The sun rose bright over Tedderfield Airfield as a small group of excited children from Zimbabwe, had been taken to the sling factory for a tour and a quick flight as they had never been in a GA (General aviation) aircraft before. They are members of the Royal Aviation Children's Club, visiting South Africa under the warm guidance of the Kids Aviation Club SA. For many of them, this was their very first flight - and the start of something magical.
Wearing bright uniforms and wide smiles, the children were welcomed into the Sling Aircraft Factory, where dreams quite literally take shape in aluminium and rivets. Their tour guides, dressed in high-visibility vests, led them through hangars alive with the scent of aviation fuel and the hum of engineering.
Eyes widened as they saw aircraft in various stages of assembly - wings being fitted, engines roaring to life, and technicians explaining how each part helps a plane soar. The kids touched the smooth metal wings, peered into cockpits, and asked endless questions.
Inside the showroom, the big blue “Sling” wall became the perfect backdrop for laughter and photos. The young aviators learned about flight design, teamwork, and innovation, realizing that flying wasn't just about the sky - it was about passion and persistence.
As the day ended, the children waved goodbye to their new mentors, hearts full of wonder. Their visit wasn't just a factory tour - it was an inspiration to dream higher, and build stronger.
