Republic Seabees in South Africa

ZS-ORX Shaya Manzi (s/n 261) December 2002.
Photo: © Mark Becker

The first Seabee imported to South Africa was ZS-BEE, s/n 132, imported directly from Republic Aviation Corporation in 1946/47 by South African distributor Pretoria Light Aircraft Co.

ZS-BEE was flying for several years, but sadly crashed in Zimbabwe in 1986. Owner Mark French and all three passengers were killed, including Mark Hunter, owner of the Hunter One collection of jets.

 

ZS-ORX (s/n 261)
Ouside Cape Town, South Africa, 19 August 2004
Photo: © John Miller

More than five decades after ZS-BEE was imported to South Africa, a second Republic Seabee, s/n 261 (ex N6081K), was imported from the USA by Mr. Brenton De LaHarpe and Mr. Mark Becker to be restored for commercial use in Cape Town area.  In South Africa she was registered ZS-ORX and named Shaya Manzi.

The restoration crew replaced everything except the serial number tag and the seat frames. Along the way they replaced approximately 35,000 rivets and added some modern creature comforts in the form of a 340 hp  Simuflight Lycoming GO-480 engine conversion, a new three bladed reversible propeller, six bilge pumps and a set of sexy carbon fibre droop tips.   After a complete restoration, ZS-ORX was ready to fly in December 2002.

ZS-ORX was operated by Southern Right Air Charter for sightseeing flights, special flights, for film production, etc. until December 2003 when the engine gear case failed and put the Seabee out of service for some months.

By summer 2004 ZS-ORX was flying again with a new engine.  Meantime Mr. Mark Becker had sold the company Southern Right Air Charter and started a new business called "Marketing Media", which is specializing in making commercial movies, photography and offering services for the marketing and movie making industry.  ZS-ORX is available for movie appearances, for fashion shoots, commercials etc.  There are also plans for African expeditions using the Seabee. 

 

This is why the Seabee has a boat hull...!
South Africa, 2004
Photo: © Mark Becker

October 2004 ZS-ORX was the feature of an article on the Republic Seabee written by editor John Miller of SA Flyer Magazine.  John took several fantastic photos...

ZS-ORX, Mark Becker and Brenton De LaHarpe
19 August 2004
Photo: © John Miller - SA Flyer Magazine

If you can help me with any Seabee information or photos, please e-mail me (Steinar Saevdal)!

 

S Reg. Mk: S/N: Date: Remarks:
C ZS-BEE 132 1947- Pretoria Light Aircraft Co.; Pretoria, South Africa.
1985-08-14 Mr. Mark H. C. French; PO Box 78122, Sandton 2146, South Africa.
1986-08-31 Crashed in Zimbabwe.  Mr. French killed together with all 3 passengers.
1997-11-17 Cancelled from RSA Register.
F ZS-ORX 261 2000-09-06 Ex N6081K.
ORYX Charter CC; 10 A Coral Road, Bloubergrand 7441, South Africa.  Tel: 021-5572864
Named "Shaya Manzi".
  Crashed (C) / Scrapped/Destroyed (D)
  Confirmed flying (F)
  Unknown (U)/ Restoration (R) / Stored (S) / Exported (E).

Thank you Mr. Mark Becker for your kind help!

 

Updated: 2006-02-05
Copyright  © 2004-2006 Steinar Saevdal