EASA certifies Pipistrel Velis Electro

Enter the new Sling NGT

Based on the tried and tested Sling 2 which has being plying its trade in flight schools both locally and internationally over the past 10 years, collectively these Slings have a logged thousands of hours in this environment with some aircraft now exceeding 6000 hours of abuse. The Sling NGT is an evolution of the brand designed to satisfy the demands of modern-day flight school operations.

Design

Being of robust all metal construction, the aircraft is well suited to the rigours of flight school environment. The low wing layout provides for predictable handling while still being a ‘stick and rudder ’aircraft, being stable and well-harmonised, but requires better positive aircraft control to be flown well, compared to the legacy aircraft such as the Cessna 172. The Sling demands more finesse and ‘stick and rudder’ skill which is a great flight training aircraft trait.

Avionics

The Sling NGT has a premium all Garmin avionics suite. This includes the G3x full primary flight display (10” touch PFD) with optional second MFD, G5 back up flight display, GTX45R ADS-B in and out transponder (including traffic and weather), paired with a GTN 650 Xi GPS / NAV / COMM / MFD navigator and Autopilot with GMC507 control panel completing the line-up. So advanced is this set up, that the FAA has deemed the Sling NGT as a Technically Advanced Airplane (TAA).

The FAA recently changed the Commercial Pilot requirement for 10 hours of ‘complex’ time to include training in a TAA. The FAA understands that managing systems (whether it be a landing gear control or a complex avionics system with an autopilot) teaches a pilot to cope with complexity that can be transferred to other complex airplane systems. So, since the Sling NGT is a TAA, a student can now receive all training from ab-initio through PPL and on take the Commercial Pilot check ride in the Sling NGT.

Power plant

The Sling NGT is powered by the 100 hp fuel injected Rotax 912iS. This engine is the ideal power plant due to its reliability and great fuel efficiency where in flight school operations a fuel use of between 14-17 litres per hour offers up to 10 hours endurance. The 2000-hour TBO provides for extended maintenance intervals and the 100hr MPI takes no longer than a day to perform providing for minimum aircraft down time. All contributing to the all-important low operating costs imperative for high hour flight school operations. Furthermore, the single power lever provides for a lower pilot workload and with the Whirlwind ground adjustable propeller less complexity and lower maintenance costs. combination.

Safety

A rear opening bubble canopy with built in rollover protection offers superb all-round visibility assisted by a high seating position with a four-point harness restraint system. The class leading 43.8” cabin width provides for a spacious and relaxed student / instructor training environment and with a useful load with full fuel of 208kg can accommodate all sizes of student and instructor comfortably. An airframe parachute system is available as an option offering added safety. The Sling NGT has benign stall characteristics remaining predictable through the stall which occurs at a low 38 knots.

Interior

To take the harsh treatment of the flight training environment the Sling NGT interior while looking the part is fitted with hardwearing materials and the leather seats are fitted with seat covers as standard. The canopy interior has a foldable heatshield for occupant protection on hotter days.

Orders

To date Sling Aircraft has delivered five new Sling NGT’s to a flight school in the USA with an open standing order in place for a further 1-2 aircraft per month indefinitely. A second USA flight school has recently started placing orders for their new Sling NGT fleet.