After successful production of the Z-26 aircraft family, the Moravan Otrokovice, Czech based airframer, began design of a new family of training aircraft. Different from previous tandem-seated aircraft the Z-40 family is equipped with two pilot seats side by side. Basic type is Z-40, double seated aircraft powered by one M 137 six-cylinder engine, its next development is called Z-142 having supercharged M 337 engine. Four-seat variant is marked as Z-43. In the late 80's and early 90's the original airframes were re-engined using Lycoming engines and thus was introduced the variant Z-242, i.e. double-seater with four cylinder Lycoming and Z-143 four-seater powered by six cylinder Lycoming engine.
These airplanes are excellent training aircraft in respect to their abilities starting with private pilot, commercial pilot, and instrument rating training, and ending with full aerobatic capability. They are very good for military use or flight school operation; but in field of general aviation they cannot compete with the simpler and lighter Cessna and Piper aircraft.
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