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In Flight USA Celebrating 36 Years
July 2020
Cover Story
Bristell Aircraft is seeing more and more people getting into lightsport planes. Owner Lou Mancuso says the Bristell is popular because it climbs fast into smooth air, is economical and not expensive to maintain and good for both new and experienced pilots. (Courtesy Bristell Aircraft)
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IF USA: Tell me about the Garmin Avionics. Continued from Page 14 LM: They are absolutely sensational. The airlines didn’t even have radios this good up until a couple of years ago. I have flown a lot of planes, and I have never had radios like this in my entire life. They are easy to see, easy to use, and nothing ever breaks. They are just so dependable and easy to use. They have more pixels than any other avionics. The autopilot is amazing and works like no other. Garmin is great. IF USA: Who is an ideal pilot/customer for this aircraft? LM: In the beginning, it was experienced people like myself who had a little extra money. The Bristell is a little more expensive than most light sport planes, but worth every penny. In the beginning, we sold mostly to wealthy retirees. But now we are seeing more young people getting into the lightsport market. We had one sale since the Covid-19 from someone who said, “I am not flying airlines anymore. I just want to fly privately with my wife in one of your Bristells.” I think we are going to have a flurry of sales to people who want to fly safe and not have to worry about getting sick. Many passengers avoid small planes because the climb can be bumpy. This plane can go to 12,500 feet in 11 minutes. It climbs fast into the smooth air. It is also economical as fuel and maintenance are very affordable. The Rotax ECU helps set the
manifold pressure, conserves fuel and keeps the engine temps nice and cool. IF USA: How high can it actually climb? LM: It is certified to fly to 25,000 feet. You will need oxygen after 12,500 feet. IF USA: Does it have two or four seats? LM: Just two. A lightsport can only have two, and a lot of people like that because they are never pressured by passengers to get home. Most of the time, people fly with one person, so the Bristell is just right. IF USA: What are your hopes for Bristell? LM: We plan to bring on sales associates, dealers, and flight schools. We would like to partner with people with a strong moral compass who bring something to the brand and make us better overall. We currently have great salespeople and staff. Our Sales manager, Captain John Rathmell is a great stick and fun to be around. Our lead mechanic, Rich Maisano knows the Bristell inside and out. Brant Howell has over 12,000 hours and manages the Sebring Flight Academy. Evan Damadeo manages our NY flight school, is a CFII, and a graduate of Emery Riddle University. My son Michael has over 14,000 and is our go to guy for everything aeronautical. We are introducing a highwing Bristell this summer, and a part 23 certified aircraft. It is very exciting.
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and NATA Compliance Services (NATACS) on June 30 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
and Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of the Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI). Through this partnership, NATA and NATACS agree to educate the general aviation community about the pervasiveContinued on Page 22
NATA AND NATA COMPLIANCE SERVICES SIGN MOU TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING
