Cost Estimates

A couple of weeks ago, Barry Jay from TAF USA sent me the Sling TSi kit price list. Since then, I've been working out cost estimates, build schedules, and cash flow timing to coincide with the build schedule. I think I have it all worked out now, but I'm not getting into those details here.

The estimated price with factory options and without paint, avionics, or tools is $119,227. Since I'm lucky enough to reside in the great state of California, add to the base cost another $8,942 in sales tax for a grand total of $128,169. This does not include shipping, but I live only 90 minutes away from Torrance and I have a big truck.

My truck being used as a Halloween prop

The factory options I selected include dual toe brakes (because my feetsies need two more things to do and my hand need one less), factory interior (nicest in the market), the firewall forward package, and the electricals kit. The price also includes strobe/nav/positions lights, but it doesn't include the ELT. I am not, nor will I ever, select the BRS option. I'll post more on that another time.

I figured the tools I'll need will come in under $2,000 and the paint (or wrap) that I do myself about $2,500. With avionics (and more CA sales tax), add another $10,000 to $35,000 to the overall price.

My objective is to cap avionics at $21,000. This likely eliminates an IFR navigator on the first pass, which actually puts the project in a position to lose a chunk of money at some point. For example, the Sling will require ADS-B out and that will require a compliant GPS source. In the Garmin universe, this is a GPS 20A ($845) and a GA 35 antenna ($309) and miscellaneous install components ($60). That's about $1,100 in equipment that would go away when an IFR navigator is introduced. An upfront option to consider is to buy a used one and then re-sale it.

Finally, factoring in a few miscellaneous items, an all-in cost under $160,000 would be desirable. Boy, it adds up quickly.