PT-ZBA was a Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia that was built by Embraer as the prototype of the EMB-120 and the very first example of the EMB-120.

PT-ZBA
General information
TypeEmbraer EMB 120 Brasilia
ManufacturerEmbraer
Service1983-2003
RegistrationPT-ZBA
Serial120001
History
Manufactured1983
First flightJuly 27th, 1983
Last flight2003
Preserved atSão José dos Campos Airport at São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
FateOn static display

History edit

Construction and first flight edit

The PT-ZBA took its maiden flight on July 27th, 1983. The Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia was designed as a regional turboprop aircraft, capable of carrying passengers and cargo efficiently. The airliner was used only by Embraer as a demonstrator of the EMB-120 and was never used by any other airline.[1][2] Throughout its life, the aircraft utilized two PWC PW118 engines.[3][4]

Brasília series edit

Following the success of testing the prototype and certification, production of the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia series began in 1985. These aircraft were widely used for regional transport, connecting smaller cities and towns. Production of the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia would officially come to an end in 2001.[5]

Preservation edit

The aircraft was retired from active service by Embraer and placed into storage at São José dos Campos in 2003. As of today, PT-ZBA is preserved at São José dos Campos Airport and the Embraer plant.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ "Air Force Magazine - Volume 71". Air Force Magazine. Air Force Association. 1988. p. 91.
  2. ^ Air et cosmos (in French). Impr. Reaumur. 1985.
  3. ^ a b "PT-ZBA Embraer Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia". www.planespotters.net. 2022-12-25. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  4. ^ "Embraer EMB-120". businessairnews.com. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
  5. ^ Griffin, Matt (19 August 2019). "Embraer celebrates 50th anniversary". ifn.news.

Further reading edit