Zlín Z-25 Sohaj

The Zlín Z‑25 Sohaj, produced by the Czech company ZLIN AERO, entered service in the early 1990s as a modern evolution of the classic Z‑26 trainer family. Conceived to replace aging piston‑engine trainers in both civilian clubs and military academies, the Sohaj combined a low‑wing, all‑metal airframe with a 180 hp Lycoming IO‑360‑B2B engine, delivering reliable performance and low operating costs. Its side‑by‑side seating, fully retractable landing gear, and an advanced glass cockpit featuring EFIS displays made it attractive for pilot instruction, aerobatics, and light‑sport operations. Structural enhancements, such as a reinforced wing spar and carbon‑fiber control surfaces, increased maneuverability while maintaining the aircraft’s renowned forgiving handling characteristics. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s the Z‑25 saw widespread adoption in Central and Eastern Europe, where flight schools praised its robust design and ease of maintenance. The Sohaj’s significance lies in bridging traditional piston‑engine training with contemporary avionics, paving the way for newer ZLIN models and influencing modern trainer development worldwide. Its legacy endures as a benchmark for cost‑effective, high‑performance training aircraft. By 2010, over 120 units had been delivered to more than 15 countries, and the type received EASA certification, confirming its compliance with stringent European safety standards.