Bristell

The BRM Aero Bristell was developed in 2009 by the Czech father-and-son team Milan and Martin Bristela in Kunovice and has since established itself as one of the most modern and best-selling ultralight aircraft worldwide. With over 1,000 units delivered and more than 100 new deliveries per year, BRM Aero ranks among the most prolific UL manufacturers.

The Bristell is a low-wing aircraft with full carbon-fibre construction, side-by-side seating and a 130 cm wide cabin at shoulder height. The large bubble canopy provides outstanding all-round visibility. Engine options include the Rotax 912 ULS (100 hp), the Rotax 912 iS Sport (115 hp), the Rotax 915 iS (141 hp), and the Rotax 916 iS (160 hp). In the standard UL configuration, the Bristell achieves cruise speeds of 230 to 260 km/h; range is an impressive 1,400 km and beyond.

On the German used market, the Bristell is in high demand and supply is limited. Older Bristell NG5 models with the Rotax 912 ULS trade from approximately EUR 60,000 to 80,000. Well-equipped recent-build examples with Garmin G3X avionics range between EUR 120,000 and 175,000.

The Bristell's strengths include excellent build quality, an exceptionally comfortable and spacious cockpit, very strong resale value, and modular avionics integration with the Garmin glass cockpit. Weaknesses include the temperature-sensitive cabin under strong sun exposure with limited ground ventilation, the reduced useful load of the 915 turbo variant compared to the standard version, and the increasingly ambitious new pricing.

The Bristell is aimed at discerning touring pilots who want a comfortable, fast, and superbly built ultralight aircraft and are willing to pay the corresponding price. Compared to the Dynamic WT9, it offers a more modern cabin and carbon construction but sits noticeably higher in price.