Flying a plane has long been regarded as a complex and challenging skill to master, with traditional aircraft requiring extensive training and years of experience to operate safely. However, Airhart Aeronautics, a California-based company, is working on an aircraft that could significantly lower the barrier to entry for private pilots. Their new prototype, the Airhart Sling, aims to simplify the entire flying experience, making it more accessible to a broader audience while enhancing safety and affordability.
A new approach to flying
At its core, the Airhart Sling is designed to automate and streamline many of the tasks typically associated with flying a plane. This four-seater aircraft is built on the lightweight frame of Sling Aircraft’s TSi model, a popular aircraft known for its performance. The Sling TSi boasts a turbocharged Rotax 915iS engine, which enables the aircraft to reach a cruising speed of 170 mph (274 km/h) and cover a range of 800 nautical miles (921 miles or 1,482 km) on a single trip. The engine is efficient as well, burning fuel at a rate of 7.4 gallons (28 liters) per hour, making it a cost-effective choice for long-distance travel.
However, while the Airhart Sling shares these performance specifications with the original Sling TSi, it stands out due to its unique cockpit setup and advanced automation systems. Traditional cockpit controls, such as the steering yoke and rudder pedals, have been replaced by a single control stick known as the Airhart Assist. This innovation dramatically simplifies flying: instead of manually controlling every aspect of the flight, the pilot can simply push the stick in the desired direction, and the aircraft’s onboard computer takes care of the rest.
Automation meets safety
One of Airhart Aeronautics’ primary goals is to reduce aviation accidents, many of which are attributed to pilot error. According to the company, their automation systems could prevent up to 90% of accidents that occur with small aircraft. The Airhart Assist control stick is part of a larger electronic fly-by-wire system that communicates with the plane’s engine and control surfaces, ensuring that commands are executed smoothly and accurately.
In addition to simplifying the mechanics of flying, the Airhart Sling automates several critical tasks, such as filing flight plans and performing pre-flight checklists. Pilots no longer need to manually handle these steps, reducing the potential for oversight or mistakes. Moreover, the aircraft’s avionics system is designed to convert radio communications into text that is displayed on a cockpit screen, allowing the pilot to easily review information from air traffic controllers without the risk of missing crucial details in the heat of the moment. Future upgrades may even allow the plane to verbally communicate with controllers via automated voice technology.
The vision for easier flight training
Currently, flying the Airhart Sling requires the same level of training as any other private aircraft. However, new regulations being proposed under the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) initiative could change that. The MOSAIC regulations are expected to include provisions that would allow pilots to obtain a license specifically for aircraft with simplified control systems, such as the Airhart Sling. This means pilots may eventually need less training to fly these types of planes, further increasing accessibility to self-piloted flight.
Safety is always a concern with automated systems, and Airhart Aeronautics has addressed these concerns by incorporating multiple redundancy systems into their control technology. These systems are designed to compensate for any software glitches, and in the event of a complete failure, the aircraft is equipped with a manually deployable airframe parachute, providing an extra layer of security.
Pricing and availability
Airhart Aeronautics is currently taking preorders for the first 50 Airhart Slings, with a refundable deposit of $1,000 securing a spot on the list. The total price for one of these aircraft is set at $500,000, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. While this price point may seem high, the company has long-term plans to develop more affordable aircraft models. As part of their roadmap, Airhart Aeronautics aims to create a plane that will retail for as little as $100,000, equipped with many of the same features and safety enhancements.
Source: Airhart Aeronautics
