PT-ZBA

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
Type	Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia
Manufacturer	Embraer
Service	1983-2003
Registration	PT-ZBA
Serial	120001
History
Manufactured	1983
First flight	July 27th, 1983
Last flight	2003
Preserved at	São José dos Campos Airport at São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
Fate	On static display

History

Construction and first flight

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. Throughout its life, the aircraft utilized two PWC PW118 engines.

Brasília series

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.

Preservation

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.

Further reading

• Simpson, Roderick W. (1999). Airlife's Commercial Aircraft and Airliners. Airlife. ISBN 978-1-84037-073-7.