RogerRamjet 0 #1 November 4, 2006 Hey all, I'm looking for photographs that might include the Cessna 196 that Z-Hills owned during the '70s. The aircraft served as a skydiving plane for quite a long time and has now found its way into the hands of a private owner who is restoring her to her old glory. He is most interested in the aircraft's history and I thought a post here might help. I have a ton of jumps from it. As I remember it, it was gray when I first started there in 1973. Sometime around mid 74 or so, it was stripped down to bare metal and polished. Then at a later time, it was painted with the rainbow Z-Hills logo colors that the C-47 also shared. Here is a link to a shot that Jim Hooper sent me recently of both aircraft: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/gallery/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=Personal_Galleries/RogerRamjet/Blast_from_the_Past&image=C47andC196.jpg&img=&tt= ----------------------- Roger "Ramjet" Clark FB# 271, SCR 3245, SCS 1519 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardwhite 6 #2 November 4, 2006 I might have some pictures, but I know I have some video footage (converted from 8mm film) which includes the 196, the L-10E, etc. If I can figure the best place to post it (I've got several possible sites for it), I can put up a short clip, at least for a while. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #3 November 4, 2006 Are you referring the the Cessna 190 that was re-engined with a Pratt and Whitney R-985 engine (and a three-blade propeller) out of a Twin Beech? It was featured in National Parachute advertisements during the early 1980s, specifically ads featuring Shooby Suits. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerRamjet 0 #4 November 4, 2006 QuoteI might have some pictures, but I know I have some video footage (converted from 8mm film) which includes the 196, the L-10E, etc. If I can figure the best place to post it (I've got several possible sites for it), I can put up a short clip, at least for a while. HW That would be terrific! I have tons of jumps from both, maybe I'm in your films (I doubt it, but who knows). ----------------------- Roger "Ramjet" Clark FB# 271, SCR 3245, SCS 1519 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerRamjet 0 #5 November 4, 2006 QuoteAre you referring the the Cessna 190 that was re-engined with a Pratt and Whitney R-985 engine (and a three-blade propeller) out of a Twin Beech? It was featured in National Parachute advertisements during the early 1980s, specifically ads featuring Shooby Suits. Hmmm, it was certainly a re-engined aircraft, but I thought it was a 195 refitted with a 450hp engine like the ones in the L10E. They also replaced the wing at one time as I recall. ----------------------- Roger "Ramjet" Clark FB# 271, SCR 3245, SCS 1519 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveJack 1 #6 November 5, 2006 QuoteQuoteAre you referring the the Cessna 190 that was re-engined with a Pratt and Whitney R-985 engine (and a three-blade propeller) out of a Twin Beech? It was featured in National Parachute advertisements during the early 1980s, specifically ads featuring Shooby Suits. Hmmm, it was certainly a re-engined aircraft, but I thought it was a 195 refitted with a 450hp engine like the ones in the L10E. They also replaced the wing at one time as I recall. Hi Roger, It was the one with Shoobie in the National ads. I believe the engine was a PW-985, the same as in a Twin Beech. Not sure if it was in the L-10E. I always logged it as a C-196 because I was told that was it designation with the bigger engine. I have heard of 8 ways out of it! It could take 5 jumpers to 13,500 as fast as any Super Otter, it is a great airplane!!! I have lots of sunrise jumps that Val Thal flew where we took off just before sunrise, watched the sun rise as we climbed, watched the sun set as we were in freefall, and after landing watched the sun rise again! Two sun rises and sun sets in one day, how cool!!! Jack Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_Hooper 4 #7 November 5, 2006 Roger, Jack, Howard and Rob The 196 (N4395N) was one of four 195s modified with a 450hp P&W R-985 for an aerial survey company in 1947. Yes, it is the same engine found on the Twin Beech (the L10E carried R-1340s). As far a carrying capacity, I was on the first, and possibly only, eight-man out of it. With all but two people wearing gutter gear, it was a little cramped, but she carried us quite happily to 12,5. 95N went to a DZ in south Florida, where she ended up on her back after a landing mishap. She is now completely restored and the following lists her specs: N4395N trues out at 155 kts, checked on every leg so far. GPH is around 20 to 21. (Actually, she cruises on MONEY, and lots of it. Only went over budget so far by 50 g's. Ouch, but seems well worth it on climb out.) Range is 3+30 with an IFR reserve. That's about 540 nm. Log books have 17,000 hours on em, most of the airframe is NEW. Has been to 27,000 feet while aerial survey of the Rockies. The company who converted, did four of them, only two survive, mine and Richard Porters. The number 196 comes from a discussion between the company pilots and mechanics, while consuming many adult beverages. They detirmined it was better than a 195. So 195 + one better = 196. The next day the pilots came to work to find that the mechanics had stenceled 196 on the side. There was also a placard installed, but only temporarily, that said "Made in Disenyland, by Mickey Mouse" The survey company owner was not amused by the placard. The last 30 years of her working life were as a JUMP plane, which turned her into a JUNK plane. She was ready for the beer can factory. Oh well it only take money! Calvin Arter, Jr. Hooper: the owner contacted me after I posted the photo on http://www.cessna195.org/ and asked for any photos and background. If anyone can accommodate him, I'm sure he'd be very grateful. Hoop Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardwhite 6 #8 November 5, 2006 O.K. I've found the footage of N4395N. It is basically silver (i.e. basic aluminum) fusilage with red cowling, wingtips, and stripes. The same chunk of film also has the C-46, several DC3s, and a Lodestar (believe it's Sweet's). The team pictured dirt diving and boarding is Pieces of Eight, from Massachusetts. It's from either '73 or '74. I'll clean it up a bit and put it on a site in the next day or so -- it'll probably be a 15mb or so download. Haven't found any stills yet, but still looking. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
efs4ever 3 #9 November 5, 2006 This one? August 27, 1981Russell M. Webb D 7014 Attorney at Law 713 385 5676 https://www.tdcparole.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonstark 8 #10 November 5, 2006 Val has her own 195 now that's an Osh Kosh winner. Real nice a/c with original 270hp Jacobs. jon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerRamjet 0 #11 November 5, 2006 QuoteO.K. I've found the footage of N4395N. It is basically silver (i.e. basic aluminum) fusilage with red cowling, wingtips, and stripes. The same chunk of film also has the C-46, several DC3s, and a Lodestar (believe it's Sweet's). The team pictured dirt diving and boarding is Pieces of Eight, from Massachusetts. It's from either '73 or '74. I'll clean it up a bit and put it on a site in the next day or so -- it'll probably be a 15mb or so download. Haven't found any stills yet, but still looking. HW I can't wait to see that! I believe the only year we had a C-46 at the Turkey meet was 1975, but could be wrong about that... ----------------------- Roger "Ramjet" Clark FB# 271, SCR 3245, SCS 1519 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lekstrom10k 0 #12 November 5, 2006 I dont recall aC-195 as having straight cowling like the photos show. That to me made it a C-190, The round curving cowling with the protruding rocker cover clearance caps made it a C-195. I jumped the one a Z-Hills in 1969, And was also told then the196 designation was a hoax.Nobody wanted to sit sideways in the like C-206U exit unless your jump suit was ready for a wash any. There was a clear line as to how much was hanging out.Some guy that flew it signed my log book "sporting Tuna # 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardwhite 6 #13 November 6, 2006 QuoteI can't wait to see that! I believe the only year we had a C-46 at the Turkey meet was 1975, but could be wrong about that... O.K., it's here. This brings up a page with the QuickTime movie; you can play it from the page, and when it's through, you can click the triangle at lower right of the QuickTime bar to save it to your drive. (~15 mb) Just scraps of movies thrown together in a hurry; no sound, no titles, no fancy transitions. Not guaranted to be there forever, if I need the space for something else. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
poppenhager 1 #14 November 6, 2006 A Howard DGA cowl,exhaust,and engine mount was used on the 195 conversion and originally had 14/1 blowers also. Pop Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerRamjet 0 #15 November 6, 2006 Quote Nobody wanted to sit sideways in the like C-206U exit unless your jump suit was ready for a wash any. There was a clear line as to how much was hanging out. I heard stories like this off and on and worried a bit about it. But, with literally hundreds of jumps from this aircraft in a canary yellow jumpsuit, I never had an oil problem. I think the main time to keep clear is during start up (on all radials really). ----------------------- Roger "Ramjet" Clark FB# 271, SCR 3245, SCS 1519 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
206doorman 0 #16 November 6, 2006 I did but one jump out of this famous aircraft, and i'm privileged to have done so. This was Xmas 1980. Mr Hooper was running the show. Oh and hi Jim, last we met it was around Chris and Mari's dinner table! N. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardwhite 6 #17 November 9, 2006 Maybe you can find the 195 in the attached picture. (Scanned from the 1977 Turkey Meet program, presumably showing the '76 meet.) HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duster 0 #18 November 28, 2006 Does anyone have any photos to post of N4395N or N140T before the paint jobs or the L10E N355B at ZHills? Rick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mccurley 1 #19 November 28, 2006 http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=26450; I think this is N140T, (not really sure) X-mass 79, Hope the clicky works, if not some one feel free to fix itWatch my video Fat Women http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRWkEky8GoI Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_Hooper 4 #20 November 30, 2006 Rick - This is the only snap I have of the L10E, taken the day the Ten High Bunch were setting off for Tahlequah and the first 10-man championships, where we took second to Jerry Bird's All Stars. Kneeling from left: Terry Maznio, Mike 'Mr Rumpson' Patterson, Dennis Glaves; Standing: Billy 'Yossarian' Revis, Phil 'Foul' Smith, Tony 'Ferret' Patterson, Jeff Searles, Ron Brissey, Don 'Fog' Fournier, Mary Donnan; Hooper on wing. SCR242, SCS90, NSCR26 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveJack 1 #21 December 1, 2006 Quotehttp://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=26450; I think this is N140T, (not really sure) X-mass 79, Hope the clicky works, if not some one feel free to fix it Holy Crap! I could be wrong but that looks like 40T when it landed with the Canadian jumper hanging from the door. His jumpsuit material got caught in the corner of the rear cargo door on exit and he descended from altitude and landed with the plane hanging out like that. He was dragged along the runway but his rig took all the contact and he didn't have a scratch. We didn't have a radio to tell the crew about it when he was spotted and Hooper drove the fuel truck on to the runway to try and stop them from landing. They landed anyway but Jim stopped them from taxiing around with the guy. This photo looks like the moment just after they shut down on the runway and before we got to the plane. Watching that guy land hanging from the plane is something I will never forget! Jack Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mccurley 1 #22 December 2, 2006 That's it exactly. We were on the load with him, Micheal Read I think his name was, And he was exiting from a rear float possition.Watch my video Fat Women http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRWkEky8GoI Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duster 0 #23 December 3, 2006 Hoop Here is the photo of the L10E and the Ten High team. Thanks Rick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skypuppy 1 #24 December 4, 2006 QuoteDoes anyone have any photos to post of N4395N or N140T before the paint jobs or the L10E N355B at ZHills? Rick From Xmas 79If some old guy can do it then obviously it can't be very extreme. Otherwise he'd already be dead. Bruce McConkey 'I thought we were gonna die, and I couldn't think of anyone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardwhite 6 #25 December 4, 2006 Here is (I think) the L10E and the Pieces of Eight team from Massachusetts. Kneeling, l-r: Paul Cully, Dan Thompson, Bob MacDonald, Ken Carville, Ted Strong. Standing, l-r: Dan Poynter, David Adams, Don Mayer, Larry Overton, Bill Taft. Ted's shop was still in Massachusetts at the time and Dan was working there. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
