Utva 212

The Utva 212 is a two‑seat, low‑wing trainer and sport aircraft produced by the Serbian manufacturer Utva Aviation Industry. Development began in the early 1990s as a modern replacement for the aging Utva‑75 fleet, and the prototype made its first flight in 1995. Designed for both civilian flight schools and military pilot‑training units, the 212 combines a composite airframe with a conventional aluminum wing structure, a 115‑horsepower Lycoming IO‑360 engine and fixed tricycle landing gear. Its cockpit features side‑by‑side seats, dual control sticks, and a glass instrument panel that can be equipped with modern avionics suites, allowing instrument‑flight‑training capability. The aircraft’s relatively low operating cost, simple maintenance requirements, and forgiving handling characteristics have made it popular in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and select African markets. Over 150 units have been delivered, supporting a new generation of pilots and promoting general‑aviation activity in the region. The Utva 212’s blend of reliability, affordability, and versatility underscores its significance as a bridge between legacy trainers and contemporary light‑sport aircraft, reinforcing Utva Aviation Industry’s reputation for pragmatic design. Its continued production into the 2020s reflects Utva’s commitment to updating the platform with digital flight‑data recorders and optional turbo‑charged powerplants, ensuring relevance in training environments.