Archives: Market Intelligences

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with David Copeland – Vice President of Sales at Bristell Aircraft. Bristell by BRM AERO manufactures aircraft used by flight training organizations, with more than 1000 aircraft delivered worldwide.

The conversation covers:

• Extensive Aviation Experience and Passion-Driven Leadership: At Bristell Aircraft, David plays a key role in expanding the brand’s global presence, aligning his values of innovation, quality, and safety with Bristell’s mission to redefine personal and training aircraft.
• Bristell’s Largest-Ever Presence at Oshkosh 2025: Bristell Aircraft is making its biggest appearance ever at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with three display locations. The company will showcase several aircraft, including the B23, an LSA model, and the H55 electric aircraft, which has completed over 100 flights across the U.S.
• FAA Certification and Innovation Roadmap: Bristell Aircraft is currently awaiting final FAA certification. Their single production line builds aircraft for various certifications, emphasizing consistent quality and efficiency. Bristell is also investing in future technologies, such as the H55 electric platform and a new turboprop engine developed with Turbotech, signaling their forward-looking approach to sustainable aviation.
• Meeting Pilot Demand with Modern Training Aircraft: David discussed the growing demand for modern flight training aircraft. He emphasized that pilots no longer want to train in outdated planes from the 60s and 70s. Bristell meets this demand by producing around 110 aircraft annually, built with modern avionics, efficient powerplants, and BRS (Ballistic Recovery Systems) safety systems.
• Why Clients Choose Bristell: Bristell Aircraft stand out due to their focus on safety, comfort (featuring the widest cabins in its category), cutting-edge design, and premium quality materials. The aircraft are custom-built and engineered with pilot experience at the core. David also highlighted the strong alignment with AFM’s pilot training market intelligence, using it to better understand industry trends and contribute to shaping the future of aviation.

For more information:

• David Copeland Linkedin
• Bristell Aircraft Website

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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