The Z-526 was originally designed by Zlin Aircraft in 1959. Its two-seat version is called the Trener-Master.
The Z 526's layout was organized with the pilot in the rear, and the student in the front. The aircraft could be equipped also with tip tanks and a constant speed propeller. The Z-526F was introduced in 1968 and was equipped with a 135 kW (180 hp) Avia M 137A engine, the export version Z-526L differing by being equipped with a 150 kW (200 hp) Lycoming AEIO-360 flat-four. Single-seat versions included the Z-526A, Z-526AS, and the Z-526AFS.
The Z-526 AFM was built between 1981 and 1984 and was powered by a 155 kW (210 hp) Avia M337 engine, had tip tanks and a lengthened fuselage. The aircraft was later developed into the Zlin Z-726.
More than 1,400 Z-526s were manufactured, many for military and private flying schools.