Zlin Z-526

Zlin · Czechoslovakia · first flew 1959 · light aircraft

The Zlin Z-526 Trener Master is a Czechoslovak two-seat low-wing aerobatic training aircraft developed from the highly successful Z-26 and Z-226 Trener family, widely used for advanced and aerobatic training throughout Eastern Europe.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Czechoslovak single-seat aerobatic and training monoplane
• Tandem seating with separate sliding canopy sections
• Avia M-137 inverted inline engine giving clean cowling

A classic low-wing taildragger with tandem cockpit under separate framed canopy panels, tapered wing, and the characteristic long slim nose of the inverted-inline Avia engine.

Specifications

• The Zlin Z-526 has a length of 7.98 m (26 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 9.88 m (32 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 260 km/h (162 mph).
• Typical crew: 1–2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1959, the Z-526 series became the standard advanced trainer and aerobatic mount for Czechoslovak and several other Eastern Bloc air forces through the 1960s and 1970s. It competed successfully in international aerobatic competitions.

Variants

Multiple variants exist including the Z-526A (aerobatic), Z-526F (more powerful engine), Z-526L (with tricycle undercarriage), and the single-seat Z-526AFS for competition aerobatics.

Where you'll see it

Served with Czechoslovak, Polish, and several other Eastern European air forces and aero clubs; examples remain airworthy with private owners worldwide.

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