17 May 2026

The first cowling I received was too large for the airframe, about 80mm too wide on each side. Attempting to fit it was a disaster. Sling sent a replacement. That was also a disaster, the lower cowling had been cut way too short, and I could not get the top and bottom halves to join, they were way out. Sling sent a third cowling, and I insisted on seeing it fitted to an aircraft before they did so. When trying to fit it, the two halves would still not join. Sling then recommended a new lower bracket supposedly fits the latest style cowling for the 916iS.

I received the new lower bracket and installed it on the engine mount after getting it powder coated. Third cowling, fourth installation attempt. It is better but still needs to be forced to join. I bent the lower bracket up a bit on each side, which better matches the profile of the lower cowling. It now almost joins, but isn't quite right. I've cut the cowling mostly to size with a small gap behind the spinner, but will need to consider how to get the cowling to rest naturally in place and then fine-tune the trimming to match the firewall.

I am really not impressed with Sling at all!