In 1936, the PWS works were ordered to build a trainer of cheap wooden construction, similar in layout to the PZL.38.

The aircraft appeared successful with good flight characteristics and the maximum speed turned out to be even higher than had been estimated.

The prototype was soon shown at the Paris Air Show, in November–December 1938 (under the name PZL Wyżeł) and met with an interest in the world press.

However the PWS-33 could still find a place as a trainer for pilots of PZL.37 Łoś medium bombers, which were also similar in appearance to the PWS-33, and for future heavy fighters such as the PZL.48 Lampart.

The enclosed cabin seated the student at the front with the instructor behind under a common canopy with rearwards sliding sections.