The Aviation Training Centre of the state enterprise LOM PRAHA is fundamentally changing and expanding its training aircraft fleet. Following the increase in the number of modern Enstrom 480B-G training helicopters, the first two new L-39 Skyfox jet aircraft were recently inaugurated, and the CLV is expected to receive two more aircraft by the end of the year. The legendary Zlín trainer aircraft will also undergo a major transformation this year, with the existing Z-142C AF models gradually being replaced by the new Z-242 L and Z-143 LSi types.

On 28 January, ZLIN AERO a.s. and the state enterprise LOM PRAHA concluded a purchase contract for the delivery of a total of eight new aircraft — six Z-242 L and two Z-143 LSi. However, the cooperation between the two companies goes beyond the purchase of new training aircraft. It also defines mutual cooperation in the fields of aircraft maintenance and service, supply of aviation material and spare parts, pilot and technical personnel training, research and development of aircraft systems, development and production of simulation technologies, and licensing and certification support.

The decision to continue operating the new generation of Zlín aircraft at CLV was made based on positive past experience. “Just as we are moving from Albatross to Skyfoxes, we wanted to continue with Zlín aircraft, given our experience. One of the army’s requirements is also aerobatics, and the Zlín is among the best aircraft available in this regard. Plus, we support the Czech defence industry,” said Jiří Protiva, Director of LOM PRAHA, to CZ DEFENCE. The basic mission of the Pardubice training centre is to prepare future pilots for the Czech Army, and the composition of its training aircraft must reflect this. “We have to communicate with the army because they are our main customer. As the army is re-equipping, we have to modernise hand in hand with it,” Protiva added.

Recall that the basic training of Czech Air Force pilots is governed by the Air Training Agreement and is currently conducted on Z-142C AF aircraft. This agreement requires 1,600 flight hours per year on single-engine propeller aircraft. CLV currently operates five Z-142C AF aircraft. Based on the Czech Armed Forces’ increasing demand for basic training of military pilots—especially in transport aviation, which in practice means more intensive use of the Zlín fleet—it was necessary, in accordance with the draft “Strategy for the Development of CLV Pardubice 2024–2028 with a view to 2035,” to gradually modernise the basic training fleet through the acquisition of new propeller aircraft. The purchase of the new Zlín aircraft will not only provide sufficient capacity to meet increased pilot training demands but will also use proven technology, saving on implementation and operational costs.

This acquisition will enable the long-term provision of flight training for students of the University of Defence (UNOB), Czech Air Force pilots, and other customers on single-engine propeller aircraft. This corresponds to the comprehensive training requirements of the Czech Air Force and aligns with EASA standards. Importantly, there will be no disruption to current training and no need for a complete transition to a new platform. The purchase of the Z-242 L and Z-143 LSi aircraft also opens up opportunities for industrial cooperation in maintenance, component production, spare parts supply, and service provision for both domestic and international customers. With eight new Zlín aircraft, CLV will significantly increase its flight hour capacity. The modern equipment of the new aircraft will fully align with current training trends and expand CLV’s training capabilities—including aerobatics and pilot screening for future assignment to different types of aviation.

 

The flight characteristics of both new Zlín versions are nearly identical. Both are equipped with modern “glass cockpit” avionics with control logic identical to their predecessors. The updated Zlín aircraft fleet completes the training system for Czech Armed Forces pilots at CLV, where modern features like the glass cockpit are now standard across other platforms such as Enstrom helicopters and the newly introduced L-39 Skyfox jets.

The design similarity to the original Z-142C AF brings key advantages, such as compatibility with existing maintenance tools and equipment, minimal need for retraining personnel, and continuity in pilot training—particularly for those transitioning to the L-39 Skyfox. The updated airframe and avionics reduce maintenance demands. Thanks to available spare parts and active support from current system manufacturers, maintenance is more efficient and reliable, which improves overall operational availability.

Let's introduce the two new aircrafts. The Zlin Z-242 L is a training and fully aerobatic two-seat aircraft that represents a balance between low operating costs and excellent flight characteristics. It is the result of the demanding ideas and experience of pilots and designers with the aim to discover a simple, pleasant, purposeful, yet safe flying experience. It is a propeller trainer aircraft for training and preparing aircrews. The aircraft can be used for basic training, instrument training, day and night training (VFR day/night and IFR). The Zlin Z-242 L is suitable for gaining initial experience in piloting techniques, as well as for more advanced UPRT training and category A flights.

It is clear from the above that the new Zlín trainers will enable better and continuous training of pilots for the 5th generation F-35 aircraft. In addition to the aforementioned "glass cockpit", the aircraft are equipped to enable a smooth transition to the L-39 Skyfox jet airc  raft and subsequently to the F-35. "We are taking all steps to ensure that the pilots of the Czech Air Force undergo basic training at CLV, which will enable them to eventually transition to the fifth-generation aircraft," confirmed LOM PRAHA Director Jiří Protiva. This is also evidenced by concrete results. "We are the first Czech company to sign an industrial agreement with Lockheed Martin in the F-35 programme. Currently, the industrial agreement is being fulfilled, when teams from LOM PRAHA and Lockheed Martin met in Pardubice and started assessing the training curriculum of our training centre," Protiva added.

From the above, it is clear that the new Zlín trainers will enable better and continuous pilot training for the 5th generation F-35 aircraft being procured. In addition to the aforementioned "glass cockpit", the aircraft are equipped to enable a smooth transition to the L-39 Skyfox jet aircraft and subsequently to the F-35. "We are taking all steps to ensure that the pilots of the Czech Air Force undergo basic training at CLV, which will enable them to eventually transition to the fifth-generation aircraft," confirmed LOM PRAHA Director Jiří Protiva. This is also evidenced by concrete results. "We are the first Czech company to sign an industrial agreement with Lockheed Martin in the F-35 programme. Currently, the industrial agreement is being fulfilled, when teams from LOM PRAHA and Lockheed Martin met in Pardubice and started assessing the training curriculum of our training centre," Protiva added.

One of the key benefits of modernising CLV’s training fleet is the increased number of available training hours, which opens further opportunities for the centre. “If we meet the requirements of the army, we want to be ready for foreign customers as well,” said the director of the state enterprise. New challenges await LOM PRAHA with the arrival of new aircraft. “We must be ready for the expansion of the CLV fleet and the start of live training of Czech Army pilots on both Zlín and Skyfox aircraft.

We are also discussing the integration of simulation technologies into the training simulation centre. As for the enterprise itself, we have begun participation in the H-1 programme, but our current priority is Embraer and, of course, the F-35 aircraft. This is a programme where we don’t want to stop at training—we also want to explore other opportunities for cooperation with Lockheed Martin,” Jiří Protiva, Director of the state enterprise LOM PRAHA, told CZ DEFENCE.