Bede Aviation

Bede Aviation sells the BD-4 series of kit airplanes for home builders. The company is based in San Pedro, California. It describes the BD-4 as the first real kitplane in the world, and its current model is the BD-4C.

The BD-4 grew out of earlier light aircraft work, including the BD-1, which became the AA-1 Yankee, and the BD-2. It is a high-wing monoplane with a conventional layout. Builders can choose a tail wheel or a tricycle undercarriage. Early kits let them build a two-seat or a four-seat version. A 165-page builder's book called Build Your Own Airplane was written to guide people with little or no fabrication experience, who start with plans and work up to a bolt-together job using parts from the factory.

The BD-4C is a much improved four-seat model. It has an empty weight of 1,200 lb and a gross weight of 2,400 lb. Estimated build time is 700 hours. The company lists a top speed of 191 mph, a range of 900 miles, a climb rate of up to 1,700 feet per minute and a useful load of 1,200 lb. The wingspan is 26.2 feet, and the wings can fold to 7 feet. The cabin is 46 inches wide, and fuel capacity runs from 51 to 80 gallons.

The fuselage is an all-metal, internally stressed design for a home shop. It needs no welding or complex jigs. The frame is made of bolted aluminum angles, with bonded aluminum skin. The all-metal wing uses aluminum honeycomb ribs and a tubular spar, and the skin is bonded, so it is almost rivet-free. The tail is a bonded all-flying stabilator and vertical tail, delivered assembled. The landing gear uses S-ply main struts and a fully castering nose wheel, in tricycle or tail dragger form.

Bede Aviation says the BD-4C meets or exceeds the structural rules for certified aircraft in FAR Part 23. It is not certified and is meant only for amateur-built use. The company sells fuselage, wing, control, landing gear and finish packages, or a complete kit. It also offers a build center for help with wing work and a partnership with Banterra Bank for aircraft financing. It backs its services with a one-year guarantee.

Services

• BD-4C kit airplanes
• Fuselage package
• Metal wing package
• Control package
• Landing gear package
• Finish package
• Build center assistance
• Aircraft financing through Banterra Bank