Streamlined Option, the BD-4C-S Edition, Is Coming To Lakeland In November
The Gratia Aero Group will be bringing the pre-production model of the SureWings BD-4C-S to the 2026 Affordable Flying Expo November 13-15 in Lakeland, Fla., said founder Atilla Gahbro said.
The company will be putting the aircraft on a trailer and driving cross-country from California to Lakeland, where the aircraft will be put on static display. Gahbro said it will not be flying at the expo.
Once they arrive in Lakeland, they will uncrate the wings and set everything up for the demo in their booth. He said they will also be bringing the MWfly engine for display.
“Do keep in mind, avionics will be different on the production units as we have switched to Dynon, we will not be using GRT any longer. Additionally, we still have the engine option either MWfly or Viking. This aircraft is equipped with the Viking engine and to note all our orders that have come in are for MWfly engines so this might be the only aircraft we build with the Viking,” he said.
The Bede Aviation BD-4 was first developed in 1968 by Jim Bede. The aircraft, designated as one of the first true “kitplanes,” is a four-seat, high-wing plane with a uniquely durable construction. The BD-4’s easy assembly and roomy cockpit make it a popular choice for builders.
Bede Aviation, now run by Jim Bede’s son, made the decision to sell the design. Today, the BD-4's legacy continues under a new name: the BD-4C-S SureWings Edition Complete Aircraft Kit.
SureWings was established by Gahbro during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I called it SureWings,” Gahbro said, “because in my opinion, I was building something that was sure to perform, sure to be safe, and sure to be economical.”
The BD-4C-S SureWings Edition offers a ready-to-assemble kit intended to simplify the building process. Unlike the traditional BD-4C kit, which allows for extensive customization, the SureWings Edition takes only minor customer input.
Photos courtesy Gratia Aero Group.
FMI: www.gratia.aero
