Sling TSi Build Series
Episode 1: From Dream to First Rivet
Building your own aircraft can feel overwhelming at first—but with the right guidance, tools, and team, it becomes one of the most rewarding experiences in aviation.
In Episode 1 of our Sling TSi build series, we follow Dale Norton as he begins the journey of building his own aircraft at Custom Aircraft Builders. This episode captures the moment where a pilot transitions from dreaming about aircraft ownership to actively assembling the airplane he’ll one day fly.
Watch Episode 1: Sling TSi Builder Assist Experience
From Student Pilot to Aircraft Builder
Dale’s journey began like many pilots. After learning to fly and earning his private pilot certificate, he realized his next dream wasn’t just flying—it was owning his own aircraft.
After seeing the Sling TSi up close and flying it, the decision became clear.
“The Sling is like a little sports car. Once I got to control it, I was sold.”
After seeing the Sling TSi up close and flying it, the decision became clear.
“The Sling is like a little sports car. Once I got to control it, I was sold.”
“The Sling is like a little sports car. Once I got to control it, I was sold.”
But like many first-time builders, the idea of assembling an entire aircraft seemed intimidating at first.
Seeing crates full of parts and thousands of components can make anyone wonder if building an airplane is really possible.
That’s where builder assist makes the difference.
Seeing crates full of parts and thousands of components can make anyone wonder if building an airplane is really possible.
That’s where builder assist makes the difference.
Builder Assist Makes Aircraft Building Accessible
At Custom Aircraft Builders, the builder assist process transforms aircraft construction into a structured, guided experience.
Instead of building alone, builders work alongside experienced professionals who:
Instead of building alone, builders work alongside experienced professionals who:
- Guide each step of the process
- Teach proper techniques
- Ensure quality and safety
- Answer questions in real time
As Dale described, one of the biggest advantages is having a knowledgeable team available throughout the process:
“Everybody there takes their time to help explain questions I have. They always stop what they’re doing and help me understand how everything works.”
This hands-on learning builds both skill and confidence.
The First Step: Building the Horizontal Stabilizer
In this first build session, Dale begins assembling the horizontal stabilizer.
This stage introduces core aircraft building techniques, including:
Deburring aluminum components for proper fit and safety
Dimpling holes to allow flush rivet installation
Following the detailed Sling build manual
Performing precise rivet installation
Verifying alignment and structural accuracy
Even pulling the first rivet is a major milestone.
This stage introduces core aircraft building techniques, including:
Deburring aluminum components for proper fit and safety
Dimpling holes to allow flush rivet installation
Following the detailed Sling build manual
Performing precise rivet installation
Verifying alignment and structural accuracy
Even pulling the first rivet is a major milestone.
“First rivet. Here we go. Only 10,000 more to go.”
Each step builds familiarity with the aircraft and its systems.
Why Builders Develop a Deeper Connection to Their Aircraft
One of the most powerful aspects of building your own aircraft is the understanding it creates.
Builders don’t just own their aircraft—they know it intimately.
They understand:
Builders don’t just own their aircraft—they know it intimately.
They understand:
- How systems are assembled
- How components interact
- How to inspect and maintain the aircraft
- How to recognize normal vs abnormal conditions
This knowledge leads to greater confidence, safety, and long-term ownership satisfaction.
As we often tell builders:
When you build the airplane yourself, you truly become part of it.
Guided by Experience at Custom Aircraft Builders
This Sling TSi build is guided by our experienced team, including Sling team manager Matt Fergle, who has worked on multiple Sling builds and now leads builder assist projects.
Builders benefit from:
- Professional tools and facilities
- Experienced technical guidance
- Proven build processes
- Structured build timelines
- A supportive team environment
Our goal is to make aircraft building approachable, efficient, and rewarding.
Follow the Sling TSi Build Journey
This is just the beginning.
In upcoming episodes, you’ll see the Sling TSi take shape—from individual components to a completed, flying aircraft.
This series provides a real-world look at what it’s like to build your own airplane with professional builder assistance.
If you’ve ever wondered whether building your own aircraft is possible, this series will show you exactly what the process looks like.
Custom Aircraft Builders is the only authorized Sling dealer and build center on the East Coast, helping pilots turn aircraft ownership into reality through guided builder assist programs.
In upcoming episodes, you’ll see the Sling TSi take shape—from individual components to a completed, flying aircraft.
This series provides a real-world look at what it’s like to build your own airplane with professional builder assistance.
If you’ve ever wondered whether building your own aircraft is possible, this series will show you exactly what the process looks like.
Custom Aircraft Builders is the only authorized Sling dealer and build center on the East Coast, helping pilots turn aircraft ownership into reality through guided builder assist programs.