Thoughts on doing pp checkride in Sling 2 then build sling 4

Mickalobe

Filing Flight Plan
Joined
Apr 29, 2017
Messages
2
Display Name

Display name:
mick
I'm planning on finishing my private pilot flight training at a flight school in Nevada that uses Sling 2 My reasons are that I will probably end up doing a quick build kit for myself.I have done demo flights at Vans Zenith and Orion Lightning and have not yet flown a Sling but have read good reviews on the Sling. All these planes are stick with glass cockpits unlike the steam gauge with yoke 172 and 150 that I have trained in so far. So finishing my training in a Sling will give me glass cockpit and stick experience
By far the most fun I have had in my training were the cross country solo flights.When I get my own plane distance trips are what I want to do so that is why I am considering the Sling 4 -can carry some baggage and still economical
I'm retired and knew virtually nothing about airplanes until I got hooked so any suggestions and comments will be appreciated.
 
Just because they are called 'kits' doesn't mean you will have the skill to do a build. And there is no such thing as a 'quick' build especially if you have not built a plane before. If you want to get a good peek into what it takes to build fly to N. Las Vegas airport and walk around the hangars down there. It is builder central.

If cost is an issue you may want to consider buying a used plane. Plenty of advise on this board for used planes that can do cross country trips well.
 
I'm planning on finishing my private pilot flight training at a flight school in Nevada that uses Sling 2 My reasons are that I will probably end up doing a quick build kit for myself.I have done demo flights at Vans Zenith and Orion Lightning and have not yet flown a Sling but have read good reviews on the Sling. All these planes are stick with glass cockpits unlike the steam gauge with yoke 172 and 150 that I have trained in so far. So finishing my training in a Sling will give me glass cockpit and stick experience
By far the most fun I have had in my training were the cross country solo flights.When I get my own plane distance trips are what I want to do so that is why I am considering the Sling 4 -can carry some baggage and still economical
I'm retired and knew virtually nothing about airplanes until I got hooked so any suggestions and comments will be appreciated.

If you're mechanically inclined, go for it. Remember, however, that even a quick build kit does takes hundreds (if not thousands) of hours. The general rule of thumb with kit aircraft is that if you want to build, build, but if you want to fly, buy. You'll likely get frustrated well before finishing a kit if you really just want to fly. Frequently, buying an older plane will end up being cheaper as well. The info that I can find on the Sling 4 suggest $125,000 all up with the quick-build option. You can get a nice used plane for that (and a lot of gas for your x-country flights).

On the other hand, if your goal really is to fly something you built yourself and your really enjoy building things, I doubt there are many pursuits that could be as rewarding. Enjoy each step of the build and don't worry about when it will be done. For what it's worth, I'd love to build a plane and hope to do just that someday. Just know what you're getting into.
 
The skills required required to build a typical modern kit are easily learned--it just ain't that difficult. Proof is in the pudding. Here's my slow build RV-10 that I just back from paint. I no previous building experience and the most complicated mechanical thing I had ever done prior to this was change the oil in my car.
33548502904_80208754c3_z.jpg

Having said that, building is a huge commitment outside of the 2-week taxi type builder assist type programs. If you are really more into flying, I highly suggest not building and go ahead and buy either a used flying E-AB or a used standard certified aircraft. Be advised though, the cheapest way to fly is to rent.

If you are set on building, I'd go to the EAA website and start educating yourself. They have great how-to videos--I wish I'd have had these when I started! Visit your local EAA Chapter (some are better than others) and see if you can find a mentor. At the very least they can assist you with tech counselors to check your work and provide advice. Finally find the online community for the make you end up with--this will be the virtual brain trust you'l want to tap into. Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Just because they are called 'kits' doesn't mean you will have the skill to do a build.

Lack of skill is rarely a hurdle for kit completion--all the necessary skills can be easily be self-taught but instruction is available from a number of sources,even online. Plans built aircraft, on the other-hand, especially one with welding can be infinitely more challenging and typically requires some level of instruction in order to acquire the necessary skills.
 
I believe The Aircraft Factory (distributor of the Sling 2 and 4) have an agreement with an Oregon based build center. Synergy I think. The original poster could purchase the kit and have the build center complete most of the build, and bring him in for the 51% over two weeks.
 
I was under the impression that you couldn't take your checkride in an experimental. Are Slings certified?
 
I was under the impression that you couldn't take your checkride in an experimental. Are Slings certified?
An examiner may, but is not required to, give a checkride in an experimental. However since the Sling 2 he is flying is operated by a flight school it is probably certified as an SLSA otherwise it could not be used as a rental.
 
The skills required required to build a typical modern kit are easily learned--it just ain't that difficult. Proof is in the pudding. Here's my slow build RV-10 that I just back from paint. I no previous building experience and the most complicated mechanical thing I had ever done prior to this was change the oil in my car.
33548502904_80208754c3_z.jpg

Having said that, building is a huge commitment outside of the 2-week taxi type builder assist type programs. If you are really more into flying, I highly suggest not building and go ahead and buy either a used flying E-AB or a used standard certified aircraft. Be advised though, the cheapest way to fly is to rent.

If you are set on building, I'd go to the EAA website and start educating yourself. They have great how-to videos--I wish I'd have had these when I started! Visit your local EAA Chapter (some are better than others) and see if you can find a mentor. At the very least they can assist you with tech counselors to check your work and provide advice. Finally find the online community for the make you end up with--this will be the virtual brain trust you'l want to tap into. Good luck!

Lovely looking airplane!!

The RV-10 is a big project, being a four-place plane. Did you count the rivets? :D Kudos to you for taking it on as a first build project AND getting it finished. Well done!

More pictures please.
 
An examiner may, but is not required to, give a checkride in an experimental. However since the Sling 2 he is flying is operated by a flight school it is probably certified as an SLSA otherwise it could not be used as a rental.

Correct. A DPE can choose to hop into anything you have but will expect to verify your log books and your familiarity with the plane. SLSA are made under "applicable consensus standards" or 14 CFR 1.1 and 21.190 rather than 14 CFR Part 21.
 
Thanks for the replies. lots to think about. And yes I am one of those who likes to build stuff. Have built several boats one being large enough to call home and sail the seas for 10 years. Also built a few houses to live in and sell.
After talking to you guys and the lads at the local FBO am thinking maybe buy a used older plane to build hours and experience and take the time to learn whats out there -Oshkosh Sun N Fun outlying airport FBO's etc.
Before I built my cruising yacht I had lots of cruising and working experience on many boats so I knew exactly what I wanted to design and build for myself.Maybe I need to tackle my first plane the same way
So here is another question
Any suggestions on used planes to consider that could be enjoyed for 200 hrs then sold for not much loss. Something that can carry a bit of baggage for away from home stays. A good time builder for a new pilot who still has a lot to learn??

Thanks
 
Thanks for the replies. lots to think about. And yes I am one of those who likes to build stuff. Have built several boats one being large enough to call home and sail the seas for 10 years. Also built a few houses to live in and sell.
After talking to you guys and the lads at the local FBO am thinking maybe buy a used older plane to build hours and experience and take the time to learn whats out there -Oshkosh Sun N Fun outlying airport FBO's etc.
Before I built my cruising yacht I had lots of cruising and working experience on many boats so I knew exactly what I wanted to design and build for myself.Maybe I need to tackle my first plane the same way
So here is another question
Any suggestions on used planes to consider that could be enjoyed for 200 hrs then sold for not much loss. Something that can carry a bit of baggage for away from home stays. A good time builder for a new pilot who still has a lot to learn??

Thanks

PA28-180
Cessna 172.

Two common planes with solid track records. Buy right and take care of it and sell it for what you paid after a couple years of time building. Very economical to own too. I'm partial to piper so the PA28 wins imho.
 
Back
Top