The effect of solution time on the solid solution degree， microstructure and mechanical properties of 7050 aluminum alloy was studied by optical microscopy（OM），tensile test at room temperature and scanning electron microscopy（SEM）.The results show that，with the increase of solution time，the degree of recovery and recrystallization increases and the deformation grains change into equiaxed grains.The insoluble phases of Al7Cu2Fe and Al2CuMg in 7050 aluminum alloy are still difficult to dissolve with the prolongation of the solution time. The optimum solution process of 7050 aluminum alloy is solution at 477 ℃ for 1 h. After aging at 121 ℃ for 24 h，the best mechanical properties are measured，in which the tensile strength is 605 MPa，yield strength is 547 MPa，and elongation is 12.8%.