AzurPoly Bede BD-5J User manual

1 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
BEDE
BD-5J
QUICK REFERENCE

2 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1\ INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................3
2\ GENERAL DESCRIPTION...............................................................................................................3
2.1\ Specifications.............................................................................................................................3
2.2\ Detailed view..............................................................................................................................4
3\ AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS......................................................................................................................5
3.1\ Flight controls.............................................................................................................................5
3.2\ Electrical system........................................................................................................................5
3.3\ Fuel system................................................................................................................................5
3.4\ Landing gear..............................................................................................................................6
3.5\ Flaps ..........................................................................................................................................7
3.6\ Radio..........................................................................................................................................7
3.7\ Transponder...............................................................................................................................7
4\ ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG ............................................................................................................8
5\ NORMAL PROCEDURES..............................................................................................................11
5.1\ Reference speeds....................................................................................................................11
5.2\ Checklists.................................................................................................................................11

3 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
1\ INTRODUCTION
The BD-5J is a single-seat, single-engine, homebuilt jet aircraft sold as a kit by Bede Aircraft. The
BD-5J, also called the Acrostar, is the jet-powered version of the BD-5, a pusher-propeller light
aircraft that first flew on September 12, 1971.
The BD-5J was introduced in 1973 and holds the world record for being the smallest flying manned
jet aircraft. The jet was famously used in a 1983 James Bond movie, Octopussy.
The BD-5J is 12 feet, 9 inches long, 5 feet, 7 inches high (at the top of its vertical stabilizer), and
weighs approximately 400 pounds, empty. It features a low, swept main wing with a span of 17 feet,
a traditional empennage, and retractable tricycle landing gear.
The aircraft is powered by a tail-mounted Microturbo TRS turbojet engine that generates 225 pounds
of thrust.
The Bede BD-5J is one of the most exhilarating aircraft in history to fly. From within the cockpit of the
tiny jet, pilots can rocket up to altitude, perform aerobatics, or just cruise the heights.
2\ GENERAL DESCRIPTION
2.1\ Specifications
Weights
Empty weight
195 kg
Maximum takeoff weight
408 kg
Maximum landing weight
390 kg
Dimensions
Wingspan
5,18 m
Length
4,57 m
Height
1,52 m
Engine
Fuel capacity
130 L
Dry weight
37 kg
Maximum thrust
1,1 kN
Maximum continuous
1,0 kN

4 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
2.2\ Detailed view
1
Landing gear handle
18
Strobe lights switch
2
Flaps handle
19
Cabin light switch
3
Throttle
20
Gear not locked light
4
Trim lever
21
Gear down lights
5
Fuel cutoff
22
Anemometer (kts)
6
Smoke switch
23
Altimeter (ft)
7
Ignition switch
24
Turn coordinator
8
Starter
25
Variometer (ft/min)
9
Master switch
26
Exhaust gas temperature (Celsius)
10
Avionics switch
27
Engine RPM (%)
11
Radio (COM 1)
28
Oil pressure (PSI) and temperature
(Fahrenheit)
12
Low voltage light
29
Accelerometer
13
Fuel pump switch
30
Compass
14
Fuel pump light
31
Fuel level gauge
15
Fuel selector switch
32
Fuel flow (GPH)
16
Low fuel lights
33
Transponder
17
Navigation lights switch
34
EFB button

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3\ AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
3.1\ Flight controls
The BD-5 has classical mechanical flight controls. Flight stick is positioned on the right console.
An anti-servo tab assists pitch movement. Pitch trim is connected to the same tab from an electric
actuator and can be set with the handle next to throttle.
3.2\ Electrical system
Electric supply is provided in flight, thanks to a generator, connected to the engine.
It can supply three different light systems:
- Strobe lights.
- Navigation lights.
- Cabin lights.
Even though the BD-5 has interior lights, it is not equipped for night flying as there is not any landing
light.
3.3\ Fuel system
The BD-5J has two fuel tanks:
1. One tank in left wing.
2. One tank in right wing.

6 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
An electric fuel pump is connected to main electric circuit to assist in case of mechanical pump failure.
Fuel level gauge has been implemented in the aircraft for simplicity. However, most of BD-5 were not
fitted with such a gauge.
Instead, six fuel prisms on each wing allow to determine fuel level. Each prism has a different length
and will let light shine through it as soon as fuel level will drop below its base. Thus, six blank cylinders
mean that no fuel remains in the tank.
You can see prisms on both wings with “INSTRUMENTS 04” and “INSTRUMENTS 05” cameras.
3.4\ Landing gear
The aircraft has a tricycle retractable landing gear. Each landing gear leg has one wheel. Main wheels
are equipped with disc brakes.
Retracting mechanism is fully mechanic and cable operated.
A set of lights indicates:
- When landing gear is not locked (red light).
- When landing gear is extended and locked (one green light per leg).

7 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
3.5\ Flaps
Each wings hold a trailing flap, manually operated.
Three positions can be achieved: 0, 15 and 30 degrees.
3.6\ Radio
A simple radio is positioned on the main panel.
It allows to manage COM 1 frequency (active and standby). Left knob can be used to set volume.
3.7\ Transponder
The BD-5 is equipped with a regular transponder.
Four different knobs are used to set the code. Main knob allows to switch between different modes
(OFF, SBY, TST, ON, ALT).

8 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
4\ ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG
To help managing all actions related to the aircraft, an EFB has been implemented. It can be opened
and closed thanks to a cockpit button.
When opened, screen brightness can be set from the top bar.
Aircraft state
This menu has two buttons, one for opening and closing aircraft canopy, the other to switch on/off white
smoke.

9 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
Map
This menu consists of a map showing current aircraft position.
Different controls on the right part allow to interact with the map:
- Zoom buttons.
- Button to stop auto centering to aircraft position.
- Trajectory button to show or hide aircraft path.
Autopilot
The BD-5 is not equipped with an autopilot, but you will find an autopilot menu in the EFB, allowing you
to hold altitude and/or heading as you wish.
After turning autopilot on, you can select a target altitude and toggle ALT mode to climb or descend to
the desired altitude.
Vertical speed can be chosen below VS button, and VS mode can be enabled instead of ALT mode to
maintain a fixed vertical speed.
With HDG button, you can follow a target heading selected with “+” and “−“ buttons.

10 Bede BD-5J – Quick Reference – Rev.3 AzurPoly
Info
This menu indicates version of the aircraft currently installed on your machine.
A message will be displayed if an update is available.
You can also see how much time you spent within the aircraft.