i am trying to find out what kind of plane this is it looks like a SF260 in a way cant find any pictures of other planes like it anywhere

Michael,

You have photographed a Moravan Zlin Z242L fully aerobatic two-place side by side aircraft with Lycoming AEIO-360-A1B6 200 Hp engine. The seat harnesses are five strap (includes crotch strap) with single point release. See many photos of N110AM based at SZP.

N110AM profile page here: http://airport-data.com/aircraft/N110AM.html

Michael,

You have photographed a Moravan Zlin Z242L fully aerobatic two-place side by side aircraft with Lycoming AEIO-360-A1B6 200 Hp engine.

N110AM profile page here: http://airport-data.com/aircraft/N110AM.html

Hi Doug,

Is this for "side by side" for aerobatic instruction like the Meyers?

http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/N585SK.html

Paul,

It is certainly used that way in the Micco/Lanshe versions of the Meyers 145, and the Zlin Z242L is for aerobatic instruction, too. There are some advantages of side by side aerobatic instruction, teaching and g-wise. The tri-gear aircraft have good runway visibility, too, for takeoffs and landings. The first Meyers 145s were taildraggers, but some Meyers-145T tri-gear versions were built, too. The Micco/Lanshe SP26A 260 models are substantially improved over the Meyers 145.

The Micco/Lanshe 260 referenced in your link was at SZP so that the pilot could take a week of advanced aerobatic instruction from a Master Aerobatic CFI-Rich Stowell who is based there. The visiting pilot from Montana had a flock of ratings, including aerobatic CFI, and it was a great week for him. Not sure how the original Meyers 145 was rated-aircraft were built to lesser standards then and only 145 horsepower in the Meyers, but some were engine-upgraded, especially by Gar Williams in Illinois, who owned a couple of M-145s.

Specific to your question, the Z242L was developed from the original successful and renown Zlin Z.26 Trener two-place tandem seating aerobatic aircraft (first flight-1947) as a two place side by side aerobatic trainer. N110AM, the Moravan Zlin Z242L is owned by husband and wife-both are pilots who fly it, alone or together, chutes worn. Moravan in the Czech Republic built all the Z242Ls.