The Premiere East Coast Builder Assistance Center
Build your Sling, Van's, or Orion Cub experimental aircraft in a fraction of the time with the experts at Custom Aircraft Builders.
WHO WE ARE
Custom Aircraft Builders is a kit aircraft dealer and build center that provides builder assistance to pilots nationwide, specializing in Sling Aircraft, Van’s, and Orion Cub kit aircraft. We are an authorized Sling Aircraft dealer and build center with a state of the art facility, expert staff, conveniently located near several major airport. Our goal is to make the aircraft build process easy, safe, fun, and convenient. We give you insider guidance on ordering kits, choosing options, designing your paint scheme & interior, and all the details you haven’t even thought of yet.
OUR LATEST BUILDS
AIRCRAFT AVAILABLE FOR BUILD ASSIST
Known for combining modern engineering with practical versatility, Sling Aircraft designs and manufactures high-performance light sport and experimental aircraft known for their safety, efficiency, and long-range capability.
Known for their proven performance and strong builder community, Van's Aircraft designs and manufactures experimental kit aircraft recognized for their reliability, versatility, and responsive handling.
Known for blending classic bush plane capability with modern performance, Orion Cub Aircraft designs and manufactures lightweight backcountry aircraft recognized for their rugged versatility, short takeoff performance, and adventure-ready design.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Builder Assist?
A builder assistance program is a structured service where experienced professionals guide you through building your own experimental aircraft—often in a supervised workshop environment such as Custom Aircraft Builders.
How Much Does it Cost?
Cost can vary based on the amount of customization. For Sling Aircraft, we offer a Build Budget that breaks down the cost of the airframe kit, powerplant, avionics, parachute options, builder assistance fees, and additional feature options. For Van's and Orion quotes, simply call us at (607) 862-8700.
How Long Does it Take?
You can anticipate the entire build taking between 12 and 15 months, depending on customizations and complexity. It can take several months for the aircraft kits to be sourced and shipped.
What Level of Involvement is Required?
The goal is to help you complete the aircraft faster and with higher quality while still meeting the FAA’s “major portion” (51% rule) requirement. However, we can prioritize tasks to maximize your visits to the build center.
How Often Do I Need to Visit the Build Center?
For Sling Aircraft, we can accommodate the entire build with 5 visits, with the first 3 visits lasting a week. The remaining visits only require you to be on-site for a couple of days per visit.
For Van's Aircraft, more trips may be required.
What Experience Level is Required for the Build?
We’ll teach you everything you need to know. We have the expertise and equipment to make building your dream fun and easy. When you’re finished, you’ll be amazed at all you learned and understand how to take care of your plane.
FEATURED VIDEOS
We post a lot of videos that showcase the builder experience at Custom Aircraft Builders, as well as innovations and problem solving tactics that may be useful for homebuilders.
First US Sling TSi with Rotax Edge Performance Engine
Featuring Builder Sven Greany
First Rivet to First Flight - Local Builder Profile
Featuring Builder Dale Norton
First US Sling TSi with X-Cool Air Conditioning System
Featuring Builder Jeff Koval
TESTIMONIALS
Our customers become like family over the course of the build. See what they have to say about working with the team at Custom Aircraft Builders.
Authorized Sling Aircraft Dealer
Custom Aircraft Builders is proud to represent Sling Aircraft as a Dealer and Build Center. All Sling kits are manufactured at Sling Aircraft’s factory near Johannesburg, South Africa. Sling Aircraft has been designing and building aircraft since 2005.
If building a Sling all by yourself sounds too hard, we offer comprehensive builder assistance. At Custom Aircraft Builders, we understand every aspect of the build process, and we make it safe, easy, and fun.
Ready for a new Sling? At Custom Aircraft Builders, you can buy it here and build it here!
Call Doug Goodrich at (607) 862-8700 or email at [email protected]
If you'd rather buy a fully built Sling...
Check out our Slings for Sale page for an updated list of ready-to-fly Slings on the U.S. market. You can subscribe for updates and be the first to know when a Sling becomes available!
SLING ADDITIONAL CUSTOMIZATIONS
Advanced Avionics
Modern, state-of-the-art, the-latest-and-greatest… Whatever you call it, flying with new avionics is one of the main reasons you want a new airplane.
Maybe you already know exactly what you want or maybe all you know is that you want the latest, most advanced technology. Either way, we will help you get it planned, priced, and installed in your new aircraft.
BRS Parachute
Sling and BRS Aerospace have collaborated to integrate their whole aircraft ballistic recovery system in Sling TSi aircraft models, providing peace of mind to thousands of pilots, passengers and their families.
The BRS parachute system is deployed in life threatening situations by a rocket to slow the aircraft and then lower it and the occupants to the ground in a slow and safe descent.
xCool Air Conditioning
The xCool air-conditioning system for the Sling TSi is a lightweight aftermarket solution that provides active cockpit cooling, improving comfort in hot conditions.
It delivers effective temperature control while minimizing impact on weight and performance. It is especially useful during ground operations and low-altitude flight, where cockpit heat can build quickly, enhancing overall usability in warmer climates.
Introducing the Orion Cub to the USA
Now available for builder assistance through Custom Aircraft Builders!
Rotax Factory Trained Technicians • Rotax Engine Installations & Maintenance • New Engine Sales
Sling Apparel & Gifts
Order one-of-a-kind Sling apparel from the Aero Store.
Location
Goodrich Aviation - Hangar 1
2570 Airport Road
Johnson City, NY 13760
Contact
