Sling TSi Build, Why I Chose It

It's a short week for the build because of Thanksgiving. But here is what I got done, and also a breakdown of why I chose to build the Sling TSi over other aircraft.

[@aggibson74]

Between your videos, mojo's videos and the possibility of a high-wing, the TSI is looking very tempting.

[@pilotavery]

Keep in mind that the sling TSI is indicated airspeed VNE and cruise. The RV 10 VNE is true airspeed. People have demonstrated that they can easily get a max gross extended range tanks sling TSI up to 27,000 ft at 400fpm climb, Which means that at 130 indicated cruise, you are going 210 KTS cruising which is above VNE for the RV10. This means if you're doing long cross-country trips of 500nm or more, It's actually faster and more economical than RV10

[@PrestigeWorldWide777]

Thanks for the informative video! I live in Oceanside, close to KOKB, and am really interested in this airplane. I would love to use it for my daily commute, rather than be stuck in SoCal traffic for four hours every day!

[@adamsocha8815]

Enjoyed the video. The Sling TSI is SWEET! I've just recently did my first solo training for my light sport certificate, so I'm just daydreaming at the moment but one day not too far off I hope to build a TSI. I think with the new rules the FAA is coming out with soon, the TSI may be able to be classified a LSA. I've heard the speed and weight restrictions could both be increased and even flight adjustable props may be allowed especially with the FADEC controls that reduce pilot workload. The stall speed is already super low. If not, I intend to get my private anyway. Nice aircraft you have there. Hope to see more videos!

[@EvanBrunye]

Adam Socha I do think the tsi has a chance of being categorized as light sport. From my personal research it seems like a lot of things would have to go as well as they possibly could, but there’s a chance. Well see!

[@andrewmorris3479]

The beautiful thing about the TSi at 12,500ft is hitting 166 knots true while still burning 7.4 GPH. Nice video and congratulations!

[@EvanBrunye]

Andrew Morris thanks! Are you a tsi owner? I’ve not heard of anyone getting 166ktas, let alone still burning 7 gph! That makes me even more excited to get this plane finished!

[@andrewmorris3479]

Evan Brunye No, but I have screenshots from the factory! 172 knots at 17,500ft burning 9.5 GPH. At 27,000ft they were truing at 155 knots burning 5.5 GPH. That’s 32 MPG doing 178 mph haha! 😂 Another power setting gave them 168 knots true burning 7.1 GPH at the same altitude.

[@EvanBrunye]

@@andrewmorris3479 Well I certainly won't be traveling at FL270 but I'm a huge fan of the other numbers! Turbo normalization is no joke. I'm stoked you provided this info, I haven't heard anyone mention these numbers!

[@andrewmorris3479]

Evan Brunye Haha awesome! Yeah, and this is even turbo boosted so they were still getting 33” of manifold at FL270 which is impressive. Well I’m happy to be providing it!

[@timduncan8450]

@@andrewmorris3479 Wow. I think you just answered my turbo question regarding actual boost (wast gate must be modulating boost for much of the lower altitudes. Do you no altitude where it kicks full open at various throttle settings? Do you guys know how these aircraft are on grass or gravel runways? Sorry to mix conversations.

[@martinrenschler4046]

RV-10 options: With ZIP-tips, the stall speed is 44-45 kt, with electronic injection and LOP operation, fuel flow is 9.6 gph at 161kt and no mixture knob, the stock engine with 8.5:1 pistons can run on avgas.

[@Skepilot]

Yep, lots of add-ons for the RV-10, but they all cost $$$$!

[@seandutch2422]

Great videos and very informative! I appreciate the details and insight that you are providing. Would you be able to list tools that you recommend for the build? I would like to start purchasing some tools in advance of my anticipated build. Thanks 😊

[@EvanBrunye]

Sean Dutch I’ve gone over some of my favorite tools throughout the videos, and I’ll continue to do my best at that. If you’re going to be building a TSi, you can email Barry at TAF Torrance, I bought basically exactly their list of tools. Well, the ones I didn’t have already. Also another TSi builder, Philip, has a great list already. He has some things on there I don’t think are necessary and I’m sure I’ve got some stuff he doesn’t think is necessary, but ultimately it’s your build and your choice! Check it out- slingtsi.rueker.com/resources/tools/

[@seandutch2422]

@@EvanBrunye Thanks for the quick reply, much appreciated! I'll check out that link and keep watching your videos. Cheers,

[@gumballer9]

Awesome video as always! Hoping for your sanity your fuel tank has no leaks! Last video, I was a bit in shock in the way you just put some Sealer in between where metal meets as a seal (as the manual states). I was hoping for a welded tank or something different from the company.

[@EvanBrunye]

gumballer9 I think the sealant is pretty standard practice for this type of kit. I didn’t show it in the video but I added more sealant to the seams/edges of the mating surfaces before I buttoned it all up for extra caution

[@pejmanjavaheri9758]

Did you pressure test the tanks?

[@lawrencenicolin409]

Hmmmm, loved this video:! How to clean the goop off your Cleco tools. I am sure the makers of the product would gladly tell you. From my experience with elastomers the product could be vulnerable to solvents like pure nitromethane, toluene, maybe also Xylene, and to a range of chlorinated organic solvents such as trichlorethylene, chloroform etc. I would, as a first try, to just get hold of the manufacturers and ask them for this info. Best of luck.

[@lawrencenicolin409]

After doing some additional reading.............it would seem that the cross-linked molecules of this product can't be dissolved...............but can be digested with the use of appropriate catalytic products and then just peeled off the cleco tools. The manufacturer will help you with this info........I am almost sure....!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lawrencenicolin409]

There we go: www.chela.co.uk/?s=Polysulphide+&submit=Search&post_type=product

[@timduncan8450]

did you consider the Veloce-400 or the Tango Foxtrot-4? These composite kits look fast but much less prolific. I am wondering if they have issues?

[@x0veN_trading]

05:43:00 had me ripping my headset off. Thought someone was at my house. Nope, just someone at your house.

[@EvanBrunye]

Steve McCluskey haha ya that one caught me off guard for sure. Nobody ever shows up at the shop like that!

[@experimental_av]

You make it look so easy compared to RV 10 builder i follow (you probably know who). Is the Sling really that much easier to build? Are you working full time on the project?

[@EvanBrunye]

Jan I’m working about 50 hours a week on it so ya it’s full time. I think it makes it much easier when you build full time because of the familiarity with the parts and process. Picking up where you left off a week or two ago is much more difficult I would imagine. Im also a mechanical engineer with a great deal of experience in manufacturing, so I’m sure that helps as well

[@kittenslapper]

Hi Evan, I read one reference the rotax 915is had a 1400 TBO, another said 2000. I wonder which. You hear of any specific problems with it? Also, curious, did you buy the whole kit at once and if you don’t mind sharing, what’s your total budget? Looking forward to your next vid and the progress.

[@EvanBrunye]

Kitten Slapper the 915 currently has a 1400 tbo. I think you might have seen the 2000 for the 912, but I’ve heard a lot of talk about Rotax increasing the time to 2000 for the 915 as well once it has proven itself. I bought the whole kit at once because you save money that way, and the cost estimator on airplane factory website is very accurate to give you an idea of what the build costs

[@kittenslapper]

Evan Brunye, Great progress. Amazed how things are moving. Glad you can work on it full time. Keep em coming.

[@slawomirlisznianski7537]

Rotax user manual has 915iS at 1,200 TBO. It’s expected this will be increased to 2,000 once the engine matures and inspections show no excessive wear.

[@EvanBrunye]

Slawomir Lisznianski yes 1200, I double checked it after this discussion and forgot to update. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@EdwardHefter]

Question about MoGas vs. 100LL. Where would you fill up with MoGas? Every airport I’ve been too only has 100LL (and jet fuel).

[@EvanBrunye]

Edward Hefter it’s rare for an airport to have it. People buy 100gal fuel tanks and put them in their truck to fill at a gas station. You can keep it in your hangar and they have an electric pump to fill the plane

[@EdwardHefter]

@@EvanBrunye I guess hauling around a few 55 gallon drums of fuel doesn't look TOO suspicious! :-)

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

Thinking about purchasing and building. Can you post update? Did you have to get all the tools? Cant imagine the cost just for tools.

[@CaptEmee]

Great comparison . Can you give an opinion on blind rivet vs solid rivets build between TSI/RV10. Either RV10 is way overbuilt or TSI is built to minimum standards in my opinion.

[@EvanBrunye]

CaptEmee there are many more factors to be considered here than just the rivets. They are made of different aluminum, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Also the TSi is 33% lighter when completed than the RV-10, so the stresses are proportionally less as well. I believe both planes are build with enough structural integrity to perform their intended purpose

[@tyler_russell]

Just a FYI, you can put any engine you want on any experimental. Because it’s experimental, I can put a FADEC engine in. I am definitely getting a three blade prop. I can even add a turbo. I don’t know what sling is telling everyone, but the whole point of experimental is customizing and building what you want. Of course it has to fit within the confines of the engineering, but that what you build is up to you. I am building a RV10 but am interested in the Sling build. Keep up your progress!

[@EvanBrunye]

Tyler Russell while this is technically true, the tsi airframe was built around the 915 engine. The prop was designed specifically for the engine/airframe combination. You could theoretically use a different engine, but the choices available for that particular power/weight class are slim. Basically, as of now, buying a tsi means using a 915.

[@tyler_russell]

Evan Brunye thanks for the reply. Same goes for the Van’s, except I really have a ton of flexibility. Right now my plan is for a three bladed whirlwind prop and a io-540 na. However, I might be turbonormalizing. We shall see. Does the tsi have an ac? Good job on your build btw. Curious what your build manual and instructions look like. Interesting how different tsi build seems.

[@tsilikasp]

@@EvanBrunye I reached out to Mark Kettering from Aeromomentum a while ago. Fairly new option in the aviation world but steadily building a solid reputation. The AM15 engine @ 147hp www.aeromomentum.com/am15.html seems like a good alternative and Mark confirmed that he plans to support Sling builders, however I am not sure if there is a single Sling flying w/ that engine at this point. I also reached out to TAF USA in Torrance and they politely explained that I would be on my own if I move forward w/ Aeromomentum.

[@flyingace478]

Specific to altitude: keep in mind that engine performance is only one of the three factors to think about in the grand scheme. At high altitudes, a turbo-normalized engine will maintain its performance, however both the propeller and wings will be less efficient due to the lessened air density. Your takeoff distances will still be significantly increased. Turbo normalization solves one of the three problems with high altitude operations. How long does it take to receive parts for the TSI when you place an order?

[@pilotavery]

Performance is actually pretty comparable, the reason why your take off roll is longer is because it takes you longer to actually build up the momentum because you have more momentum overall. Beyond that your climate should be pretty much the same etc and while your wing is less efficient it's also giving you less drag so you can go faster although your propeller is less efficient but that's fine because the sling TSI has variable pitch prop

[@davidb7328]

Love the Sling TSi. First saw a sling at AirVenture 2013 and wanted one. I was just concerned at that time about the builder support and community. I heard VAN's has great customer support. What's your experience been like? Thanks!

[@scottstolnitz8918]

TAF (Sling support) in my experience is far superior to Rans. In fact, no contest - Sling wins hands down which is why I'm ordering one next week!

[@davidb7328]

@@scottstolnitz8918 Congratulations and thanks for the info! I'm still a year out or so before I can fund building one.

[@scottstolnitz8918]

@@davidb7328 Tnx and best to you. I've struggled over a final decision between the RANS 14/10 - Bristell and the Sling TSI. The 915is Fadec, full IFR and having met the group and seen the operation at TAF for over a year made the final decision for me. All my calls to RANS have been, let's just say - "odd". I think I'll take delivery in late Sept and be testing by the end of January with a full quick build/build assist. I already have a hangar at KTOA - the home of TAF. Met Mike Ojo last week, check his videos out at mojogrip.com

[@davidb7328]

@@scottstolnitz8918 Thanks. Likewise! I was looking at RV's as well, but couldn't imagine bucking all those rivets coupled with probably double the build time for a RV-10. I do like the 915is with fadec and ability to use mogas,. So many advantages to the Sling vs RV-10 other than top speed, which still isn't that much less. On top of that, I really like the Sling community. I also briefly looked at the Kitfox as my mission has changed a few times. I love that aircraft as well but the lead times for some builders I have talked with seemed to be at least a year, out and some received kits with missing parts due to things being on back order. Besides I think I'll be doing more cross-country flying than off field.Good luck with your build. I hope you post some videos on your progress, and yes I heard of Mike Ojo, but I was interested in Sling since 2013 and that was not even a TSi. Now I'm hooked!

[@pilotavery]

@@davidb7328 I don't even know why people consider the Vans RV 10. It doesn't really carry that much more weight and it's offset by having to carry more fuel anyway. It's not even faster for a cross country anyway because VNE is defined in true airspeed and with the sling TSI it's defined in indicated. Also with the turbo on the sling people have demonstrated with extended tanks at full gross they can reach 27,000 feet at 400fpm climb, Which means At 85% power, your true airspeed is 205, while burning less fuel, and flying above the RV10 VNE of 200, even if it COULD reach that altitude. RV10's are lucky to hit 24,000.

[@benjamingarciazamora622]

How could I get in touch with you? We are about to start building a TSI in Los Angeles area.

[@EvanBrunye]

Send me an email at [e-mail]

[@timduncan8450]

I think the 10 has more head room? At 6’5” I brush my head on the Ceiling of Sling 4, supposed to be same as TSI. The 10 looks taller, I haven’t been able to get in it or a TSI yet. Hoping for a fitting at Oshkosh this year. Does anyone have this data?

[@EvanBrunye]

The 10 has more headroom. The tsi has an option for extended seat rails that bring you down further and back from the pedals a few extra Inches to solve this issu

[@timduncan8450]

@@EvanBrunye Thanks how did you know all this?

[@EvanBrunye]

@@timduncan8450 I spend a lot of time in this world of experimental aircraft

[@halhirsch3606]

What’s the price difference?

[@EvanBrunye]

Hal Hirsch forgot to mention, they are very comparable in price.

[@robertoforbes3405]

Cost to build this?

[@EvanBrunye]

Roberto Forbes www.airplanefactory.com has some fairly accurate numbers for what the low end of this plane could cost to build

[@DrJoel-is3uy]

you know the whole kit thing is dumb in my opinion the faa should just make an experimental class you can buy built from the factory how is it safer to have guys build these? i know this guy may build one safer than factory but for an amateur such as myself i dont think id do better than factory? think about it i think if i did it id pay someone to build it i dunno am i missing something seems to me you could get a plane built in a factory in south africa for less than 400k? also is it insurable? and whats the insurance going to cost i figure 25k annual?

[@EvanBrunye]

Aircraft in the EAB category have a far superior safety record to certified aircraft. Not everyone has the skill set to build a kitplane themselves, and that’s where professional builders assistance comes in. My build assist program allows people like yourself to not only get an aircraft custom-tailored to your mission, but you’ll also gain a well-rounded understanding of your aircraft you’d never get from just purchasing a completed plane from a factory. With a thorough understanding of the internal components and assembly process of your aircraft, you’re far more equipped to solve little issues that inevitably pop up, but more importantly you’re able to notice small things before they ever develop into an issue. All this on top of the fact you end up paying less than half the total cost for a similarly equipped factory build aircraft. It appears as though you’re just at the beginning of your journey learning about the true advantage of experimental kit planes, and I strongly recommend you do some more research of your own into the subject.

[@DrJoel-is3uy]

how long does it take to be built maybe a year?

[@EvanBrunye]

@@DrJoel-is3uy it depends on a lot of factors, but 8-10 months is typical.

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

one other question. Are you using build assist or quick build program?

[@EvanBrunye]

Piper Pilot Im not doing build assist or quick build. This is the standard kit. To answer your other question I had most of the tools in my shop already, but had to get a few plane specific tools like the clecos and rivet gun. I wasn’t in the shop a whole lot over the holidays but am back at it again full time, update coming soon!

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

@@EvanBrunye awesome. A little intimidating for me. :) But you can save close to 80k. So I may be watching really close while you do this. Never built anything and this will be my first. Are you doing full IFR? Parachute?

[@EvanBrunye]

Piper Pilot full IFR with all the connections for the parachute but I won’t be actually installing it. This allows easy installation later if I change my mind. Do you mean you’ve never built a plane or never built anything at all? If you’re not extremely comfortable working with your hands in this type Of setting I would highly recommend a build assist program!

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

Evan Brunye never built anything as complex Was trying to save the money but I just may have to go with build assist.

[@EvanBrunye]

Piper Pilot it’s a big decision and In the end we all arrive at the same destination! Good luck with your build, hopefully you can get started soon

[@matthewobvious]

acetone is not a great solvent for that. Try diesel fuel.

[@flexairz]

Better advise was not possible? Diesel fuel has more lubricating properties than acetone.

[@mitchellgodwin]

Evan! I think you’re content is genuinely so so great! ... but ... that tongue click you do every 15 seconds is quite frustrating 😂🙌 still love the vids thanks for posting