Sling 4 options/extras

[gordloewen]

Hello all;

I am currently strongly considering purchasing a Sling 4 kit. I had a short test flight in the US Sling 2 demonstrator earlier this week and came away with very positive thoughts on the handling characteristics of the Sling 2, and I am sure the Sling 4 will be similar.

I am curious about what options/extras folks have included, or thought about, for their Sling 2/4 purchases, whether factory-produced or as a kit. I have pondered the dual wing LED landing lights and LED position lights/strobes, external alternator for the 914, and I understand toe brakes are standard now on the Sling 4. Obviously a very wide range of avionics options. Anything else that people have considered?

Also – for those few folks that have a flying Sling 4, I would be very interested in finding out what your empty weights ended up at.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Cheers

(the other) Gord

[JPGrobler]

Hi Gord.

We have the first production Sling 4 and enjoying her so much! We have probably all options/extras there are to choose from and went for a Garmin panel. See/like my page on Facebook: ZU-JPS for more photos, videos etc. The plane came out on 483kg (1065 lb) empty weight. Please feel free to send me a message if you need more info.

Cheers
JP

[gordloewen]

Hi JP - thanks very much for the reply. Yes - I have seen and liked your Facebook page - your 4 is a beautiful plane! That is very encouraging to hear that your empty weight came out very close to the book numbers. I appreciate your offer to help answer any additional questions - I'll have a few more, but promise not to cut into your flying time too much.

Cheers

Gord

[KyleBeckett]

Howzit Gord

I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your flight in the Sling 2. The Sling 4 is very similar but feels sturdier and much bigger.
For the Factory built Sling 4 the dual wing LED landing lights are standard in both wings and so are the LED strobe/nav lights.

The external alternator is not really necessary with the standard aircraft but is a nice luxury to have. It does become necessary if you add a lot more electrical components to the aircraft.

Toe brakes are however still an optional extra with the handbrake coming as standard.

Feel free to ask anymore questions and good luck with your decision.

Kyle

[gordloewen]

Greetings Kyle - thanks for the extra data points! Think I am very close to making my decision - just need to be sure I get everything I need packed into the boxes before the long journey to the US.

Cheers

Gord

[Scotsman]

JP what sort of climb rate did you see on the Sling 4 when it is loaded up with pax versus when it is light?

Your aircraft looks exquisite btw. Nice paint job especially.

[JPGrobler]

Hi Scotsman

Thanks so mush. We are really enjoying her a lot!

To answer your question about climb performance:
When the plane is loaded to the max take-off weight of 920kg (2020lb) I get about a 300 - 400 ft/min climb rate out of Potchefstroom airfield (4520ft ground level) on a summer's morning.
When I fly the aircraft with no pax and about 3/4 fuel I get a decent climb rate of 1000 - 1100 ft/min from the same airfield and same conditions for the first 1000 ft and about 800 ft/min after that.

In the cruise between 7000 - 12000ft at max take-off weight I get a TAS of 110 - 115 knots and when I'm light with no pax about 120 - 125 knots burning 25 liters of MOGAS an hour.

Cheers
JP

[Scotsman]

Thanks JP. Now for the cheeky next question......I have to bring a canopy for refurbishing to Potch probably in March and was wondering if I could steal a flight with you (obviously willing chip in for fuel!)? Considering whether the Sling 4 could be my next kit build.

[JPGrobler]

Hi Scotsman, PM sent.

[JPGrobler]

Hi Scotsman. You should let me know about the flip you'd like.

Cheers
JP

[Scotsman]

Humble humble apologies JP. Since chatting to you last I went and got a rating on the Sling 2 and would love to go for a flip in your Sling 4. Do you fly out of Potch often, I am hire and flying from Panorama at the moment?

[JPGrobler]

You are most welcome. Yes I fly about 2 to 3 times a week out of Potch

[Scotsman]

JP are you flying this Monday afternoon? Have booked for hire and fly, weather permitting, Monday afternoon from 1400 so could potentially pop down to Potch if you were intending on being around anyway.

[JPGrobler]

Hi Scotsman

Sorry I didn't see your post till now. I was busy with exams but am finished now. Add me on facebook and we can message there rather: JP Grobler

Cheers
JP