Manufacturer Wiggles Its Way Into the US Flight Training Market

Czech plane maker Bristell was awarded its first FAA Type Certification for the B23 two-seater, assisting its effort to get on the US flight training map. The bird has a well-established reputation overseas, with more than 1,100 delivered to happy customers since 2009.

"This first FAA certification enables us to address the pilot shortage crisis with modern training solutions," said Martin Bristela, CEO and Co-founder of Bristell Aircraft. "Flight schools need alternatives to aging fleets with 40-year-old designs. Additional B23 variants will follow this initial certification as we expand our certified portfolio."

Nearly 100 B23s are already flying in the United States, laying the groundwork for the certified model’s official market debut. With FAA approval under its belt, the B23 offers American flight schools a modern alternative to legacy trainers (yes, those ones) that have dominated fleets for decades.

Additional B23 variants, including Rotax 912iS, 915iS, and 916iS-powered versions as well as IFR-capable configurations, are planned to follow. The company is also aiming to expand its North American dealer network by 50 percent over the next 18 months.

The certified B23-912 is powered by the 100 hp Rotax 912S3, offering 2,000-hour TBO intervals and burning around 4.5 gallons per hour. It is approved to run on both 100LL avgas and unleaded automotive fuel, making it cost-effective for training operations. Bristell estimates operating costs will be up to 35 percent lower than traditional trainers.

The bird isn’t just efficient. Performance includes a 700 nm range and cruise speeds over 110 knots. Safety equipment includes a BRS parachute system, rigid all-metal construction, and a 51-inch wide cockpit… your average 172, for reference, is about 40 inches. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,654 pounds and a useful load of 662 pounds.

Deliveries of the FAA-certified B23-912 will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Bristell’s broader lineup also includes the B23 Energic, an H55 electric-powered variant with a 48 kWh battery and roughly one hour of endurance, aimed at training and short-haul operations. This has taken the stage multiple times this year, including with its Across America tour that showed thousands just how capable electric propulsion can be.

FMI: www.bristell.com