PZL Aircraft

PZL (Panstwowe Zaklady Lotnicze) is Poland's state aircraft manufacturer, best known for the M18 Dromader agricultural aircraft (759 built, sold to 24 countries with 200+ in the US) and the PZL-104 Wilga utility aircraft. The Dromader is one of Poland's most successful aircraft exports, sharing wing panels with the Thrush Commander thanks to Rockwell collaboration in the 1970s.

The Dromader is a proven workhorse for crop dusting and firefighting, designed for short unpaved airstrip operations. FAA-certified since 1978, its durability and reliability make it trusted in all conditions. The aircraft carries a large hopper load with a powerful radial engine. US operators benefit from the shared Thrush Commander parts commonality. Over 200 are active in the United States alone.

PZL-Mielec (now owned by Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin for Black Hawk production) still provides some support for legacy aircraft. The Dromader's shared components with the Thrush Commander simplify parts sourcing in the US. The Wilga has a smaller support base outside Poland. For both types, mechanics familiar with Eastern European aircraft or agricultural aviation are the best resource. Active agricultural aviation communities maintain parts networks.