Bristell NG 5 LSA
Reminiscent of the Tecnam 2002 and Sport Cruiser is the Bristell, an all-metal Czech design that hits a sweet spot in LSA performance, handling and comfort. It’s a side-by-side airplane with a roomy cockpit, sticks for control and a big glass bubble canopy. The interior is well finished, and the panel boasts the Garmin G3X Touch panel, with many options. We flew the Bristell a few years ago and loved it. We raved about its handling, its slow-speed maneuverability and terrific visibility. The airplane is most popularly sold as a trike, and it has an optional BRS recovery parachute system, a feature we wish all LSA carried. One of the qualities Bristell prides itself on is what they call the airplane’s “performance wing,” which they say provides added peace of mind for cross-country flying. The real story is that the wing provides a little less lift, and that’s a good thing in most LSAs. For one, if you’re stalling in the low 30-knot range, how much more wing do you need? For another, the reduced lift makes for more reliable landings, especially if there’s a bit of a crosswind. The NG 5 LSA has a demonstrated crosswind component of 15 knots, not bad even by Part 23 standards.
Niche: Low-wing sport
Base Price: $130,000
Major Competitors: Sport Cruiser, Tecnam Sierra
Bristell NG 5 LSA Specifications
Learn more at Bristell.
