2 Years Strong

Two years ago today my then instructor Brad flew up commercial airline with me to Johannesburg to take delivery of the Sling ZU-ZDL that Llewellyn and I had built at The Airplane Factory. I was still doing my NPL licence which I was going to complete in ZDL and Brad did his conversion to the Sling before we headed back to Durban in a new aircraft that was quite bedazzeling to us both. We were certain that the fuel in the one tank we were allowed to connect (75l) would get us all the way... autopilot here we come whilst we figured out the new controls and handling of the plane.

So here we are 2 years later and it was fitting that Brad joined me in the cockpit for some windy manoeuvres south of Durban with 280 hours on the hobbs and my 260 hours personal time as a student, and NPL and PPL pilot. Thanks Noel, Brad, Kyle and the lads at Light Flight and Ayre Aviation for the instruction, guidance and friendships made over the 2 years.

I took a short video clip which you can see on YouTube here, as well as a few pics. And another video of Brad and I here.

Amazing at number of the rural homes close to the city

Dave is Pilot in Command (PIC)

The shores south of Durban in the Virginia General Flying area

Inland views

Also check out the pics when we took delivery of ZDL here.

Taking Delivery today

The Airplane Factory's James Pitman hands over new Sling LSA "Hot Stuff" to Dave

Instructor Brad and Dave after arriving at Light Flight School after the Sling's maiden cross-country to Durban

What an incredible day as we got up at 4am to catch the early flight to Johannesburg, where Llewellyn's Dad picked my instructor Brad and I up from the airport to go to Tedderfield, home of The Airplane Factory where our Sling LSA has been taking shape.

Whilst James and the team worked fervently to iron out a few snags Brad went with Marc to do his instructor's conversion training so that he and I could fly "Hot Stuff" back to Durban the same day. James also took me up for 2 mind-blowing barrel rolls and bombarded me with software info for the avionics. Only towards 2pm did Brad and I venture out onto the tarmac and get airborne for our flight to Durban. What an awesome machine.  

"Hot Stuff"'s co-owner with kids Caitlin and Calvin. Calvin is keen to become a pilot too and dad Llewellyn will follow Dave in getting his licence on our new baby.

The view from van Reenen's Pass to KwaZulu-Natal (home for "Hot Stuff")

Braai Sunday at Light Flight

You're invited to a bring-and-braai on Sunday at my Flying School, Light Flight in Cato Ridge to check out our new plane. Will be flying in the am but the plane can be seen any time from 10am and I will light fires from 12.30.. so please come and be part of the excitement.

Sling on it's way

Our Sling is ready- at last. I have booked tickets to Johannesburg Friday morning with one of my instructors, Brad, where will will take delivery and receive familiarisation training (conversion to type) from the Airplane Factory and the instructors there. Brad and I will then fly the plane back to Durban. Awesome and exciting, so watch this spot.