PZL-104 Wilga

The PZL‑104 Wilga is a Polish single‑engine, high‑wing utility aircraft designed by the WSK‑PZL factory in Warsaw and produced by PZL‑Świdnik from the early 1960s until 2006. Its first flight took place on 26 July 1963 and the type quickly gained a reputation for exceptional short‑take‑off and landing (STOL) capability, a result of its large flaps, leading‑edge slats and sturdy fixed landing gear. Powered originally by a 260 hp Lycoming O‑540‑A1A engine, later models received more powerful variants and optional turboprop conversions. The Wilga’s all‑metal airframe, wide cabin with excellent downward visibility, and simple, rugged construction made it ideal for glider‑towing, sky‑diving, agricultural work, liaison duties and mountain‑rescue missions. Over 1,800 units were built in numerous civilian and military versions, including the A, B, C, D and the specialized “C‑ESP” for police observation. Its versatility earned it widespread service across the Soviet bloc, Western Europe and Africa, and it remains popular among bush‑pilots and flight schools today. The Wilga’s enduring legacy lies in its blend of low‑cost operation, robust performance, and the ability to operate from unprepared strips, marking it as a classic in utility aviation.

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