15 September 2025
Czech manufacturer BRM Aero has secured FAA Part 23 type certification for its two-seat Bristell B23, adding to its existing EASA CS-23 approval and significantly widening the aircraft’s international appeal.
The FAA sign-off opens the door for the B23 to be used by flight schools and private pilots in markets where US certification is a requirement. It also reinforces the company’s claim to meet the strictest international safety and design standards.
“This FAA certification represents a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy,” said Martin Bristela, CEO and co-founder of Bristell Aircraft.
Martin, left, and Milan Bristela, founders of BRM Aero and Bristell aircraft
“Having both EASA and FAA approvals validates our engineering excellence and opens new opportunities for flight schools, aviation clubs, and private pilots across international markets.”
The FAA Type Certificate, dated 9 September 2025, is for the Bristell B23 fitted with a 100hp Rotax 912 S3 engine. BRM Aero plans to extend certification to cover the full B23 range, including Rotax 912iS, 915iS, 916iS and IFR variants. The company says this will allow operators to match aircraft specifications to a wide range of training and touring requirements.
The B23 is a modern, all-metal trainer and tourer fitted as standard with a Garmin glass cockpit and powered by Austrian-built Rotax engines.
Key figures include a maximum take-off weight of 750kg, useful load of 300kg, and what BRM claims is the widest cockpit in its class at 130cm.
Since its founding in 2009, BRM Aero has delivered more than 1,100 aircraft worldwide. The company supports its fleet through a network of over 30 dealers, a 24-hour global parts dispatch system, and in-house manufacturing covering 90% of production.
Cockpit of the Bristell B23
Bristell manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic
