Flying an airplane has long been seen as a complex and demanding skill, but the Airhart Sling may soon change that perception.
Developed by California-based Airhart Aeronautics, the Airhart Sling, currently in prototype form, is built on the lightweight airframe of the Sling Aircraft TSi model. It retains the TSi’s key specifications, such as a turbo-charged Rotax 915iS engine, a cruising speed of 170 mph (274 km/h), and a range of 800 nautical miles (921 miles/1,482 km). However, the Sling introduces an innovative feature that sets it apart: the Airhart Assist control stick.
Unlike traditional aircraft with multiple cockpit controls like a steering yoke and rudder pedals, the Airhart Sling simplifies piloting with a single control stick. Pilots can simply push the stick in the desired direction, and the aircraft’s onboard computer system, equipped with an electronic fly-by-wire system, automatically adjusts the engine and control surfaces to execute the commands. This approach aims to eliminate much of the complexity associated with flying, making the experience more akin to driving a car.
The Airhart Sling doesn’t just simplify manual controls—it also automates various aspects of the flying process. The aircraft is designed to handle tasks such as filing flight plans, performing pre-flight checklists, and even calculating optimal flight routes based on weather, terrain, and air traffic conditions.
According to Airhart Aeronautics’ CEO and co-founder, Nikita Ermoshkin, “We want to have it be much more like a typical driving experience.”
The cockpit features are similarly designed to reduce cognitive load for the pilot. The avionics system can convert radio communications from air traffic control into text, displaying transcripts on the cockpit screen. This allows pilots to review crucial information at their convenience, without relying solely on real-time verbal communication. In the future, automated voice communication with controllers could be integrated, further streamlining the flying experience.
The company’s vision extends beyond simplifying flight controls. Airhart Aeronautics aims to drastically reduce the cost of small aircraft, with future models potentially priced as low as $100,000, according to Ermoshkin. This ambition aligns with the company’s broader goal of making self-piloted flights accessible to a wider audience.
Currently, pilots of the Sling require standard training for private aircraft, but regulatory changes may soon ease this requirement. Under the proposed MOSAIC regulations, pilots would be able to earn licenses with restrictions that allow them to fly simplified aircraft like the Airhart Sling, making the learning curve significantly less steep.
Despite its automated systems, safety remains a top priority for Airhart Aeronautics. The company has incorporated multiple redundancy systems into the control technology to prevent failures. In the rare event of a complete system malfunction, pilots can manually deploy the plane’s airframe parachute, providing an extra layer of safety.
The Airhart Sling is set to revolutionize the aviation industry by making flight more affordable and less complicated. Preorders are now open, with an initial run of 50 Slings available for a refundable deposit of $1,000. The full price of the aircraft is expected to be around $500,000, with deliveries planned for 2026.
Looking ahead, Airhart Aeronautics has plans for additional aircraft models with the long-term goal of creating a $100,000 airplane equipped with advanced features.
