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Bristell LSA Makes U.S. Debut

By Stephen Pope / Published: Sep 23, 2011
Related Tags: LSA/Sport, News
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The Bristell, an all-metal, low-wing LSA from Liberty Sport Aviation, made its debut appearance in North America at AOPA Summit in Hartford, Connecticut.

Built in the Czech Republic by manufacturer BRMAero, the Bristell features a 51-inch-wide cockpit and large canopy that give it the feel of a larger airplane. Powered by a 100 hp Rotax 912 engine, the Bristell has a useful load of 617 pounds and a range of 700 nautical miles. BRMAero has built 42 examples of the airplane and announced the first two sales to buyers in the United States. Base price is $125,000 and rises to $150,000 with options.

Credit for the Bristell’s attractive design goes to Milan Bristela, who also had a hand in the design of the Evektor SportStar and PiperSport. In the U.S., a new company, BristellUSA, has been formed to market the airplane.

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ahwells's picture
Submitted by ahwells on September 25, 2011.

The Bristell follows in the footsteps of the Sport Cruiser/PiperSport, and should also be a good crosswind performer and relatively easy to maintain. The main issues here are staying power of the companies involved and availability of airframe parts and technical support.

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ajmilan's picture
Submitted by ajmilan on September 27, 2011.

Two other near term hurdles remain. Enough sales have to occur in the U.S. before insurance will be set at reasonable rates (lack of history for this aircraft) and loans are easier to secure.

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av8rbarry's picture
Submitted by av8rbarry on September 27, 2011.

Usually it takes about 25 aircraft in the country before the insurance becomes manageable, but with a little education to the insurance companies about the maintainability and ease of repair with this aircraft specifically, we were able to get a good rate on the first aircraft. Insurance is available...it is the financing side that is more difficult right now.

Currently the banking industry is quite tight-fisted about any aircraft that is going to go to a flight school as they are extremely risk adverse now. That is currently the bigger barrier to entry. We are diligently working on a shared-ownership program idea that will allow one or more owners to purchase an aircraft without having to endure the banking industry pain! Private funding solutions are also looking more and more attractive for the lighter side of the aviation industry.

The low overhead and small workforce that is maintained by BRM Aero s.r.o. will also be an advantage in this industry. Too many times, large manufacturing facilities with extreme overhead cost issues and large payrolls, have been the end of light aircraft manufacturers. Slow, steady growth, with a plan to deal with times of stagnant sales, will be key to BRM Aero's financial security and survival. Innovative planning with their importers and dealers will be paramount to their continued success.

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reykjavik's picture
Submitted by reykjavik on June 30, 2012.

Av8erbarry,

The site for product is thin at best on costs, including options? Also idea on how a dealer and parts network is planned? One question of this weeks's decision that most if not all "assembled in US from foreign manufacturing" are out of spec with SLSA--could you bring us up on how are faring with FCC inspection?

Also will you be using the new fuel-injected Rotax as an option, and if so how much?

Looks like a great plane just wondering how to get one.

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