2026 Guide: The Secrets Behind Dry Leasing & Wet Leasing
April 7, 2026
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Understanding a common term and the common misconceptions surrounding it.
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The Sling 2 LSA and the Sling TSi EAB are two different financing conversations. Rate, lender pool, and documentation requirements all differ. FLYING Finance knows the difference — and routes your file correctly from the start.
The Sling buyer is a specific person. They know what they're building or have built. They chose a South African design that prioritizes handling qualities, build quality, and cross-country capability over brand recognition. What they often don't anticipate is that the financing conversation for a Sling is genuinely different from a Cessna or Cirrus — because the aircraft category matters as much as the aircraft itself.
The rate on a Sling TSi isn't 6.46% — it's 7.46%. That's the EAB rate, and it reflects the lender's view of experimental aircraft as a collateral category, not a judgment on the Sling's build quality.
Sling aircraft span two financing categories. The Sling 2 in S-LSA (Special Light Sport Aircraft) configuration finances at the LSA rate — 6.92%. The Sling 4, TSi, and High Wing, which are typically built as experimental amateur-built (EAB) aircraft, finance at the experimental rate of 7.46%. The rate difference is real, and knowing which category your specific aircraft falls into before you apply is the most important piece of homework. FLYING Finance knows Sling aircraft and routes each transaction to the right lender for its category.
FLYING Finance is part of Firecrown Media — publisher of FLYING Magazine, AvBuyer, and Kitplanes, reaching 750,000+ active pilots including the experimental community.
Before anything else, know your aircraft's FAA category. It determines your rate, your lender pool, and your loan structure.
Four models, two rate categories. The category is determined by the aircraft's FAA airworthiness certificate — not the model name.
The Sling 2 in factory-built S-LSA configuration is the only Sling model that finances at the LSA rate of 6.92%. Two seats, Rotax 912 power, and Sling's signature handling qualities in a package that exceeds many certified aircraft for cross-country capability. Factory-built S-LSA examples with current condition inspection, Garmin glass, and documented Rotax maintenance history represent the strongest LSA collateral profile.
The Sling 4 is a four-seat kit-built aircraft with Rotax 912 power. As an EAB aircraft, it carries an experimental airworthiness certificate and finances at 7.46%. Build quality matters significantly to lender collateral assessment — a professionally completed, inspected, and DAR-signed Sling 4 with documented build hours and inspection sign-offs is a fundamentally stronger collateral package than one without that paper trail. Amateur-built vs. factory-assist builds are both EAB.
The Sling TSi with turbocharged Rotax 915iS is the performance flagship — 160 knots, four seats, retractable-like gear doors, and glass panel. As an EAB aircraft (typically factory-assist built), it finances at 7.46%. The higher price point and strong build quality documentation of factory-assist TSi builds make this the most actively financed Sling model. Avionics configuration — Garmin G3X Touch, GFC 500 autopilot — drives collateral value significantly.
The Sling High Wing brings the brand's handling qualities to a high-wing configuration — four seats, high-wing stability, Rotax 912/915 power, and the same composite construction as the low-wing models. As an EAB aircraft, it finances at 7.46%. Build documentation is as important as on any other Sling EAB model — DAR sign-off, build log, and condition inspection history are essential for lender collateral assessment.
Real numbers at current rates. Note the rate difference between LSA (6.92%) and EAB (7.46%) — it affects your monthly payment.
| Aircraft | Market price | Down (15%) | Loan amount | Est. monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling 2 (S-LSA)6.92% / 20yr · LSA rate | $180,000 | $27,000 | $153,000 | $1,179 |
| Sling 4 (EAB kit-built)7.46% / 20yr · EAB rate | $210,000 | $31,500 | $178,500 | $1,434 |
| Sling High Wing (EAB)7.46% / 20yr · EAB rate | $280,000 | $42,000 | $238,000 | $1,911 |
| Sling TSi (EAB factory-assist)7.46% / 20yr · EAB rate | $340,000 | $51,000 | $289,000 | $2,321 |
Sling transactions hinge on three things: category, documentation, and lender familiarity with the EAB market. Here's what drives approval.
The single most important document for a Sling transaction is the FAA airworthiness certificate — specifically, which box is checked. S-LSA certificates get the 6.92% LSA rate. E-AB certificates get the 7.46% experimental rate. Know before you apply. If you're building and haven't registered yet, finalize registration category before initiating financing.
For EAB Sling aircraft, build documentation is collateral documentation. Lenders want to see: complete build log with hours, DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative) sign-off letter, condition inspection sign-off, phase 1 flight testing completion, and avionics installation records. Factory-assist builds (built with Sling Aircraft USA) typically have stronger documentation packages than fully owner-built kits. Gaps in the build log reduce lender confidence.
680 minimum for most Sling lenders. EAB lenders are a more selective pool than certified aircraft lenders — they specialize in the experimental market and are comfortable with kit-built aircraft but tend toward borrowers with stronger overall profiles. 700+ preferred for TSi transactions above $280K. Liquidity documentation and net worth clarity matter more than on a lower-value generic piston transaction.
On EAB aircraft, avionics configuration drives a larger share of collateral value than on certified aircraft. A Sling TSi with Garmin G3X Touch dual screens, GFC 500 autopilot, GTN 650 GPS/com, and ADS-B in/out is worth significantly more than the same airframe with a basic EFIS setup. Include the full avionics list with STCs and installation documentation when applying.
The Airplane Factory (TAF) is based in South Africa with Sling Aircraft USA operating a factory-assist program in Torrance, California. Lenders experienced with Sling know the U.S. support structure and are comfortable with the manufacturer's history. The factory-assist program at Sling Aircraft USA produces well-documented builds with American-based support infrastructure — this is a positive factor for lender comfort.
15% down is standard for well-documented Sling transactions with strong borrower profiles. Some EAB lenders prefer 20% on first-time experimental aircraft buyers. The higher down payment reduces lender risk on a collateral category with less secondary market liquidity than certified aircraft. Strong build documentation and avionics configuration can sometimes offset down payment conservatism from otherwise skeptical lenders.
Sling EAB transactions require both standard financial documentation and aircraft-specific build documentation. Both matter equally to lenders.
Pre-approval: 2–3 business days on a complete file. EAB lender selection adds slightly to the timeline vs. certified aircraft.
Factory-assist builds: Sling Aircraft USA can provide build documentation summary. Owner-built kits: organize build log before applying.
FLYING Finance is part of Firecrown Media — publisher of FLYING Magazine, Kitplanes, and AvBuyer. Kitplanes is the leading editorial resource for experimental aircraft builders.
"The Sling community builds with intention. I know the difference between LSA and EAB rates, what lenders need to see in a build log, and how to close a TSi transaction cleanly. Ask me."
| Aircraft Model | Class | Max Cruise Speed | Max Operating Alt. | Target Mission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling LSA / Sling 2 | Light Sport Aircraft | 120 KTAS | 14,000 ft | Sport Flying / Entry Owner |
| Sling NGT | Next-Generation Trainer | 120 KTAS | 14,000 ft | Commercial Flight Training |
| Sling TSi | 4-Seat Experimental / Fast Cruiser | 148 KTAS | 18,000 ft | Cross-Country / Family Touring |
| Sling High Wing | 4-Seat High Wing / Backcountry | 145 KTAS | 18,000 ft | Backcountry / Premium Touring |
Understanding a common term and the common misconceptions surrounding it.
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