Warszawa-Okecie PZL-104 Wilga

Background

A Polish designed and built aircraft, the original Wilga ('Thrush') was first flown on April 24, 1962. Intended to fill the role of the general purpose Yak-12, the design was revised in 1967 to use a 260hp PZL Ivchenko Al-14RA nine cylinder radial in place of the original 180hp Narkiewicz WN-6 flat-6 engine. The first flight with the new powerplant took place on July 28. At the same time the cabin and undercarriage was improved. Full width slats, slotted flaps and drooping ailerons provide for very good STOL performance. This is the standard Wilga 35. A 230hp Continental O-470-K version, the Wilga 32 flew on September 12, 1967. A version of the Wilga 35, modified to meet US certification standards was flown on May 30,1989, and is known as the Wilga 80. The same year a redesigned 6 seat version to be known as the Wilga 88 appeared. This has subsequently been designated as the PZL-105 Flamingo. A 360hp version of the Wilga powered by the M-14P radial appeared in 1990.

The aircraft has been used by the Polish airforce in a reconnaisance and utility role, and has also found favour in private use. The aircraft has been operated in glider and banner towing, agricultural (35R, 80R), observation, parachute and air ambulance roles (35P, 80P). The aircraft can be operated on floats and skis (35H, 80H). The tow hook, parachute step, and ski operating gear are fitted as standard on this six-seater. The Wilga 32 aircraft has also been license built in Indonesia where it is known as the Gelatik (Rice bird).

The first Wilga was imported by the late Dougal Dallison of Alternate Aviation, the PZL representative in 1991. Four Wilga's currently (as at Nov 1, 2000) appear on the New Zealand register:

ZK-PZL (c/n 20900898), was the first Wilga imported into New Zealand by Dougal Dallison of Alternate Aviation. The aircraft is a 1990 model 35, first flying as SP-FVB in April of that year. PZL entered the New Zealand register on November 20, 1991, having been reassembled by Motor Holdings (Aviation) at Ardmore, after arriving several months earlier. The aircraft registration passed to Greymouth Flight Centre on October 27, 1992, but passed to Douglas Dallison on Jun 11, 1997.
ZK-PZM (c/n 140542), is a 1980 model 35 which first flew in March 1980 as SP-WDC, before being exported to Britain for Anglo Polish Sailplanes at Booker. The aircraft was registered as G-BJAU on September 8, 1981. The aircraft was danaged in a gale while picketed outside at Booker on March 27, 1987. The aircraft was dismantled on August 27 and placed in storage. The aircraft registration passed to B.J.Szulz on July 19, 1991 and was subsequently cancelled on September 12, 1991. The aircraft was sent to Poland for repair, being completely overhauled before export to New Zealand in 1992. The aircraft was first New Zealand registered to Dougal Dallison on May 11, 1992 after being assembled at Flightline Aviation at Ardmore. The aircraft suffered an engine failure at Motunau in North Canterbury on August 26, 1993. The subsequent forced landing resulted in an undercarriage leg being torn off and other damage. The aircraft then passed to N.E. and A.H. Davis of Waimate, and this was registered on February 25, 1994.
ZK-PZN (c/n 140548), is a 1980 model 35 which first flew in April of that year. Exported to Britain, the aircraft was registered as G-BHUN to N. Radwanski of Booker. The aircraft was damaged in the same manner as ZK-PZM above, and subsequently followed the same path. The aircraft was first New Zealand registered to Alternate Aviation on May 11, 1992 after being assembled at Flightline Aviation at Ardmore. New owners, Aeroplan Ltd of Albany were registered on May 14 1993, and then K.E.Scott and Associates of Rangiora on July 19, 1995.
ZK-NEV (c/n 140526), is a 1980 model 35 having first flown in February of that year. The aircraft served with DOSAAF, before entering the Lithuanian register as LY-AFE. The aircraft was imported by Neville Cameron and entered the New Zealand register on May 21, 1997.

In addition three further Wilgas are no longer on the register:

ZK-PZO (c/n 19870860) is a 1988 model 35 which first flew as SP-ZON. In 1990 the registration was changed to SP-FWG, although still to PZL, and then on July 26 the aircraft passd to ALMA. The aircraft was imported into New Zealand by Alternate Aviation and registered on December 17, 1992. The aircraft passed to R.A.McLean of Wanaka, being registered on May 14, 1993. On June 23 PZO suffered a serious accident at Wanaka when it failed to get airborne and struck a boundary fence and then a sign. An undercarriage leg was removed, and the wingtip and propeller were damaged. The aircraft was last reported airworthy at Wanaka. I do not know its subsequent fate.
ZK-PZP (c/n 20890880), is a 1990 Wilga 80 which first flew in February of that year as SP-FWP. It was registered on February 7 to LALMI Enterprises of Lodz. The aircraft was imported into New Zealand by Alternate Aviation and registered on December 17, 1992. On August 8, 1993 the aircraft suffered a power loss at Lake Rotoaira near Nelson. In the subsequent forced landing it suffered damage to the propeller, nose, wing and undercarriage. The aircraft was then stored at Taupo. PZP was withdrawn from the New Zealand register on April 19 1995, having been sold in Spain where it became EC-GMH. The aircraft was returned to Poland for repair. The aircraft has now become G-BXMU.
ZK-PZQ (c/n CF2193094), is a Wilga 80 which first flew on August 26, 1993. Imported brand new into New Zealand, the aircraft was assembled by Flightline Aviation at Ardmore for Alternate Aviation, and first registered on December 15, 1993. PZQ was withdrawn from the New Zealand register on April 19 1995, having been sold in Spain where it became EC-GDA. The aircraft has now become G-BXBZ.

Thanks to Steve May for assisting me with some of the overseas details. (Steve has a particular interest in Polish aircraft - feel free to contact him if you share his interest).

Last Update:- 10 November, 2000

Technical Data

Accommodation : 6
Dimensions
- Span : 11.12m (36'6ft)
- Length : 8.10m (26'7ft)
- Height : 2.96m (9'9ft)
Weight
- empty : 900kg (1,984lb)
- max : 1300kg (2,866lb)
Power Plant : 260hp PZL Ivchenko Al-14RA
Performance :

max speed : 195km/h (121mph)
max climb : 1000ft/min (305m/min)
ceiling : 13,250ft (4040m)
range : 670km (416miles)