The Cost To Build A Sling TSi Airplane OR Any Experimental Airplane

In this video, we break down the cost to build a Sling Tsi airplane. The Sling TSi is a 4 seater experimental airplane designed in South Africa. I’m also building on elf these planes, and you can support my build project here www.gofundme.c...
Below are the costs discussed
Kit ($56,250) - To build your airplane first you need to buy the kit which consist of your empennage, fuselage, wings, canopy and undercarriage.
Engine ($38,667) - Next you need to decide what power plant or engine you are going to fly behind. The Sling TSi uses a Rotax 915 engine.
Propeller ($11,495) - You also need to choose which propeller to fly with your engine. The Sling TSi uses an airmaster constant speed propeller.
Parachute ($10,995) - Here is a safety feature that is also an option. You don’t necessarily need to have one but if you do, it’s a great secondary feature to have onboard in case of an emergency where one loses control of the aircraft.
Avionics ($30,000 - $50,000) - Assuming you’re building an IFR airplane like I am, you will be spending on your IFR avionics equipment as well.
Build Assist ($50,000 - $80,000) - This is a great option for those who don’t want to wait 3-5 years to build their airplane by themselves. A build assist program provides the right space, tools and personnel to help you build your airplane 9with your help of course) in a much shorter period.
Thank you to all of our Sponsors
Sling Pilot Academy - www.slingpilot...
Coflyt - coflyt.com
Sling Aircraft - www.airplanefa...
Rotax - www.flyrotax.com
Airmaster - www.propellor.com
Midwest Panel Builders - midwestpanels.com
Stratus Parachute - www.stratos07.cz
Garmin - buy.garmin.com
Music:
bensound.com
hooksounds.com
youtube.com

[@spenceredwards3209]

Crazy to think that a while ago you were having trouble getting your check-ride worked out, and now you're building your own Sling! Great work man, keep it up.

[@brandonlamondin6228]

Great work??? realy???? hes asked everyone else to pay for it.......... ummm wheres the hard work in that??? if you want something you have to work for it yourself... people shouldnt have to pay for others to have an ..... airplane....??? really?? pay for my airplane, and forget about those people on the street clawing at life just to survive... buy this guy an airplane witrh go fund me... What a rediclous world we live in.

[@0000SYL]

@@brandonlamondin6228 STFU lowlife, he is inspiring us, giving great content..happy to give a tip and support..think of it as supporting your favorite artist or content creator thru patreon or whatever

[@LarsLarsen77]

@@0000SYL Except those people are eeding their family. Nt buying an airplane.

[@noker2200]

@@brandonlamondin6228 just f..........u

[@juanbo1982]

dont know if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are bored like me during the covid times then you can stream pretty much all of the new series on instaflixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend for the last few months xD

[@TheLeterpeach]

Super informative information. I’ve tried pricing a home build many years ago. I wasn’t easy, very laborious. Thank you and we’ll done.

[@nuchbutter]

Hey, Mojo, thanks for putting in all this effort; you're making our research so much easier! Hope to see you in person with our own plane at Oshkosh in the near future.

[@wissell4287]

CDRKrotchetyUSN yeah I hope he does a meetup

[@shawnsutter9748]

It is a great thing to build your own plane. In your video you are asking for financial support. Not everyone is prepared to give you money towards something that they have no involvement or they need to keep their money for other better reasons. I will give you peace of advice, I see your channel and yourself do not say anything about helping others or you giving financial support for a good cause. I am military veteran of both the U.S. Marines and Air Force as well has having earned my solo flight endorsement. If you give back to others, it will come back to you in other ways always. Good Luck with your Sling build.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

You, sir, are exactly right! Mike is having someone else build the plane, and someone else to pay for it. Got to give him credit - he certainly is clever to convince enough folks to pony up the cash. This plane is North of $225,000) And it's a Homebuilt. Like I told Mike, this is not going to go down well. I've flown a lot of General Aviation planes, and built 3 EAB planes. Told Mike if HE built this plane, he's looking at 2 to 3 YEARS. He's clever. "Over 20 year retired MSgt. USAF. Avionics Systems.

[@nyxdoc2801]

Hi. Thank you for all that you teach . We in Iran 🇮🇷 love your videos and here in our flight school in Iran we watch and our class totally respect and loves you. From all 23 of us. Lots of love from here in Iran 🇮🇷

[@raymond3803]

Hi. We in the USA just killed Qassem Soleimani. Then you "ACCIDENTALLY" shot down an Iranian 737 killing 176 of your people. There's a video that shows the Ayatollah throwing his speech papers up in the air. Throws his hat down. Starts screaming and jumping up and down. Could you please translate (in English) what he is screaming? He looks upset. Thanks in advance. Lots of love & kisses from the USA.

[@theamerican8337]

One of my favorite airplanes still stuck on that Zenith though. Great video Mike Thank You

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Stay stuck on the Zenith. A tank! N-6395T (But the Piper Arrow is still my fav.)

[@divescubatime]

Great to see you building your dream aircraft. You added the one thing all pilots are thinking when we watch videos. "HOW MUCH DOES IT COST". John King said it right, " Do you know what makes an airplane fly? MONEY". Thanks so much for adding the cost factor to your videos.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Mike is not building his dream - someone else is.

[@SupraBdub]

Mojo you are one of the few many strong that have moved me to make videos for my channel (s, maybe). Thank you

[@OriolSamLouis200x]

Good job by the way, your channel is real;y helpful and informative.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

I have to say this: :For what?

[@richardhulbert9833]

A long road that you stayed the course on, only a few more steps and you reached your goal of owning your own plane. Amazing journey over the years. Great to watch a person go after their dream with a great attitude. "Every good gift comes down from our Father in Heaven" May his hand of protection be on you and your family. By the way you set a great example of Colossians 3:17 -23

[@dougchinn2820]

Fantastic...I'm sure you'll keep us updated as you go through the build process, especially when you hook up the avionics, the controls and the engine.

[@simeon2851]

Happy(belated)Birthday, Mike. Much Blessings, from Uganda.

[@vampnape69]

I am from Uganda too... Its great to find someone else interested in planes.

[@simeon2851]

@@vampnape69 Good to see you here, brother.

[@gix40]

Good job Mike can't wait too see your Sling in person. I also live in GA.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Are you paying for HIS plane?

[@kencraig6526]

Perfect love your coverage good work love your choice

[@HowlingWo1f]

Great video, You really explained it well & answered a lot of questions.

[@davidhanson3288]

Mike your only reference to building a plane is what a kit manufacturer has told you. There as you will find out alot more to it. Good luck. I have been building composite planes for 20 years. I have friends that have been building 1 plane for as many years.

[@flyingrv6]

As a RV builder, I can say the best way to calculate how much you’ll spend is figure how how much you THINK you’ll spend,,,,,,,then simply double it.

[@michaelharding1130]

Damn I'm in the wrong line of work obviously. I can't even afford to take flying lessons

[@brandonlamondin6228]

well just go on youtube film yourself, and ask everyone else to pay for it.. this guy did and look... He got himself a plane from other peoples hard work. its really a shame to think of, i would never ask that of anyone.. its quite disqusting in fact. i was always told if you want something then u must work for it... end of story.

[@michaelharding1130]

@@brandonlamondin6228 same

[@flexthought7655]

@@brandonlamondin6228 You're mad because people supported his dream? he gave people content on YT, they paid him for it. Not like he was panhandling on a 94 exit. Stop hating.

[@stewartw.9151]

If you factor in your time to build and apply any significant hourly rate to that, you will never start building as the total calculated cost may be a deterrent! It has to be something you want to do as a project to fulfill a desire to fly. However there are guys I know who, for their own reasons and satisfaction, feeling of accomplishment etc., love building more than they love flying! They go from one project to another, selling the first to fund the next and so on! But congrats, being from South Africa I say you made a great choice of aircraft!

[@SupraBdub]

Thanks mojo,I am more motivated than ever and I have asked the spray harvest guy to let me fly so this will be great!

[@berniemccann8935]

I've just done the math. That's a wopping $247,407 !!

[@ctbram0627]

yeah,I had to stop watching when the price hit a quarter-million dollars. I guess the dream of flight is now limited to people that are in the $ 250,000/year income bracket, lottery winners, or inherit multi-million dollar estates. Which I am okay with except that those prices seem to carry down to the simplest airplanes or planes that are 70 years old! I don't know why I keep watching these, they just rip my heart out!

[@joserivas2623]

@@ctbram0627 you can buy 6 cesnas with that type of money.

[@joelv4495]

@@joserivas2623 Or about 2/3 of a new one, which is a more fair comparison.

[@SqueekyClean976]

@P N apparently the all in cost to operate a sling is $ 60 an hour. I can't think of a Cessna that can match that. Certainly not one that will cruise at 150 Knots.

[@Av8rThor]

And the go fund me part ruined the video for me.

[@lesnyane926]

Mike have you tried to ask TAF if they can sponsor you on any part of the build. I think you are the #1 Marketer for the Sling in the USA. I'm just trying to say you hold a lot of content on KZbin about the aircraft and maybe the reason why a lot of people are finding it.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

The phrase, "sponsor the build," That's someone else paying for the project, right?

[@garrygballard8914]

BRS did it with chutes back in the late 70's with ultralights. Than moved to small aircraft.

[@banyantree8618]

I assume another relatively expensive requirement is the final finish and paint job ? What is an indicative cost for a really good outcome.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Between 4 to 6 Grand.

[@landonp629]

I actually found that these kit places way overprice the avionics. Buying the avionics separate and going with a G3X system would be more cost effective. You can get dual G3X touch screen, autopilot controller, GTN 650Xi, etc for around $22,000 if you buy separately, where they have $47,000 here - which is simply a rip-off. Throw a $2,000 Wing ADS-B on it, and you're good to go IFR. I'd also toss a "Wing Bomb" GPS/NAV/ADSB unit onto it to provide backup instrumentation. Also be careful, the GTN650 which this kit includes is the older version of the unit. The GTN650Xi is the new version, and for the price they want for the avionics package, they should be including the new version.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

You guys slay me - where is all of this money coming from?

[@JRS2248]

Thanks Mike loved the videos.

[@nathanstone8764]

If only i could afford such a fun project! Lol

[@Sexy72Malibu]

Right. Jesus what do I have to do to be wealthy enough to build a sling?!?! I work hard for a living and pretty much hate my life when I see stuff like this....

[@terrycarver1255]

You should let the subscribers vote on either a custom or paint scheme. Just a thought. When you finish plane you can come visit us in Florida. I’ll take you up in the Searey .

[@pauldatche8410]

Some 200+ grand it seems...? Do one about rotor craft... Home builds as well. Two seater ( not heard of 4 seaters yet) and throw in a coaxial one if available! Lots of love from Nairobi bro, keep it up!!!

[@flexthought7655]

Looking forward to flying, in next lifetime.

[@bosatsu76]

Ok bud... I want a video of you testing out the parachute system... Hahahahahaa...

[@Hulley29]

Great vid Mojo, new subscriber. :)

[@bladenrexroth2555]

I bought a 47 Republic RC-3 for $33,000. Someone else's project. I plan on upgrading the interior, instruments, electronics and paint. I'll be roughly $70k into this plane before I find a suitable power plant. I'd like to go diesel bit have seen a couple of RC-3's with an LS1 rated at 400-425hp

[@thefireman2854]

Wow! An LS1 would be a beast! I suppose you are following the Raptor build with the Audi diesel?

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Just a thought. As you are a secondary builder, the FAA will want to see EVERYTHING from day one on this plane. Bill of sale - logs - "his" and yours - pictures, etc., etc. Have built three EAB's - there is a ton of paperwork for the FAA. In addition, you are investing 70K BEFORE you have an engine? Two things: Either YOU are loaded with money, OR, there is something not quite right in your head.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Mike, as you are generating quite a following, we'd like to know what "do you do for a day job? Are you in a technical field, i.e. EE, ME job? Or, an administrative type of endeavor. Would be interesting to know.

[@radouaneghazali2935]

Good luck Mike! i am interested in Raptor :) i am following the guy who is building it and hopefully we will see it flying end of this year! Audi 3.0L Diesel engine 7-10 Gallons cruising at 180 knots or more. No airplane can beat it!

[@davidpierce9330]

Radouane Ghazali cool design, but man that raptor is ugly!

[@radouaneghazali2935]

David Pierce the inside is cool and performance is very high. efficiency is key! especially in a country where access to Diesel is much easier and alot cheaper! more than 55% less! add to that, Diesel burns slower than any other sort of Carburant.

[@damipeddie5134]

I love the parachute idea it is a good way to prevent the plane from falling in case of engine failure

[@flexairz]

An aircraft DOES NOT fall when the engine quits.

[@damipeddie5134]

@@flexairz I know that it doesn't stay up when the engine quits so I don't understand what you are saying usually a plane with out power is going to fall and crash simple maths.

[@kevinbutler9786]

@@damipeddie5134 The glide ratio on a plane is like 12 to 1. That means with no power it glides 12 feet forward for every one foot down. Now imagine that you are 5,500 feet above the ground. You can go many miles on no engine and even land safely with no issue. In fact, on a Sling the best glide speed is 72 knots, which is actually 15 knots faster than landing speed and way faster than the stall speed. So I would actually have to deploy flaps and slow down to land with no engine. You are right though, the math is pretty simple. In fact to get your license, you have to show that you can land power off. The parachute is for loss of controls. Like if the wing breaks off or you hit a giant bird in flight and lose you elevators or something. I fly in southern California in the basin and there are airports everywhere. If my engine quits, I wouldn't be that worried at all.

[@berniemccann8935]

@@damipeddie5134 -- Oh dear, what are you doing here ?

[@michaelhoffmann2891]

One cost factor that you left out and that I'd be interested in: tools and build space! You're not going to use the cheapo Home Depot/Bunnings/InsertBuilderMarketOfYourCountry 1-dollar-for-100-screwdrivers kit. You're not going to build it in your garage, the one stacked to the ceiling with boxes of old crap you've never had the heart to throw away. Assuming you're going to rent a proper little hall at or near your airport and you're going to get proper new tools, what would you have to add for that?

[@thor70001]

completely disagree with your personal time/cost to buildout. The reason people go the experimental route is to build themselves and save allot of money doing it. I understand that your time is worth something but not $50/hr, if your explanation was correct why would anyone take 1400 to build if you could do full build assist and have the plane completed in 2-3 months for the same cost!!

[@davidpierce9330]

Don't forget the cost of paint (20-30k) for something nice....also don't think RV build time would be double, might want to check those numbers

[@mojogrip]

I only included main numbers to build the airplane, paint is not necessary lol I actually know of a few builders who never painted their plane 😄

[@davidpierce9330]

MojoGrip you better paint it and not have a brand new bird which is primered!

[@mojogrip]

@@davidpierce9330 lmao I plan to paint now worries.

[@flynic3]

David Pierce The RV-10 takes roughly 2,400 hours to build and that is with an experienced RV builder... that is also just for the airframe. The RV-10 does take roughly twice as long to build when compared with the Sling 4 Tsi!

[@yinshah3303]

I’m noob with this stuff but Mike Aren’t VFR planes restricted from flying thru zero visibility conditions? I have a friend who told me that when he tried to fly us to Monterey for a car show.

[@mojogrip]

This is correct :)

[@thefireman2854]

@yin shah Yes, a VFR aircraft is restricted to "visual flight rules" only. However, there are actually 2 requirements should a pilot wish to fly under IFR (instrument flight rules). 1. The aircraft needs qualifying flight instrumentation and navigation equipment. 2. the Pilot must be "IFR" rated as well. Also, the avionics must be calibrated, certified and signed off by a qualified technician I believe every 2 years, for example I do know that the Pitot Static, and trasponder both need to be certified every 2 years. I do not know if other equipment has a longer certification schedule or not however, for an aircraft to fly IFR a 2 year certification of the aformentioned instruments are required.

[@TM-tw1py]

'The parachute will come out - hopefully??"

[@OriolSamLouis200x]

I would love to know how much it takes for the fuselage and the wings.

[@berniemccann8935]

As stated above = $56,250.

[@blacksheepketo]

Did you do a builder loan or pay for it outright? I'm looking at building, but the upfront cost is prohibitive. I know you can finance them after they're built, but it seems like a massive pain to get a builder loan on planes. Just curious if you figured out how all of that works

[@mojogrip]

I didn't do a builder loan. But you can get a loan to build an experimental airplane.

[@BWRaul]

There is a way to build this plane with other engine brand, for exemple the Austro Engine AE330?

[@dygrp]

Did you mention the cost of painting the Aircraft?

[@1compaqedr8]

Wrap it and tint it.

[@lucabaldoni8911]

single engine planes in the USA for a full coat of paint are around USD 15,000 on average 2 color paint job...more colors more $$ ...anyway In the video it shows on the list $ 12,000-15,000

[@mr.worldfree3333]

all you need is a 9/16th socket and a couple of screw drivers and you are good.

[@alexk3199]

Are they only building that type of plane or they can do other designs looking like the f16 or SU

[@stevecole2582]

What is the planes range with a long range tank kit?

[@richardcarew4708]

Ummmmm.. what, exactly does "hopefully" mean for a parachute.. ?? Heh heh heh.. or your money back? Thanks Mike.. great information sir

[@dmitrybabanin8990]

So how much total will be? I see about $154000 in subtotal, but total price is somewhere below the screen...

[@garrygballard8914]

House looks nice. 👍

[@northtexasskies3243]

Its so cool to see that you are getting to build your own airplane. I want to do this one day. Have fun. I saw a cessna T210 Turbo Centurion fly over todat. Weird seeing a plane like that with the gear retracted

[@MrMaan123456789]

What is the weight of parachute????

[@mojogrip]

30 lbs for what I rem

[@1shARyn3]

Realize that the 1400 hours does NOT include "oops" time (where you break something and have to start over), NOR does it include issued SBs (ADs) that should/must be changed (at your expense) to comply with safety regulations. 1400 hours is a reasonable time for someone who is mechanically and electrically experienced, not a newbie AND assumes that you are able to work on the plane FULL TIME. If you have a real job as your primary source of income, plan on at least doubling that time ---- and the longer it takes to build, the more likely something will get dinged and have to be either redone or replaced. Then, there is the burn-out factor and time away from your family and social life. Also, you might want to download Appendix 8 of AC20-27G to see how much work the FAA will allow you to have others do before you can no longer meet the 51% rule and render your project and NOT ELIGIBLE for being issued an airworthiness certificate (you have to prove that you performed at least 51% of the build to have your project be other than an expensive paperweight).

[@1shARyn3]

Might want to download these: www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/ultralights/amateur_built/kits/nket_list/ www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/ultralights/amateur_built/kits/media/amateur_built_kit_listing.pdf

[@flexairz]

Indeed, 1400 hours is way to optimistic. I have build three aircraft and what ever the manufacturers says: times 2.

[@chrisbowpiloto]

That's interesting. I'm not real familiar with the sling line, but vans is usually about right on when they say 1400. I know experienced builders who have done it in 1/2 that

[@kevinbutler9786]

He will be building this at the airplane factory in Torrance, CA with the same people that sold him the plane. He has at his side a man that has built over 150 of them including the prototype. He's in good hands. I predict less than 1400 hours.

[@kevinbutler9786]

@@chrisbowpiloto Slings are WAY easier to build than RV's. The kits are far more user friendly. I've heard of 1000 hours being an average.

[@Optimus-Prime-Rib]

Man i gotta be honest, you asking people for donations is cheeky AF. But i guess a lesson learned from Joel osteen and the like…

[@richardperry21]

I don't understand people that spend 200k on a slow 145KTAS aluminum a/c. I have a turbo Glasair that is 245KTAS @FL240, 8gph, w/80 gallons of fuel. KORD TO kLAX non-stop, for much cheaper than that. FYI, A&P -I.A. working at the house (hanger attached), took twice as long to build than the kit manual said including paint...lol,. Good luck Sir.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Now we're talking!

[@oldrrocr]

Nice! Not for me though - I'm more like the "buy it already airworthy" crowd. And what's with the "no intentional spins"... that's a big reason to have an airplane.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

You, sir, haven't a clue about aviation. Do us all a favor and stay away from all airports.

[@randyvanvliet226]

Go do spins in your Dodge Hellcat, or drifting in your 600 hp subaru WRX. Stay the hell out of the air until you get aerobatics certified to be an airshow pilot.

[@skyking643]

Hi Mike Happy New Year, congratulations on your new baby, and good luck on your build. BUT approx how much basic kit $xx,xxx , quick build add #xx,xxx engine 912 whatever $ xx,xxx optional engine add $xx,xxx average VFR panel $xx,xxx IFR panel $xx,xxx and so on, lotta talking and not much info, hope you don't mind opinion, but COST is a major, if not THE major factor so make it clear....and so what do you figure your done DONE cost to be ???..and what about paint cost ???? Thanks Mike good luck and many of us are rooting for you...

[@Av8rThor]

I really like your channel and you do some great reviews. As well as entertaining I find it educational insofar as the information on a topic is centralized. It is cool that people can earn money on you tube for their work, a far cry from how I grew up! That said, in my opinion, asking to give (donate) in a GoFundMe drive is a disappointing move on your part. This steps away from earning (you tube content creation) to having someone just give it to you, whole or in part. If I am not mistaken GoFundMe is a tool for start ups wherein the giver gets when the product is developed. In short, If you can’t afford (I know you already have the aircraft) something... save up for it and then buy it, just like the rest of us. But go on creating and I will continue along with others to watch and enjoy your content and so your monetizing can March forward to fund your new maintenance on that shiny new bird!

[@akadare1]

go-fund-me projects are what drives all these projects you see on youtube

[@pilotdane1]

MG - I Love your stuff. Always a thumbs up - and don't always comment. I am also a Pilot. When money is different, I've always wanted to build a Rotorway Exec 162 F - While watching their information, I have found that you can spend more than the kit on the avionics alone. Awesome work. I follow you intently.... Did you hear about Draco ????? :-(

[@mojogrip]

I did. Thanks OBI- WAN

[@chrishughes6436]

What kind of avionics are you going to install?

[@ssgsol]

I watched this to get an idea of the total cost of the plane. I did not get that. Can you total it for us? Can you publish a spreadsheet showing us how much? I'd like to know what I will spend in total.

[@mojogrip]

Hey Gary, I'll publish and talk about the numbers as we move along with the build. The truth is I don't know what the exact total cost will be either. Once we finish the airplane then we'll know for sure.

[@alaeddinebensalem506]

when you intend to travel to another location how do you inform private airport about your trip and arrival time and how much does it cost ?

[@mojogrip]

You're talking to air traffic control through out your flight. And when you're closer to your destination airport, you are handed over to the control tower of that airport (if one is available). In a class G airport where you have no tower, you simply communicate your intentions to other pilots in the area through a radio frequency. Many airports are free to land, some charge a fee.

[@jameskruse3048]

@@mojogrip I usually call ahead to see if there is a great restaurant nearby and whether they will loan me a crew car to take me there!

[@yury5hab]

Hmm.. 50 $ per hour means about 100800$ a year (before/after taxes?) I believe that is significantly higher than average salary for USA... Just another reminder that GA is not for average person.

[@jasontyler9628]

So $23k QB kit / 500 hrs saved = $46/labor hr $46/hr. X the 900 remaining hrs = $41,400 in labor for a total of $64,400 for someone else to build it using the QB kit. *Non-QB Kit Cost* $46/hr X 1400 hrs of build time = $64,400 in labor for someone to build it rivet by rivet. CONCLUSION: Might as well order the QB Kit and let the factory put the 1st 500 hrs into the body since this is what they do. Doing it that way could cut down on sick days, late arrivals, lost parts and unforseen events to you or your mechanic which could cause unwarranted costs and time increases.

[@mojogrip]

Going rate for build assist is $75,000 - $80,000

[@jasontyler9628]

@@mojogrip Got it! Thanks Mike. BTW man I'm proud of you and Max for paving the way ✊🏾. I've been investing in real estate since 2019 because of him turning it into a business. You on the other hand reignited my dream to fly. I plan on starting the free online ground school through Sling Flight Academy. Mike my goal is to make it happen before June 2021. Let's get it Mike!

[@alexk3199]

If I got my radical design can they build it

[@JDavid-gx8rs]

wow...140k...and you have to build it...i would go used!!!

[@broskivisuals]

Except you're looking past the point that it would be a zero-hour airframe and powerplant

[@flynic3]

An iPad is not the best Avionics solution, and I would highly recommend not going this route even when building a strictly VFR aircraft! What happens if the iPad's internal tempature reaches critical tempature, and the iPad shuts down! You just lost your whole instrument panel... The iPad is an excellent backup device however I would not recommend it as your main EFIS source.

[@kevinbutler9786]

Agreed. Ipads are great tools for backup or for workload management but I would never count on one. I've had too many flights were they have shut down on me in flight.

[@zutrue]

@nicholas dawson You are absolutely right. Your safety must come first. Your avionics are no place to start to scrimp. I would never go the I pad route. But...its not my plane.

[@sircallum]

what are the ownership cost of the sling tsi

[@mojogrip]

Coming soon!

[@ik04]

Hey Mike, you should contact Avilution for building a custom panel for a fraction of the cost. Too bad the engine is a third of the cost of the whole airplane!

[@flexairz]

Yeah, Rotax is insanely expensive. There are options, modern options and cheaper too.

[@kevinbutler9786]

@@flexairz The sling airframe is designed around the rotax power plant. Also all those other "cheap" options are cheaper for a reason.

[@kevinbutler9786]

I know the guys from midwest, the guys doing his panel, they do do some of the prettiest work I have ever seen. Laser cut panel, Laser etched, and immaculate wire runs. As for the Rotax being expensive, it is the main reason why that plane is far and away the best performing aircraft in its class. No other engine will get it close to the performance at the fuel burn the 915is gets. What Mike is getting is the best plane with the best parts installed by the best people. That shit costs money.

[@flynic3]

ik04 Avilution is a great solution however they are hardly half the cost of current EFIS solutions on the Market! The UnPanel cost $12,995 which is on par with MGL, GRT and Dynon Skyview for a single display EFIS system including Remote Com and Xponder!

[@ik04]

@@flynic3 I mentioned a custom panel, not t he unpanel.

[@flexairz]

Wow, a parachute does NOT allow you to land the aircraft. Au contraire. You become the passenger of your own aircraft with NO control at ALL. No way in h.ll you will be able to do anything but wait and see where the thing will crash/land.

[@davidcook5295]

That is what it is supposed to do If you have flight control and a place to land...land it If you can’t find a place to land or at night or have a mechanical failure where you can’t control the plane, pull the cord and walk away to fly another day...with a different plane but you walk away!

[@Wpoulto61]

When building a kit aircraft do you have to use the engine from the kit manufacturer or can any engine be used? Like can I upgrade for power or use an converted auto engine to save money?

[@mojogrip]

Good question. No you're not limited to the engine from the aircraft manufacturer. You can always use a different engine if you prefer.

[@flynic3]

William Poulton If you value your life I would shy away from a converted auto engine! An auto engine is just that... designed for a car and not an aircraft! An auto engine was not designed to be ran at altitude while running at 5,000+rpm 85-90% of the time!

[@timm1583]

@@flynic3 I have seen a few motorcycle power plants which I think are a much better option than auto ( power to weight air cooled higher rpm ect) but I believe even those are relegated to 80-85 percent power max for continuous duty.

[@flynic3]

Tim M The only motorcycle engine that I am aware of that is commonly used for light aircraft is the BMW R1100 and R1200... most seem to be used more for Ultralights and small LSA's mostly in europe. spang-air.de/e/html/bmw_-_engine.html

[@marketfluxadvertising]

Engine is included in the kit or not?

[@JustinJackson11]

Shreyas Omkar Hegde no

[@bassstudent4life]

Couldn't you get a nice used mooney and upgrade her to the max, for 1/2 the price?

[@mojogrip]

No, FADEC in the 915 and auto adjuster on the air master prop makes all the difference 😊

[@boboala1]

IFR looks too scary for me(!) Is it fun just flying VFR on a nice day for the novice? (Heard you got a baby coming. Congrats! But then, your flying days are probably over for a while...maybe a long while...maybe forever...can you deal with it!?)

[@mmichaeldonavon]

You called. The wife will end all of this before very long.

[@excellenceinanimation960]

Crazy expensive! Wish I had income that would merit flight lessons let alone this.

[@tonym3675]

So we're talking in the neighborhood of $300,000.00 +/- Dollars?

[@mistymojo7859]

Lordbless your 👪 family&you...May Jesus bless your goals...

[@yeezymoney412]

It be a perfect little kit for a fractional ownership/build. For all the complaints out there about cost and time, I think that would be your best route. or go buy a 1972 Cessna. You can choose between a 2021 Honda Civic or a 1994 Honda for about $30k in price difference, yet most of those complaining probably own a 2015 or newer vehicle. Make a plan, budget, and talk to people! You can afford a 250k plane if you just do it.

[@carpediem6568]

This is still way too expensive for most of us. That relegates us to old planes with no parachute.

[@carpediem6568]

@@mmichaeldonavon I don't know the rates for rental or instructing but would take a long time to pay off the cost. And who wants to buy something not factory built. At one point in the construction he said he didn't know what he was doing.

[@carpediem6568]

@@mmichaeldonavon I'm sure you are right. I'm not a pilot. But I did take lessons and remember pilots badmouthing EA's. Would think would be hard to sell. This was many years ago and things have changed, I'm sure. Congratulations on building your plane. I know it was a lot of work.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

@@carpediem6568 Thanks for the kind words, sir. N-6395T (now retired after 13 yrs and 750hrs.

[@carpediem6568]

@@mmichaeldonavon I'm sure you got a lot of enjoyment from your plane and for over a decade. Curious, as to what do you with a retired aircraft. Can you scrap it for parts? Or sell it to someone who wants to upgrade it?

[@mmichaeldonavon]

I just lost my Reply to you. :) Damn computer :) Here I am again. :) I GAVE it to a flying friend of mine. We flew together, in Florida, quite a bit. I was getting ready to move, and I had no place to build another fuselage, which it needed. My little plane was wood and fabric, and the Florida heat and humidity, after 13 years, caused problems. So, my friend took it and put it in his hangar. Not sure as to what he did with my plane. Earlier, my friend had a Fly-Baby Bi-wing and we flew to different events together. I was always faster. : ) A BIG 80mph cruise. :) Google N6395T and you can see it. Was a fun flyer, especially in very high winds, during landing. That made it really fun to fly. You had to "dance" on the rudder pedals. :) ;) Nice talking to you. Bye.

[@simonabboud5987]

After you add all options 250k that’s not such a good deal

[@khongbietsao4846]

Viking cheaper man...why don't you go whit that.....?

[@robertlashier6766]

My question is how someone can build a kit airplane, and never put together one.???

[@mmichaeldonavon]

I did three of them. Just open the book, read the instructions, and look at the Prints.

[@nigelwolfe6150]

The very sad thing is IF the more economical simple planes were mass produced? Could easily be less than $10k turn key gas and go....and with modern chip tech" COULD for CHEAP have all kinds of pre programmed flying modes....which is basically a computer with several sensors and servos....I would think $20k and an AWESOME turn key self flying to a very high degree.....I mean it wont happen anytime soon but I am just saying there is NOTHING that technically physically preventing such....it is much more bureaucracy and safety do gooders stuck in the past that would talk it all to death ....in fact there COULD even be ultra low performing models for even much less money....For extra bucks These could all include interfaces with national weather service and gps that actually could lock out trying to fly with weather warnings and emergency auto landing if weather suddenly presents! Multi camera sensors even radar watching the skies in every direction for other aircraft! ....auto pil ot to route including take off and landing.....ALL totally doable with mass production of currently expensive components. Of course these are just examples of very low end aircraft, basically the equivalent of mopeds as compared to mainstream motorcycles....and of course mass production could also bring down the cost of owning and operating super capable aircraft DRAMATICALLY ! As in $50k COULD with mass production/high numbers of units buy what right now costs hundreds of thousands...AND they woud be BETTER planes via competition! And hey IF/when we finally get truly awesome battery tech? Mass produced electric aircraft could be DIRT cheap!

[@nigelwolfe6150]

And all the people that would read the above and respond negatively like it is so pie in the sky ignorant? THESE are the same thinkers that actually can PREVENT such....folks BOUND and determined to filter EVERYTHING through past /current "the way it HAS to BE" thinking ....There really is no such barriers! Just boat anchor reactionary maddening HINDRANCES to progress!! ....imagination and EFFORT can overcome AMAZING obstacles... the stick in the mud types thinkers are all "given limits" BS folks

[@nigelwolfe6150]

For example an F1 car in 2020 costs anywhere from 175 to 400 MILLION dollars! Take virually ANY of these cars and mass produce them? I am guessing totally doable easily 20x less.....with enough numbers even 50 0r 100x less idk yes ridiculous because WHO would even WANT such vehicles? I'm only saying IF people DID this is the reality

[@waqarsyed6641]

Mike

[@GoodLifeInSpain]

These TSi's are absolutely beautiful. But, by far, the biggest drawback...the word "EXPERIMENTAL" in large bold letters in the backseat. Yeah, I don't think most wives are going to be comfortable with that.

[@robertcoutts926]

Be creative describing what experimental means ... maybe the brand name in Italian or put some squiggles above the vowels and suggest it's not English .

[@pongpolk.8920]

LoL

[@SatireDaily]

I don't know if I could use an Ipad. They're made to break down over time, would need something reliable.

[@jameskruse3048]

iPad (with Foreflight app) does NOT replace the primary IFR flight instruments...it will give you a moving map, IFR Approach plates and taxi diagrams, weather, terrain clearance and traffic if connected (wifi or bluetooth) to ADSB in device...works great-biggest issue is heat, don't leave it sitting in the sun...(Foreflight even works well on your iPhone)...Currently flying a steam gauge 6 pack with my iPad on a yoke mount...

[@ednesbit2988]

we can tell your excited all you talk about is the sling anymore lol you know theres lots of other stuff in aviation jk jk

[@1pierreandremercier]

Your own time to build is free, not $50.00 dollars an hour = $70,000.00 dollars. This is what it would cost if you have someone else build your kit. If you build it yourself, you do it in your spare time. When you come home and sit on your couch and watch TV, do you charge yourself $50.00 dollars an hour to do so??? Ridiculous.

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Today9/13_ You Aked Our Status and Such Regarding Your Viewers?_I Kindly 'Replied To Your Notification /Question Posting' And They Disappeard My Answer To Your Question?? _ Wtf YT?_ Anyway' Blessings and Safe Flying Always!

[@mojogrip]

Hey Charles, not sure why that's happening

[@johnhodgkiss9882]

Sorry it does not need to cost so much to build an aeroplane.

[@pushingbus1]

Please there is no such thing as” more safer” it’s just safer. You say it all the time. Drives me crazy lol

[@JDavid-gx8rs]

this is more truer....absolutely certain... lol but , if you throw in..."much" safer...i think you're good ex. The airplane is much safer with a parachute system installed. 👍🏻

[@addictedtopussy69]

You are More Righter, Much More Correcter.

[@mattivirta]

old car seat not cost lot about 50-100$ and not expensive make new covers about 300$ lto cheapen than this scammer seller parts.

[@brent1041]

That will be a nice plane when it’s finished but damm your looking at $170,000+. I’m planing on getting my zenith done for around 30K since I’m scrounging for deals. Obviously your planning on using that for your youtube business and will get some tax deductions from that but I still don’t see that high of price being justified.

[@chrisbowpiloto]

Brent that really isn't high for what it is. It is a much more capable plane than a zenith and worth the extra cash. It is comparable to a $300,000 cirrus

[@brent1041]

ChrisBow Piloto No doubt it’s way more capable than my zenith will be. And a “bargain” compared to a new cirrus. But that still don’t make it any easier to justify.

[@chrisbowpiloto]

Brent how not? He needs a plane with the capabilities of this one and he is getting a very good price on it while ensuring that it is safe. I don't really see anything to justify (assuming that he does need it)

[@chrisbowpiloto]

Brent I actually find it a lot harder to justify the zenith. It is not really capable of anything that I would buy a plane for and therefore it is just a toy. I'll spend $170k on a tool long before $30k on a toy

[@brent1041]

ChrisBow Piloto fair enough everyone’s mission is different. The zenith 601xlb will fit my mission just fine doing 300mile cross country legs quick enough . But I don’t need 4 seats. I bet he will spend a lot of time flying that plane by himself which usually makes a better case for a 2 seater and renting a bigger plane when needed.

[@jeremyjones2191]

Go fund me a house...I need a house, I'm homeless and need a place to live. An airplane go fund me...geez there are a lot of people out there with no place to live but don't do KZbin videos that live on the streets. Go fund me should help with that, not someone's pleasure airplane. I don't do KZbin videos but if people will donate money based on that more people should do it that actually need stuff and not just want. But all I have is a phone and not some fancy camera. That's my rant sorry for interrupting the comments

[@thefireman2854]

You are right in a sense. I see the same things on most of the sailing videos. People pay money to watch and fund someone else's dreams. Helping someone with food, housing, basic needs should be higher on all of our lists. I think many people assume our taxes and the programs they "support" are providing whats needed. At my job I regularly encounter homeless. Of my experience 99% have alcohol/drug dependencies and need psycholgical help. Most do not want a house to sleep in, as long as they are able to continually feed their habit. It is heartbreaking to see people caught in that viscous cycle.

[@chrisbowpiloto]

Make some videos about life on the street. I would watch that

[@homertalk]

People give voluntarily. Assholes in the street are there almost always because of their own choices.

[@jeremyjones2191]

So everyone that are in the streets are assholes you say. Some just have a run of bad luck. Like me I took care of my mother through Medicaid for 15 years. Then because I was considered self employed I had no benefits. Now I have nothing. I'm far from an asshole or a drug addict for that matter. I think people that say stuff like that are the assholes

[@jeremyjones2191]

I'm not asking for a handout I'm just trying to get people to realize there are people out there that REALLY need help and would be happy to live in a shack. The government and the people of the US need to get their priorities straight and help their own instead of other countries. Help ours first!! An airplane though I mean come on.... give to a charity or something.

[@markblankenship5788]

Absolutely amazing this guy expects people to fund his plane project! How about sell your little T’s and take the money from your videos. If you can’t afford your project tough.

[@laurentsamson8927]

Cost nothing to ask lol

[@brandonlamondin6228]

Gee, buy me an airplane please/....???? really?? whats the world coming to these days.. If you cant afford it, you dont need it.. Guess what. be happy with what you have, and never envy your neighbour. If you want something in life,, guess what.. your going to have to work for it son. Dont ask people for their hard earned dollars... its just selfish.