Approval of Sling Aircraft for Ab-Initio Training in Zambia

After careful consideration, the Zambian CAA has approved the use of Sling Aircraft for use in ab initio training of pilots by Zambian Approved Training Organizations (ATOs). The Sling is a Non Type Certified (NTC) aircraft manufactured in South Africa and has been very successful with its range of Rotax engine powered 2 seat and 4 seat NTC aircraft. The Sling has become the most popular training aircraft in South Africa, delivering a quality training platform at around half the operating cost of Type Certified aircraft. Slings have also been accepted for pilot training in a number of other countries including the industry leading USA which has one flight school dedicated to the use of the Sling Aircraft, all imported from South Africa!

Zambia CAA reviewed a range of information from the manufacturer and other sources on the suitability and, in particular, the safety record of the types before joining the list of authorities to accept them as basic trainers. This allows Zambian ATOs to become competitive with those overseas who have, in the past, lured many aspiring Zambian pilots over the border to train on Slings.

To ensure well rounded qualification of new pilots in Zambia a new PPL must have a minimum of 5 hours on a type certified aircraft and pass a general Flight test on a certified aircraft but the balance of their training can be conducted on a Sling. Note that this exemption does not apply to any other NTC aircraft at this time.