Zlin Z 326

Zlin · Czechoslovakia · first flew 1957 · light aircraft

The Zlin Z 326 Trener Master is a Czech two-seat aerobatic training monoplane, an evolution of the Z 26 family widely used in Eastern Bloc countries for military and sport pilot training.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	7.8 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Czech all-metal low-wing monoplane trainer in the classic Zlin family
Tandem cockpit under a long bubble canopy
Fixed or retractable undercarriage with tapered wing and smooth Zlin lines

Clean low-wing monoplane with tapered wings, tandem bubble canopy, fixed or spatted undercarriage depending on mark, and a round-nosed cowling over an inverted inline engine. The long greenhouse canopy over tandem seats is the most recognisable feature.

Specifications

The Zlin Z 326 has a length of 7.8 m (26 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.6 m (35 ft).
Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Zlin's Trener family began with the Z 26 in 1947 and evolved through many marks. The Z 326 introduced a more powerful Walter Minor engine and detail refinements, flying from 1957. It was exported throughout the Eastern Bloc and became a popular aerobatic mount at club and competition level.

Variants

The Z 326 family includes the Z 326A Akrobat with symmetric wing section for advanced aerobatics, and the Z 226 with the older engine; the Z 526 followed as a further development.

Where you'll see it

Operated by Czechoslovak military flying schools, aero clubs, and exported to Poland, Hungary, East Germany, and other countries through the 1960s–70s.

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