CHEETAH-A GREAT LSA RECREATIONAL TYPE

At the time of writing there are more than 80 Cheetahs flying in South Africa. The remainder is kits that have been purchased and are in various stages of construction. Altogether Vladimir Chechin has produced 113 copies of the Rainbow Cheetah and serial number 103, a bright yellow and orange Cheetah had recently been completed and was awaiting final sign off. This plane was destined to be delivered to a customer in Namibia.
Rainbow Aircraft started its operation in the year 2000 and one year to the date of start up, the prototype took to the air. The nimble aircraft can be powered by a number of aircraft engines including: Rotax 582 – 65hp, Rotax 912 – 82hp, Rotax 912S – 100hp and the Jabiru A200 – 85hp. The kits can be assembled by Rainbow Aircraft on behalf of the purchaser at a discounted price – extracted from African Pilot March 2009, by Steve Allison and Athol Franz.

CHEETAH 100 – BREAKFAST FLIGHT

Rainbow Aircraft, manufacturers of the excellent Cheetah Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), organized a breakfast fly-in of Saturday 31 January 2009. The event was held in and around the Rainbow hangar at Springs Airfield in celebration of the 100th Cheetah Aircraft off the production line.

The idea was to have as many Cheetah aircraft as possible meet at Springs Airfield, then fly to Petit airfield nearby, have a cup of coffee and then fly back to Springs where breakfast was waiting. This exercise would allow the gathered media the opportunity to become acquainted with the marvel of a wholly South African designed and manufactured LSA type. Although initially the weather placed a dampener on the event due to mist and very low cloud, fortunately around 10h00 the clouds lifted and an excellent day for flying followed. Whilst waiting for the clouds to lift, we enjoyed the hospitality laid on by the Rainbow staff who provided welcome coffee and snacks. The Rainbow family are a friendly bunch and as we chatted about the aircraft the weather started to clear. One by one, visiting Cheetahs arrived until we had array of brightly coloured aircraft opposite the hangar. Now I know why they call the company Rainbow Aircraft.

 

The formation flight did eventually take place although the planes only took-off at around 11H00 once the weather had cleared enough to ensure a safe flight in loose formation. Steve flew with Andy Kasperson in his beautiful bright blue Cheetah and Athol flew with Vladimir. Andy said that his aircraft was the fastest of the flight, but then someone always has to own the 'fastest pace'.The pilots had agreed amongst themselves that they would overfly Petit airfield so that they could get back to Springs for the breakfast, which was starting to look more like a lunch. At this stage Steve took the controls on the return flight and reported that his control inputs were barely required. The aircraft is so docile that, once it is trimmed, it really flies itself. Athol, flying in the other Cheetah found similar docile flying characteristics which make this type one of the most important LSA trainers available in South Africa. All in all, even though there were fewer participants than had been expected – extracted from African Pilot, March 2009, by Steve Allison and Athol Franz.

 

 

 

 

 

Rainbow Aircraft South Africa

Company: Rainbow Aircraft (Pty) Ltd - OEM
Tel: +27 11 817 2298
Cell: +27 82 829 0737
Fax: +27 11 817 2297
Email: sales@rainbowaircraft.co.za
Website: http://www.rainbowaircraft.co.za
Physical Address: Hangar 28, Springs Airfield,Olympia Rd, Dal Fouche Springs Gauteng
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3408 Dalview Gauteng 1544