rgmwa

Surely there is an indicator in the cockpit showing the door open or closed and confirmed as part of the pre-takeoff checklist?

At 600kg it meets the LSA requirements and would be registered as an SLSA if factory built or ELSA if amateur built and could be either RAAus or VH. However, it's designed as a VLA in South Africa which is where the 700kg limit comes from, and can be built as a VH EAB and flown at that weight.

What do you think would be a reasonable price for a new Sling 2 then?

Hoover is a former fighter pilot and frequently analyses and comments on aircraft accidents. It's interesting to see how someone of his experience approaches flying a Sling2 for the first time. https://youtu.be/LK3BN66OE6M?si=hbN3RyYTwgk7VGu-

Probably still up there. Were there any reports that it came down again?

Quite a bit cooler up there too! They must be well insulated.

One of these?

I wasn't being serious but in that case probably best to leave the timber in place, just in case.

Its a lift strut so it will straighten out when they take off. They only need that timber for ground operations.

A checklist would be a lot cheaper.

Vans started off with the RV-3 (single) and RV-4 (tandem) and later the RV-8 (tandem) but couldn't ignore the overwhelming demand for a side by side version, hence the very successful RV-6 and other models. It comes down to personal preference. I like the roominess of side by side seating even when flying solo.

And then there is the cost of maintaining an old Cessna 180. I'd rather spend more and have a new aircraft that I could both have fun building and then be able to maintain for relatively little cost. Not that that's going to happen, mind you. I think you be looking at $350-$400k AUD to build one at the current exchange rate, and that's before Trump's 50% tariffs on aluminium get passed on to the customer.

It will be interesting to see how well the RV-15 sells. It should do well, but either way it's a good indication that Vans are recovering from their Covid era problems and looking to the future. They make good aircraft and have a solid reputation, and it would be a sad day if they folded.

High praise indeed, Nev. Looks like its just passed its most challenging flight acceptance test! I'd have one too but doubt that I could afford it.

Too expensive.