Does anybody have any opnions and or experinces with the Jet Mart BD 5J or the Byron/ Iron Bay BD 5J. I'm not trying to start a ***** session here by any means. Feel free to send any negative opinions dirtectly to my email. If I build one of these I'd be converting it to turbine, probably in the 11 to 18 lb thrust range. I'd also like to know the dimansions of these differnt aircraft including lilkely flying weight and total wing area ( sq inches).

I flew the Jetmart one on DF. I always thought that jet would have been great on a 12 lb turbine. It was a bear to get off the ground and up to speed and altitude, but once there it was relatively easy to fly and a lot of fun. Landing a BD-5 is anything but easy in my book, but it's not too bad.

From what I have seen, the Byron version is about the same as what Seanreit says about the Jetmart one.

A friend had the Byron version at Winnamac a few years ago and it took all of the 800 foot runway to get airborn. But it flew fine once it got in the air. A 12 lb turbine would be just right for it, also.

Rick Fusco's Byron BD-5J flies great. He has converted it to JetCat P-80 power. Take a look:

http://www.georgiajets.org/Membershi...17-2004_6.html
http://www.georgiajets.org/Membershi...17-2004_7.html
http://www.georgiajets.org/Membershi...1-02-05_5.html

FYI,

Gordon