and you'll find the following statement:

"The original "V" Bonanza type tail was replaced by a vertical stabilizer and horizontal stabilator. A choice of two wings were available, an A wing with a 14.3 span and a B wing with a span of 21.5 feet – the A wing for the experienced/constructor pilot and the B wing for the beginner."

Later on, there's this sentence:

"He also strongly recommends throwing away the A short wing as it is too dangerous."

Ok, my memory was slightly wrong. I thought the A model wingspan was 12 feet. It was actually 14.3 feet. It's the B model with the 21.5 foot wingspan.

From all reports, the BD-5s other than the A model actually have good flying characteristics and excellent handling. There's a good reason for that. There was a young engineer who worked for Bede who was responsible for that part of the design. He later became quite famous, at least in aviation circles. His name is Burt Rutan.