I flew quite a bit in Zlin 526Fs in Bulgaria and they are the nicest planes I have ever flown (I did buy one and bring it back to the UK but never actually got it flying here, which is another story). The 726 is the final development of the Zlin Trener lineage and has slightly shorter wings and a more powerful engine than the 526/526F (210 hp as opposed to 160/180). It is also capable of being flown solo from both front and rear as opposed to rear only in the 526. I have read that the 526 is nicer to fly then the 726 but I'm sure most pilots, me included, wouldn't be able to tell the difference. There are 7 or 8 526s in the UK, less 326s and 226s and no 726s. As far as I know the only one available for hire in the UK is James Black's. Unfortunately the UK Zlin scene was dealt a severe blow recently with the death of Geoff Masterton who looked after most of the aircraft in Britain so there may not be so many around now. They really are superb aircraft though. As for France I think there are a few around - you might try a place called Carcasonne (or something like that), which I have heard mentioned several times in connection with Zlins. Also chap called Yves Duval used to fly a 526 at airshows in France but I believe he was killed not too long ago, although not in his Zlin. Good luck anyway.
[ 08 September 2001: Message edited by: DB6 ]