Z-50

The Zlin Z‑50 is a single‑seat aerobatic airplane produced by the Czech company Zlin Aircraft (now Zlin Aero) beginning in 1975. Developed from the earlier Z‑26 series, the Z‑50 was designed specifically for competition aerobatics, combining a lightweight aluminum monocoque fuselage with a very short wing span and a powerful horizontally opposed engine. Most versions are powered by a 260‑hp Lycoming AEIO‑540‑A4B5, delivering a high power‑to‑weight ratio that enables rapid roll rates, vertical climbs and sustained inverted flight. Its control surfaces are oversized and equipped with spring‑loaded trim tabs, giving pilots precise handling even under extreme g‑loads. The aircraft’s first major success came at the 1978 World Aerobatic Championships, where it secured several podium finishes and quickly became a favorite among elite aerobatic pilots worldwide. Over the decades the Z‑50 has been used in both civil competition and military display teams, influencing the design of later aerobatic types such as the Extra 300. Today the Z‑50 remains an iconic symbol of Czech engineering, celebrated for its agility, reliability, and lasting impact on the sport of precision aerobatics. Its continued presence in training schools and airshow line‑ups underscores its timeless performance and enduring legacy.