PWDT Zlin Z-142 Marketplace release

[hangarrat101]

Stumbled across this on marketplace tonight. Haven't had too much of a play with it yet but it's a real gem with lots of nice features. There's a kneeboard in the cockpit which allows you to choose between metric or imperial cockpits, open and close the cowlings and baggage door, or toggle wheel spats on/off. Performance is pretty believable, handling is fair, and the sounds are good, although aren't affected by having the canopy open or closed. They're quite similar to the sounds from the old FSX/P3D Zlins. It seems well modelled and there are 11 paint schemes to choose from.

Systems modelling is on the more basic scale, some of the systems switches don't work - the starter works whether the breaker is on or off and the blower isn't modelled. It's also very very twitchy in yaw, particularly on the ground but this isn't the end of the world. Overall I think this is a really nicely done example of an unusual subject. I'm really looking forward to spending some more hours in this, I think it'll probably be a favourite.

 

[Priller]

New release from a trusted dev, sticky!

 

[RobM]

The Zlin Z-142 was previously released as a 2020 plane. If you purchased before, the upgrade to native 2024 is free. Also, one of
the liveries now has dynamic registration, which I don't think was included in the original 2020 release. And yes, you can see your
2024 co-pilot, if selected, in the cockpit.

 

[DennyA]

Ooooh, I'm glad to hear you like it! I was tempted when I saw it, and the price is definitely low. Will probably grab it once my MS Rewards $10 comes in on 7/1.

 

[DaveKDEN]

Stumbled across this on marketplace tonight. Haven't had too much of a play with it yet but it's a real gem with lots of nice features. There's a kneeboard in the cockpit which allows you to choose between metric or imperial cockpits, open and close the cowlings and baggage door, or toggle wheel spats on/off. Performance is pretty believable, handling is fair, and the sounds are good, although aren't affected by having the canopy open or closed. They're quite similar to the sounds from the old FSX/P3D Zlins. It seems well modelled and there are 11 paint schemes to choose from.

Systems modelling is on the more basic scale, some of the systems switches don't work - the starter works whether the breaker is on or off and the blower isn't modelled. It's also very very twitchy in yaw, particularly on the ground but this isn't the end of the world. Overall I think this is a really nicely done example of an unusual subject. I'm really looking forward to spending some more hours in this, I think it'll probably be a favourite. View attachment 191006

What's your assessment after owning this for a handful of days?

 

[hangarrat101]

What's your assessment after owning this for a handful of days?

It hasn't really changed that much. There are a few bits that aren't modelled. There's a master switch on the panel that does nothing, the inverter switch is reversed (took me ages to figure out why the AH wasn't working) the blower and manual fuel pump aren't modelled and although I can't find documentation to back it up I'm fairly sure the avionics master controls power to more than it should. Flight model-wise there doesn't really seem to be much inertia in any axis, particularly yaw which is also very twitchy. I solved the problem pretty effectively by tweaking my rudder control axis. That said, I'm sure these are all things that could be easily patched, hopefully the developer takes note.

Otherwise on the whole I still really enjoy flying this, it generally handles very well. I've never flown anything in MSFS that really spins like it should, but this one does it better than most, it's a good cross-country platform if slower than you might expect (the real one is much the same) the visibility is great, it's well textured and modelled with a good selection of liveries and the sounds, while not the best out there give a lovely impression of the engine, completely different from any Continental and Lycoming. Even the doorbell stall warning.

So yes there are niggles but I'd still recommend it and still think it represents very fair value for money.

 

[DennyA]

Was just looking at Marketplace to applaud the removal of MScenery's junk and noticed this was on sale for 30% off, just under $11! Couldn't resist at that price.

Noticed there was also a 1.01 update on Tuesday, @hangarrat101, so I wonder if that might have addressed some of the issues you noted.

 

[DennyA]

Really nice aerobatic plane! Love the analog cockpit. This is the one for you "can't I remove the GPS?" guys. Handles well, looks great.

At first I thought it was overpowered as the airspeed indicator was really confusing. Once I realized that it was km/h and the needle actually has to go around twice to hit the redline, it made more sense.

LOVE this paint, which is a real 142 based in British Columbia, Canada.









For $11 on sale, I'm definitely not complaining. Fun ride with a great view and it does well with the nose pointed in unusual attitudes.

 

[mgchrist5]

Noticed there was also a 1.01 update on Tuesday, so I wonder if that might have addressed some of the issues you noted.

The update changelog from the Marketplace is listed below. I agree with hangarrat101's comments above about the model. It does have some minor 'issues' and exhibits a bit of that 'box-kite' feeling especially in yaw. I really enjoyed PWDT's rendition of this aircraft in XP11 and was hoping this would be an equal successor. It's not quite at the level of their XP offering, but overall it's well done for the price point and a good addition to MSFS.

VERSION 1.0.1 RELEASED JUNE 20, 2026
Fixed transponder operation and IDENT indicator light
Fixed instrument panel lighting and brightness controls
Fixed dynamic registration plate text color
Fixed the feet-based altimeter
Improved artificial horizon operation using the transformer switch