Excellentia Airline Academy is rapidly positioning itself at the forefront of modern flight training through a decisive move: expanding its fleet with the Sling NGT, powered by the Rotax 912 iS engine.
This is not a marginal upgrade. It’s a deliberate shift toward greater efficiency, lower operating costs and a more advanced training environment — all of which are critical in scaling a high-performance flight school.
A Growing Fleet Built Around Sling and Rotax
Excellentia currently operates a fleet of approximately 30 aircraft, including five Sling NGTs equipped with the Rotax 912 iS.
That number is set to grow rapidly:
- 10 additional Sling aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks
- The academy is targeting a fleet of 100 aircraft within the next 18 months
- This expansion will be driven primarily by new Sling aircraft powered by Rotax engines
This makes the direction clear: Excellentia is standardising around a platform designed for modern training demands and long-term operational efficiency.
The Core Advantage: Aircraft Availability
For any flight school, the most valuable asset is not just the aircraft — it’s how often that aircraft is available to fly.
The Sling NGT / Rotax 912 iS combination brings a major advantage in this area:
- 100-hour services can be completed within a single day
- Engine overhaul downtime is reduced to just a few days
- Compared to legacy aircraft, which can be grounded for weeks
Phillipus Röhm, Chief Flight Instructor at Skyhawk Grand Central, highlights how significant this is in practice:
“We have a Sling going in for its 100-hour service this morning and expect to get it back this evening. It makes a big difference.”
He also notes the importance of parts availability:
“With older engines, it can take weeks to get spares from overseas. With Rotax, parts are usually available the same day, or within a day or two.”
For Excellentia, this directly translates into:
- More aircraft flying daily
- Fewer student delays
- Higher training throughput
- Reduced revenue loss from downtime
Fuel Efficiency That Scales with the Business
Fuel burn is one of the largest cost drivers in flight training — and one that compounds quickly across a growing fleet.
The Rotax 912 iS delivers a decisive advantage:
- ±15 litres per hour fuel burn
- Approximately half that of a traditional Cessna 172
Instructor Mattie Botha, who has extensive experience training on the Sling NGT, puts it simply:
“You look at the old 172s — around 30 litres per hour. Then you get into the Sling with the Rotax, and you’re looking at 16 to 20 litres per hour. They’re not even comparable.”
At Excellentia’s scale — and especially with a planned fleet of 100 aircraft — this efficiency becomes a major structural cost advantage.
A Better Aircraft for Training Pilots
Beyond cost and availability, Excellentia’s move is also about training quality.
Mattie Botha highlights how the Sling NGT changes the way students learn to fly:
“This aircraft is actually going to teach a person how to fly properly. It’s unbelievably nimble — it feels like a small aerobatic aircraft. It teaches proper aircraft handling in all situations.”
The aircraft’s responsiveness and centre-stick control make it:
- Highly engaging for students
- More precise in handling
- Ideal for developing strong fundamental flying skills
And importantly:
“Myself, the students, the instructors — we honestly enjoy this aircraft.”
Modern Engine Technology for Modern Pilots
The Rotax 912 iS introduces students at Excellentia to modern engine management systems, including fuel injection and electronic controls.
This is a step forward from older carburettor-based training aircraft.
As Röhm explains:
“The electronic management and fuel injection are similar to modern commercial aircraft designs. It’s important students become familiar with these systems early.”
From an operational perspective, this also improves day-to-day usability.
Botha describes the difference clearly:
“With older carburettor engines, starting can be a mission. With the 912 iS, you turn the key and it starts — whether it’s hot or cold. First time, every time.”
Simplicity and Ease of Operation
Another standout feature of the Sling/Rotax combination is ease of use.
- Single-lever engine control simplifies operation
- Reduced pilot workload for students
- More intuitive training environment
Botha reinforces this:
“Nothing compares to the ease of use of a Rotax. It’s honestly one of the simplest engines to operate.”
This simplicity helps:
- Reduce student workload
- Improve learning efficiency
- Lower the likelihood of operational errors
Reliability and Maintenance Performance
Reliability is critical in a training fleet — and here, the Rotax delivered in real-world conditions.
Botha notes:
“With hundreds of hours on the Sling, I’ve never experienced any malfunction or warnings with a Rotax engine.”
He also highlights maintenance efficiency:
“Even something like an oil change can be done in a couple of hours. With older aircraft, it can take a full day or more.”
Combined with parts availability and fast turnaround, this reinforces the high-serviceability model Excellentia is building its fleet around.
A Platform Students Prefer
Interestingly, the move to Sling is also influencing student preference.
According to Botha:
“I’ve asked students if they plan to move to Cessnas or Cherokees, and many say no. They’re enjoying the Sling too much — especially with the full Garmin setup.”
This speaks to:
- Modern cockpit appeal
- Better training engagement
- Alignment with newer aviation technology
The Bigger Picture: Scaling a Modern Flight School
Excellentia Airline Academy’s investment in the Sling NGT and Rotax 912 iS is not just about aircraft — it’s about building a scalable, future-ready training operation.
With a clear path to:
- 100 aircraft within 18 months
- A growing fleet centred on Sling and Rotax technology
…the academy is creating a structure built on:
- High aircraft availability
- Lower operating costs
- Consistent training delivery
- Modernised pilot education
Conclusion
Excellentia’s expansion with the Sling NGT and Rotax 912 iS represents a fundamental shift in flight training strategy.
By combining:
- Faster maintenance turnaround
- Reliable parts supply
- Significantly lower fuel burn
- Modern engine and cockpit systems
- A highly capable and enjoyable training aircraft
…the academy is setting a new benchmark for efficiency and training quality.
As the fleet grows toward 100 aircraft, one thing is clear:
Excellentia isn’t just adding aircraft — it’s building a smarter, more efficient future for flight training.
With these exciting plans for future growth, Excellentia are always looking for experienced Grade 2 and Grade 3 Flight Instructors for full time positions.
They are currently running a Sponsored Flight Instructor programme for passionate, professional CPL pilots looking to:
- Obtain their Flight Instructor rating
- Build hours
- Help train the next generation of Excellentia Airline Academy commercial pilots.
Interested? Send your CV to info@flyexcellentia.com today or visit https://www.flyexcellentia.com
