Reims Rockets in SA

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JCA
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Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by JCA »

Good evening everyone,
Does anyone know of any Reims Rockets in SA and where they might be based? Bearcat perhaps?
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by Snitch »

Google brings up a few on quick search

ZS-IWR
ZS-KEZ
ZS-OCM
ZS-OXS
ZS-OYY
ZS-OFT
ZS-PXK
ZU-IGG
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by ddevos »

Here are some more that we've had in air races:

ZS-IXW
ZS-JTA
ZS-KBD
ZS-LHM (now used on a Cessna 500 Citation)
ZS-PEH

ZS-OFT has been exported to Somalia.
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by Whirly »

I flew an A2 registered one here in SA, I think it became ZS again later.

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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by markw »

ZS-IWR
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by ddevos »

markw wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2025 6:08 pmZS-IWR
It's been repainted some years ago, similar design but different colours, also minus the tail skid...

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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by Hexapilot »

ddevos wrote: Thu Feb 06, 2025 1:09 am
markw wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2025 6:08 pmZS-IWR
It's been repainted some years ago, similar design but different colours, also minus the tail skid...

Image
That "Tail skid" looks more like a Tost hook...
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by ddevos »

Hexapilot wrote: Fri Feb 07, 2025 9:07 am That "Tail skid" looks more like a Tost hook...
Yep, I guess I should have used quotes for it as well...
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by JCA »

ddevos wrote: Thu Feb 06, 2025 1:09 am
markw wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2025 6:08 pmZS-IWR
It's been repainted some years ago, similar design but different colours, also minus the tail skid...

Image
The Reims built 'Cessnas' could be fitted with Tost hooks as they weren't subject to US STC's. Real Cessna's can only be fitted with Schweitzer tow hooks as per the attached photo. There is an STC for this but not for Tost hooks. First fitted to C182's for the World Gliding Comps at Marfa in Texas in 1968.
The hook simply attaches to the tail tie down point with a release cable and lever installed in the cockpit in front of and between the front seats.
Schweitzer Tow hook.jpg
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by Aviator_nic »

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe ZS-TKL started its life as a Reims rocket before being converted into a diesel C172 with Project Sky at Wonderboom
1017003_1713376483.jpg
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by ddevos »

Aviator_nic wrote: Sat Feb 08, 2025 7:50 pm Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe ZS-TKL started its life as a Reims rocket before being converted into a diesel C172 with Project Sky at Wonderboom

1017003_1713376483.jpg
Being a F172P, you are indeed correct. It just so happens to be the same model used by teenager Mathias Rust to land on the Red Square in Moscow back in 1987...
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by Bearcat »

Reims Cessna F172 Diesel Skyhawk is based at Rand and used for training / hour building
This pic from June 2022
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by JCA »

Bearcat wrote: Sat Feb 08, 2025 9:39 pm Reims Cessna F172 Diesel Skyhawk is based at Rand and used for training / hour building
This pic from June 2022
Image
You can only fly it if you buy a watch.............. :shock:
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by RHUBARB »

ZS-OCM was exported to Zambia and is in some anti poaching outfit now
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Re: Reims Rockets in SA

Unread post by Pete »

I owned ZS-IYH a 1973 Reims, fantastic aeroplane, lighter on juice than a standard 172 at the same speed.
Full 4 seater and that Conti is as smooth as silk especially with the 3 blade prop STC :D

It was sold up in Africa in the early nineties.
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