such incredible planes.

[@eliasdaka3989]

and not only South Africa but the all Africa

[@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891]

I love Sling Aircraft. Awesome planes. Great deal to see the success out of South Africa. Such an awesome product. Very interesting to watch the video. I liked your vid very much. I missed some little more flying sequences in the vid, with you Pilot Bambi in the cockpit of the Sling Aircraft. Resume the company is awesome, Bambi is awesome and your vid is awesome. Keep on going…great!

[@lucmatter9601]

Super cool...

[@jayagopal50]

I think they assemble low wing SLING in Michigan.I went to the assembly factory..you can pitch in and get credit as experimental..no High Wing Yet.Hope to see them in 2weeks @ Oshkosh

[@iesikhaty]

Knocked this one out of the park! I think you have the best video tour of TAF Sling - meeting the real, authentic people behind it makes it special. They make great aircraft, and justifiably in hot demand. Who wouldn't want a modern, well equipped 4 place with the best balance of speed and economics? I'm not a low wing guy, and even I want a TSi lol.

[@timothyosborn1697]

Reminds me a lot of my days with Groen Bros. Aviation, in SLC, UT (USA). During that time we designed, and manufactured the parts for the SparrowHawk Gyroplane. I was the manufacturing Engineer in charge of creating the kit designs so that all of the parts to build the SparrowHawk were accounted for in the BOMs, and such. Sure did love my time creating Kits for the builders.

[@kawasaki3070]

I liked the behind the scenes & seeing how in depth this company was on making sure to build everything from the ground up.

[@Watson1]

Loved it, but next time instead of filming the guy showing you around, film what he is talking about, we missed a lot of the products he was showing you. But as it was your first, pretty good. Loved the look of the tail dragger. Did they a roundabout price on the two 4 seaters? I’m very jealous.

[@davidjohnston3438]

that girl is so pretty thanks for the nice video

[@insanomonkey]

Currently flying the Sling as a student pilot in the US, since my flight school has a few of them. AMAZING plane 🙂

[@chetmyers7041]

0:50 Blink and you'll miss the "National Geographic Moment." 26:15 Is Pilot Bambi engaged to the handsome bearded man? Wondering if her near permanent grin is a sign of how much she adores him.

[@bc2578]

What a shame what we let happen in SA in 1994.......Kudos to the actual productive people still making things work down there. Stay safe.

[@pred7949]

ag jisses, poes off why dont you, daar sal altyd 'n kont soos jy wees wat dit vir almal spoil

[@rupertmay3453]

this was a great film , it proves that south Africa has some very highly skill people the thought of them building the whole plane is lovely keep it up .

[@alexmikhael5061]

the hu-MaNz RACE as a WHOLE has some pretty talented and brilliant people in it increasing the vibe of the grid... unity is the better way, division is the great lie ;) we don't need to divide, we need to unite!!! it is sadding that the other side of the coin gets more coverage .... (the bad stuff gets more press... sigh good thing there are plenty but not ENUF people putting out GOOD AND DOING GOOD AND BEEING GOOD :) :) :) )

[@philwhipple4557]

I Love the upholstery lady almost as much as I Love You Bambi.

[@PilotBambi]

hahaha awh thank you!! she was so excited to show us her office, What a happy and hard working lady.

[@peterseverin2379]

Pilot Bambi, been following mojo mike and he flies a Sling TSI. Nice to see where the Sling originated. You should visit the US and hook up with Mike. Mike seem to have gone into the distribution business and seem to love the Sling. Nice to see the inside and the passion of the Sling staff. Great story.

[@russelllmetcalf]

Your passion for aircraft is as contagious as your smile. I predict you will be very famous in a few more years. I see nothing but greatness in your future. Well done.

[@PilotBambi]

Wow, thank you! This means so much to me!!

[@koosclaassen4871]

Love the video and would love more of them. My friend is the agent for them in Australia, so I have been fortunate to help assemble them as well as fly in them

[@bobokong8723]

James looks like the man who gave Spike the Swordfish II in Cowboy Bebop

[@leebrand2172]

Very, very impressive. 😜

[@RemcovanR]

Zeer educatief filmpje, dank! En hoe top dat je de eerste bent die in de highwing configuratie hebt gevlogen (naast Sling zelf, natuurlijk).

[@alexwonner7469]

A great success . James and Mike deserve a Nobel price in engineering and a medal for their bravery’s too. Thanks for showing the factory too. Just hope they won’t be looted soon in this chaos in South Africa.

[@brycejeannotte7699]

Really loved the video. Not often you get to see everything in a manufacturing setting. The style was good too. Enjoyed watching your reaction to what was being shown. Move videos like this in the future would be great!

[@PilotBambi]

Thank you so much Bryce!! I will definitely share more videos like this. It's so great to share what we get to see, and I was very amazed that they let us film everything. Such transparency is really unique, and says alot about this wonderful company. I can't thank them enough for helping me create this video (especially Bertus who stole the show!!)

[@sekaopelaelo1934]

Sling tsi ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kanusanyal794]

Great

[@edidyable]

Great video, keep it up. What percentage of the components parts are locally manufactured and what percentage are imported. Who makes their engines? Are there some other component parts that are bought from other companies in South Africa if so, what percent are they?

[@angelreading5098]

What a capable and hard working team,in house production is the way to go,a really enjoyable video,thank you.

[@PilotBambi]

I can't thank them enough for taking the time to show us around their awesome factory. Everyone is so dedicated to the company, and it shows so well in the final product. Each step in the production process is handled with care and precision. I was truly impressed.

[@Factory400]

I loved the airplane before this video, now I love the company that makes it. This was an awesome adventure. See you at Oshkosh.

[@wingslevel]

Looks like a super happy group of people, which equals a superb product! Great tour beautiful aircraft!

[@lmartinez3633]

Really nice and interesting video…

[@PaulGarthAviation]

Really interesting and informative behind the scenes of Sling. Secret of success, and recurring theme -- "We do it ourselves..." Thank you for the vid, Rosita!

[@PilotBambi]

So happy you enjoyed this video. Couldn't agree more; they are doing things right!!

[@andrepotgieter7083]

I just loved your made in SA Sling Tour, what a wonderful Team and an exceptional Aircraft!!

[@davidwookey3792]

What a fascinating episode, and what a brilliant company, all in house. A lot of other companies, especially in UK could learn a lot from them. Are these aircraft CAA approved?

[@mikercflyer7383]

Great looking airplanes see more of them in the U.S May be you can ferry one to Oshkosh.

[@PilotBambi]

That would be a dream!!

[@sigutenavickaite6587]

In theese small aircrafts all components are made unique or some parts are the same for other small planes as well? Like engines, other components?

[@EdwardHefter]

The engine is a standard Rotax 915iS or, on the High Wing, a Rotax 916iS. The bolts and other hardware are all standard, as are things like the flap motors, seat belts, and avionics. All the ribs, wings, composites, windows, etc. are made unique.

[@Khan-dl4py]

You are beautfiul

[@FTBonito]

Oké, no need for me to visite Sling Aircraft anymore as a Sling Distributor. Great tour from Bertus! And if you want Bambi, you can come to fly with us at EHDR #PH-SLG

[@PilotBambi]

I would LOVE TO!! 😃

[@mrsaskriders]

Wow that was a very exciting tour. You live a blessed life and live it to the fullest. Thank you for bringing us this video! It is amazing that they make everything from scratch. Incredible

[@grahamnash9794]

Fantastic. To see everything in the developing and finally the finishing shop is a rare thing these days. I'd love to be part of something like that. However, seeing you get a tour round the factory, and then hands on flying a prototype leaves me somewhat envious. LOL Good for you, each minute in control brings you closer to getting your hands on that C-208.

[@JohnPlocher]

Great behind the scenes look at a a great organization... From a videographer perspective, the content/composition balance between "watching your face" and "watching whatever you were seeing that got you excited" had me wishing to see much more of the latter... Maybe a good time to push the limits on that GoPro Max!

[@jamesdingley3138]

When I was 10 I got invited to fly there for my birthday in the grocery store🤣 It was so cool I got given a factory tour and a flight, it was the first time I had flown in a small aircraft. Even now I can’t forget it

[@RobertSababady]

"We do it ourselves" ...this seems to be an SA phylosophy that Tesla and Spacex have at their core!

[@highkicker11]

it used to be all off the developed parts of the world that was proud to produce every thing in country but then out sourcing became the hip thing and the cheap thing to do to make the owners or share holders richer then they already where. then exporting the laybor became the next hot thing and then actually exporting the thinkjng became the big thing to do. thats where we in euro and the usa are now. instead of going forward we are slowly going backwards. SA needs to keep that from happening to them, keep being proud of your heritage and country and work together to one day surpass europe and the usa when they where at the top of their game

[@robboinnz]

Musk is a South African originally…!

[@radzi-gpm202]

How about the price of one unit small aircraft sir?

[@julioserrano8730]

Amazing!!!! Well Done..... Love it. Aviation Rocks!!!!

[@lade_edal]

Just fascinating! This is one of the best videos on your channel. I was totally gripped watching this!

[@PilotBambi]

Thank you so much!! This is awesome to hear 😄

[@bensteyn1974]

What an interesting, amazing, insightful video! As a Saffie, very proud of this product. And I can brag that Mike Blythe was my microlight trike instructor for a short while at Microland, long ago. Living abroad now, I so miss those accents! 🤗

[@PilotBambi]

Thank you so much for your kind words!! ♥️Although I’m not a real South African (but definitely a snowbird hehe) I am super proud to see what is being created and built here. So I can only imagine how proud you are 😄 wow, how cool that you flew with Mike. Such a legend!!

[@branislavbabic4579]

9:39 not the coolest but the hottest place in whole factory :-)

[@grobbelm]

The IKEA of kites. Awesome company. Godspeed!

[@ccacrislan]

very, very nice Rosita, Thanks for that wonderful tour. I really like the Sling, but looking forward to the high wing... cheers

[@PilotBambi]

Thank you!! I give all the props to Bertus for explaining everything so well. I can't wait to see more High Wings flying around the world!!!

[@JodelFlyer]

Wow Rosita that was a really great and interesting experience for you and Maurits. Thanks for an insight into the workings of the factory. (I can't believe all that hand stitching!) 😉👍👏

[@PilotBambi]

Thank you so much for your response!! Really glad you enjoyed the video. We learnt so much that day and I’m so pleased we filmed it all😄 I think upholstery might have been my favorite part! Those ladies are doing some amazing work

[@flaviocunha7576]

I want the tail dragger, Santa Claus.

[@dus666]

Super leuk om te zien! Volledig met de hand gebouwd! :-)

[@alrv63]

Seems amazing in this day and age - as you say great to see.

[@philipritson8821]

​​@@alrv63Labour intensive is how manufacturing starts in a low-wage economy! Who'd have thought it?

[@jimcripps3612]

I as at the LAA rally in Sywell England a few years back and they were building a Sling in a couple of days (well almost) . It sure attracted a lot of interest. Regards, Jim in NI UK

[@PilotBambi]

That's awesome!

[@janharmlab]

They built a Sling 4 in 4 days at A.A.D. a few years ago.

[@eliasdaka3989]

our sling our proudly Africa

[@GaryLaaks1]

We have 1 Sling2 at Algoa Flying Club. Amazing plane. Responsive, massive range, comfortable and and and. So proud its South African. Well done guys. Honestly well done.

[@PilotBambi]

Thats wonderful!! I couldn't agree more, they really are the top of their class. such awesome planes!

[@1006V]

Wow, looks like a great company! Thanks for the tour.

[@PilotBambi]

Happy you enjoyed it!! It really is!

[@GuinThieussInternational]

Amazing congratulations nice Vlog

[@18twilliams]

How are all the rioting and civil war affecting this operation?

[@pred7949]

lol your fragility is showing old timer

[@captain_daniel9y631]

Aye look scrappy, Have You ever considered a collab and flight with mikey?

[@PilotBambi]

I would LOVE to meet Mike Patey! He's such a legend

[@captain_daniel9y631]

@@PilotBambi Design it, build it, test it, fly it. Yes he's super cool

[@PilotBambi]

@@captain_daniel9y631 It's embarrassing how often i say "back to work!" because of him hahaha!!

[@captain_daniel9y631]

@@PilotBambi hahahahahaahha lol. make my night. love the videos keep them coming

[@TeemarkConvair]

MOST IMPRESSIVE and LUCKY you!

[@jhonnyextremo]

He is sales representative the accent is way to much to have a well communication with customers ... great airplane

[@Gagarin737]

1 Van de leukste afleveringen, mooi gedaan! Is de highwing te vergelijken met een -172 qua ruimte?

[@PilotBambi]

Dankjewel!! Hij is veel ruimer en is “echt “ gemaakt om 4 personen te vervoeren. Met de 172 is dat al snel onmogelijk (ivb brandstof en zo) Hij voelt ook wat lichter op de controls en die extra snelheid is ook weer heel anders 😃

[@Gagarin737]

@@PilotBambi Dank voor de reply. Compleet gemist dat zij met een highwing bezig zijn. 1,93m gaat ook passen? Wil ook nog steeds naar de fabriek maar gaat steeds mis door een of ander virus. Nu een verslag bij Mike Patey! ;-) Veel plezier!

[@FlyingAroundOz]

Lots of video of Bambi smiling here and there and lots of footage of the marketing manager. Footage of the factory and the planes? Not so much. Especially the part where the marketing manager is describing the long range fuel tank and the camera never wavers from Pilot Bambi. She IS photogenic, but I watched the video to see how the planes are made. I can watch videos of pretty girls, even pretty girls flying aircraft any time. Disappointing…

[@foramericam1097]

Sling is the only decent company out of SA!! If I buy anything and I see Africa as a receiver I cancel the order!!

[@olivier]

Hey Bambi, I just discovered your super video showing the Sling Factory, I must say I am very impressed both by your job, very pro, friendly attitude, super presentation and great filming and editing (please congratulate your filming crew) and the also the amazing and huge setting of the factory. I know well the two "starters" of this fabulous Sling project, especially Mike Blyth as we have been on flying expeditions around the world from 1995 to 2004 (on trikes). When I met Mike back in 1993, he was building few trikes microlight in a very small hangar in Petite near Johannesburg, we both had a dream of flying over Africa and we teamed together for the best adventures in our lives. I have been following the Sling adventure, been there at the factory where you are in this video and it is amazing how huge they developped the company. So, I just had a great moment watching your super documentary and wanted to say thank you and wishing you the very best. Greetings from Geneva Switzerland. Olivier

[@dendije6041]

SUPER! THANKS! Fantastic example of what South Africans are capable of!! so much!! .. bet you a lot of people don’t have a clue…! Such a pity current politics is ‘killing’ entrepreneurs like these in SA!