EASA has approved the protection system against the effects of a direct lightning strike on the Bristell B23-915 IFR — news we are announcing in the week of AERO Friedrichshafen 2026. It was the last major certification requirement on the path to unrestricted IFR operations, and it completes the aircraft’s position as a full instrument platform under EASA CS-23.
The hardest test on the list
Lightning strike approval is one of the most demanding steps an aircraft manufacturer can take on. Only three laboratories in Europe were initially known to be able to perform the required tests for aircraft manufacturers, one in France, one in Germany and one in England, and their schedules were filled by the largest names in the industry. BRM AERO identified an additional qualified test facility, completed the full set of prescribed tests there, and demonstrated compliance to EASA. The approval followed in April 2026.
Months of testing and development gave our engineering team lightning-protection know-how that is now built into every B23-915 IFR.
What it means for operators
The B23-915 IFR pairs the turbocharged Rotax 915 iS with a Garmin glass cockpit, autopilot and complete instrument flight equipment. With the lightning strike protection approved, flight schools and private owners get a fully certified IFR platform for ATO instrument training and IFR touring.
The type logged dozens of orders before deliveries began and has come through demanding fleet selections.
See the aircraft
The full story of the B23 family, including the certification timeline, is on the B23 family page and the certification overview. To discuss an IFR-equipped B23 for your operation, contact our team.
