THE WORLD HAS BEEN CLAMOURING to see the Sling High Wings, and the obvious place to show them off is at the annual EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh. However, Covid got in the way. Plans to fly the prototype 'nosedragger' to Oshkosh in 2021 had to be abandoned at the last minute due to the Covid Delta Variant, which broke out just weeks before departure.
In the intervening year, the factory was busy with a build assist programme to complete two High Wings for the American market - and one is a taildragger. So the perfect opportunity arose to complete and fly - not just one, but three Sling High Wings to Osh.
The two American aircraft featured N-Registrations and proved the principle that from the FAA perspective, you can build an N-Reg experimental plane in Johannesburg and fly it back to the USA upon completion. The aircraft had to meet all of the US requirements - which included having a US Designated Airworthiness Representative inspect the plane prior to first flight.
The three aircraft on the epic journey were:
ZU-SHW- the factory 'Development Prototype' Sling High Wing, piloted by James Pitman and his friend, Matt Cohen. The aircraft was modified to allow for hands-only flying as Matt had lost the use of his legs in a motorcycle accident some years ago;
N915HW - the first Sling High Wing delivered to a customer (in kit form) and assembled by its American owner, Linda Sollars, at the Sling factory in Johannesburg. N915HW was piloted by Linda and Mike Blyth;
N669JP - the first Sling High Wing Taildragger kit delivered to a customer, assembled by its owner, JP "The Candourist" Schulze, also at the Sling factory in Johannesburg, and piloted by JP and his Australian cameraman mate, William.
この記事は SA Flyer Magazine の August 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は SA Flyer Magazine の August 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
LIVING THE DREAM Part 2: Planning and Pax
Part 2: Planning and Pax
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In the early seventies Esquire Airways acquired a pre-owned Beechcraft Queen Air. This top of the range 8,800 lb MAUW model had nine forward facing commuter seats and I flew it as a single pilot operation for several months.
HELICOPTER PILOTS SHOULD UNIONISE
Helicopter pilots are stuck in a 12-month flying cycle. While they will have periods of rest and active rest (performing ground-based tasks and planning ventures) within their work source campaigns, it's not a good situation. They need programmed periods to catch their breath.
AFTERMATH of the Engine Fire
Iris McCallum continues her stories about her early years with Air Kenya. This month she tells us about the immediate aftermath of her dramatic engine fire and crash, and her subsequent 'getting back onto the saddle'.
LARGEST EVER RHINO RELOCATION
Specialist air cargo operator ACS mobilised all its skills to successfully complete a very challenging project – the translocation of 39 White Rhino from Namibia to the USA.
NOVEMBER 2024
November sees strong growth in aircraft registrations with 16 additions, but 10 aircraft are cancelled as exported. The Type Certified additions are a mixed bag.
TWINCO FUEL
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT
RON WHEELDON'S HUNTERS
RON WHEELDON is a Johannesburg based trademark and IP attorney. He writes, \"My love affair with Hawker Hunter jet fighters started in approximately 1963 when the Rhodesian parliament opening was marked by a fly-by of nine recently acquired Hawker Hunters in diamond formation.
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Flying a Hunter starts hours before actually walking out to the aircraft. This machine is a legend, but it is first of all about the highest performance machine that it is feasible for a civilian to fly. Flying it is not to be taken lightly.
RIGHT SEAT RULES NO. 25 SLOW FLIGHT
Most of us feel a bit edgy when the ASI creeps down within 10 KIAS of the stall. Jim Davis has some hints on how to be comfortable and in control - even when the airspeed is 20 KIAS below the stall.
