Company Taking Kit Orders For The Airplane Based On
The BD-5J
The BD-Micro Technologies, (BMT) FLS Microjet completed Phase I
flight testing on May 5th 2011. All performance expectations were
either met or exceeded.
Better known as the “James Bond jet”, the BD-5J for
the first time ever is available as a complete, ready to assemble,
integrated airframe, avionics, and powerplant systems package. BMT
is currently taking orders for a limited production run of the FLS
Microjet kit.
The design was originally developed in the 1970’s by Bede
Aircraft, Inc. and designated as the BD-5J. In 1992, BMT began
re-engineering the BD-5J and designated their improved design
features in an aircraft line-up called the "FLIGHTLINE Series" or
"FLS" kits. The FLS Microjet is the first aircraft to incorporate
all the BMT upgrades.
Several major safety improvements include a wing design that
dramatically improves stall characteristics, a fuselage stretch
that isolates vital safety equipment from the cockpit, a
strengthened wing spar to reduce airframe fatigue, and modern
technology integration focused on increasing systems reliability
while reducing pilot workload. Some other systems upgrades include
an all digital dual display instrument panel, solid-state triple
bus redundant electrical
system and HOTAS controls. This aircraft includes the latest state
of the art professional grade features in a clean and tightly
integrated package.
The most significant FLS Microjet development is the Quantum
Turbine Powerplant System featuring the TJ100 jet engine. The TJ100
turbojet uses modern FADEC technology common on jet airliners and
was developed for use in experimental jet aircraft. BMT worked with
PBS to further develop several engine safety features and design an
installation package that includes supporting systems, structures,
and pilot controls.
The owner of the first FLS Microjet, Justin Lewis of Lewis &
Clark Performance, LLC, conducted flight testing in Newport,
Oregon. He reported the jet was easy to fly despite the high
performance characteristics.
In order to legally pilot the FLS Microjet, the FAA requires a
BD-5J Experimental Type Rating (ETR). To receive the required ETR,
each pilot will need to complete ground & flight training with
an authorized BD-5J flight instructor, hold a temporary FAA issued
Letter of Authorization (LOA) to conduct flight training, and
eventually receive a “check flight” examination by an
FAA Experimental Aircraft Examiner. To receive an LOA it is
recommended that pilots have at least 1,000 hours of flight time
including 100 hours in turbojet aircraft. BD-Micro is introducing a
program for the qualification and training of FLS Microjet
pilots.
In an effort to promote safe building techniques, homebuilders
will be required to build the FLS Microjet under professional
supervision in a builder assistance program at BD-Micro
Technologies, Inc. in Siletz, Oregon. The FLS Microjet Builder
Assistance Program ensures that this complex, high performance
aircraft is assembled correctly and efficiently. It will also allow
the owner to register it as an experimental aircraft under the FAA
51% amateur-built guidelines.
The BD-Micro Technologies, Inc. FLS Microjet is a sophisticated
and advanced high performance aircraft with professional grade
systems and features. Designed to meet the needs of the serious
pilot, the FLS Microjet is essentially the same aircraft as the
popular airshow BD-5J’s of years past but has benefited from
years of development and refinement.