Aircraft Builders Europe BV, NL

Building your own airplane means dealing with parts, aluminum, wiring, instruments and making sure that corrosion does not show up years later when the aircraft is in service. Even more, you will need to learn how to prepare and install an engine and propeller on the firewall.

Aircraft Builders Europe is the main European distributor for Sling Aircraft based in South Africa. Sling is manufacturing two and four seat experimental aircraft for many years now and they have circumnavigated the globe several times.

The aircraft are available in kit form: slow, quick and even factory build. There are four models, the two seaters: Sling LSA, Sling 2 and the four seaters: Sling TSi and Sling High Wing. The latter one is the latest addition to the fleet.

The next link brings you to a video impression by the famous YouTube personality: 'The Flying Dutchgirl' about the Sling Aircraft build process, enjoy!

Builders Assist

The build assist program of Aircraft Builders Europe is a service meant for the quick build option where the owner is required to build 51 % and the factory 49 %. This usually means that the fuselage and wings are shipped pre-assembled.

The kits from Sling Aircraft are broken down in manageable parts, i.e. crates. Each one is complete with full color build manual and all parts are separated in bags for easy inventory. This way, when the crate is empty, you will have a complete finished aircraft part on your work bench (hopefully). Be that an elevator, flap, aileron or vertical fin.

These smaller parts can be easily build in a workshop close too or even in your house with common hand tools. The wings and fuselage will require a bit more space to build these. Note that all aluminum parts are alodined for corrosion protection.

Build Space

To finalize the build you need more room than just a two car garage, just think about installing and adjusting the wings to the fuselage. This usually requires at least a space of 30 by 30 feet (10 x 10 meters) to have enough room to position and move every thing around. And what's more: an extra pair of hands and brain always helpful too!

Aircraft Builders Europe fills this gap by providing a workshop where three aircraft can be build at the same time. You can rent a section for a maximum period of six (6) months. Access to the workshop is 24/7 with technical staff present to assist where needed. Specialty tooling and spare parts are also available when required.

The company arranges everything from ordering to the arrival of the kit at the hanger and will work together with the customer to set up a planning so that the aircraft is ready in six months.

Paint shop

Close to the headquarters is a paint shop experienced with aircraft and alodined aluminum. They are able to finish any paint scheme you desire.

Engine Installation

Sling aircraft are build around the Rotax brand of engines. The models used are: 912ULS, 912iS (Sling LSA and 2), 915iS and 916iS (Sling TSi and HW). Rotax like engines (Edge Performance for example) can be used too as not many modifications are necessary to the aircraft. Other brands may work too, but in that case I would advise to contact Sling Aircraft for assistance.

Propellers

Basically, any propeller made for the Rotax engines should work. Sling uses an Airmaster Propeller manufactured in New Zealand and a hydraulic MT Propeller (Germany) for the TSi and HW aircraft. The Sling 2 is equipped with a ground adjustable three blade Warp Drive Propeller (U.S.).

Panel Installation

The company is planning to have a full panel installation service available in the near future.

Workshop Impression

The slide show gives an impression of the hanger space available and aircraft under construction:

Company information

Aircraft Builders Europe can be contacted at the following addresses:

Sling Aircraft can be contacted at the following addresses:

Text and images used with permission of Aircraft Builders Europe.