A duo of ambitious South Africans have designed their very own Light Sports Aircraft (LSA) line and making a mark in the airplane business. Insert “flying high” pun here.

Designer Mike Blyth and his work partner James Pitman are taking on the big aviation companies with their Sling LSA, which has been in design development for over four years.

“Initially we were going to be the design house only but soon started to manufacture. Start-up costs were huge and we had to import 90 percent of the components, including the the1200cc Rotax engines,ourselves,” said Blyth.

Today, the company has 120 staff and have sold 148 planes – an impressive feat for an independent team.

Pilot Mark Bunning says: “There is no competition for the Sling. Sure you can get a cheaper plane but with the Sling for just under R1 million, you gets what you pay for.”

“The perfect balance between manoeuvrability, speed, comfort, safety and stability.”

You can check out the Sling at the Airplane Factory’s website.

Speaking of flying, Seth is currently getting his Private Pilot’s License. If you’re interested, this is the place.

Check out the full story on IOL.