"This first FAA certification enables us to address the pilot shortage crisis with modern training solutions. Flight schools need alternatives to aging fleets with 40-year-old designs. Additional B23 variants will follow this initial certification as we expand our certified portfolio." Source: Martin Bristela, CEO and Co-founder of Bristell Aircraft, commenting as the Czech plane maker was awarded its first FAA Type Certification for the B23 two-seater, assisting its effort to get on the US flight training map. The bird has a well-established reputation overseas, with more than 1,100 delivered to happy customers since 2009.