By Edward Hefter, EAA 1363384
This piece originally ran in the March 2026 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.
Building an airplane is the dream for many pilots, but it’s a dream that can feel out of reach due to space requirements, tools, complexity, and the biggest challenge, which is time. The experience of building my Sling TSi (N751EH) at The Airplane Factory’s Build Assist Center in Torrance, California, proved that building my own airplane is not only achievable but also an incredibly rewarding experience. I choose the TSi first for its Rotax FADEC (full authority digital engine control) engine, and then for the ease of build with pulled rivets. What I ended up with is a sleek, modern four-seater aircraft that’s fast, efficient, and versatile, and it performs better than brand new certified aircraft.
The team at Torrance made everything feel easy, with expert guidance available at every step. The TSi is a remarkable aircraft, and building it with the assistance of the experienced team made the process enjoyable. Over the course of several months, I worked alongside highly skilled technicians like Shawn, Edwin, and of course Jean, all of whom were there to teach, guide, and encourage me. Their hands-on approach was invaluable. The collaborative environment made the building process feel less like a daunting task and more like an exciting project that was always moving forward.
One of the highlights of the experience was the opportunity to personalize my TSi. Unlike buying a factory-built airplane, where you’re limited to a few standard options, building my own airplane allowed me to make it truly unique. I had the freedom to choose my paint design, interior colors, and avionics. Beyond aesthetics, my TSi is equipped with the latest and greatest aviation technology. The airplane features a full Garmin glass cockpit, making flying both safer and more enjoyable. The G3X and GNX 375 work great to give me synthetic vision, weather, destination information, and traffic alerts. Coming from steam gauges, I got a level of situational awareness that I hadn’t experienced in any aircraft.
The reason I first choose the TSi, the Rotax engine, did not fail to deliver. With two people in the airplane, I climb at more than 1,500 fpm out of Lake Tahoe on a hot day. With three people and a lot of equipment heading to Oshkosh, density altitude was never an issue, and we climbed out of every airport at a minimum of 1,000 fpm. The engine provided plenty of power, allowing the TSi to cruise at 155-plus knots true airspeed while burning 7.3 gph. The airplane’s handling is crisp and responsive, and thanks to the build assist center, the controls feel natural and well balanced.
Safety was another major consideration, and my TSi doesn’t disappoint. The airplane is equipped with a ballistic parachute system; Garmin’s Smart Glide, which automatically sets me up for best glide and puts me in the pattern at the best airport in the event of an emergency; and Garmin’s ESP, which prevents me from stalling, exceeding VNE, or overbanking. The parachute system, combined with the robust construction of the TSi and its modern avionics, makes my airplane one of the safest light aircraft available today. That gives me and the people I fly with peace of mind every time I take to the sky.
The true test of a cross-country airplane like this is how it performs on a long flight, and there’s no better challenge than flying to Oshkosh! My TSi handled the 14-hour journey from Southern California with ease. The cabin was surprisingly comfortable, with enough space for both me and my co-pilot to stretch out and relax during the flight. The guy in the back had plenty of room, too, even with all the equipment we brought with us. The efficient design of the airplane meant we made fewer fuel stops than I would have needed in my Cherokee, and the advanced avionics kept us on course even when flying through challenging weather in Des Moines.
Arriving at AirVenture, surrounded by thousands of other aviation enthusiasts, I knew that this TSi was something special, and not just because of the Brokaw Song (other Perseverance Award winners know what I mean).
Building a Sling TSi at The Airplane Factory’s Build Assist Center was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The process was far more accessible than I ever imagined, thanks to the incredible support and guidance of the team in Torrance. My TSi is more than just an aircraft — it’s a dream realized. As I continue to fly, I know that every hour spent building it was worth it.
Full disclosure — while building my airplane, I started working for The Airplane Factory, but I wasn’t there when I started.
Attention — Aircraft Builders and Restorers
We would love to share your story with your fellow EAA members in the pages of EAA Sport Aviation magazine, even if it’s a project that’s been completed for a while. Readers consistently rate the “What Our Members are Building/Restoring” section of the magazine as one of their favorites, so don’t miss the chance to show off your handiwork and inspire your peers to start or complete projects of their own. Learn more ->