Zlin Aviation Z 42

Single Piston

The Zlin Z 42 is a Czech-built two-seat training aircraft that emerged from a storied lineage of aerobatic and training designs dating back to the 1940s. Manufactured by Zlin Aviation (formerly Moravan), the Z 42 first flew in 1967 as a successor to the earlier Z 26 series, offering flight schools a rugged, forgiving platform with excellent handling characteristics and low operating costs. Powered by a 180-horsepower Lycoming O-235 engine, the Z 42 features a distinctive all-metal construction with a low wing configuration and side-by-side seating, making it ideal for ab-initio training and basic aerobatic instruction. The type gained particular popularity in European flight training organizations during the 1970s and 1980s, prized for its docile stall behavior, responsive controls, and ability to withstand the rigors of student operations. Its strong landing gear and simple systems made it well-suited to grass strips and unimproved fields, while the spacious cockpit provided good visibility for both instructor and student. The Z 42 can cruise at approximately 115 knots with a range of around 400 nautical miles, modest figures that reflect its primary mission as a local training workhorse rather than a cross-country tourer. While production numbers never rivaled mass-market trainers like the Cessna 152 or Piper Cherokee, the Z 42 carved out a loyal niche among operators seeking European-built alternatives with proven durability. Many examples remain active in flight schools across Canada and Europe decades after manufacture, testament to the type's straightforward maintenance and long service life. SkyMeter has tracked 111 flights across 18 airframes and 4 operators, with The Sault College Of Applied Arts And Technology the largest observed operator.