It was built to meet a requirement for an elementary trainer for both the Czechoslovak Air Force and civil use, first flying in September 1947.

In 1946, a specification was issued for a two-seat basic training aircraft for use both by the Czechoslovak Air Force and civil users.

[1][a] The Praga design, which was very similar to the competing Zlín,[2] was a tractor configuration cantilever monoplane of mixed wood and metal construction with a fixed tailwheel undercarriage.

The low-mounted wing was made of wood, while the fuselage had a welded steel-frame structure with fabric covering.

[2] A number of modifications were made as a result of factory testing, including revised tail surfaces and a modified engine cowling to improve cooling,[1][2] but a more significant problem was that the aircraft's propeller was unsuitable, so that the engine would not run at the required speed.