The BD-17 Nugget possesses exceptional flying qualities. Being small and lightweight, it utilizes the side stick control first adopted on the BD-5 and now incorporated on the F-16 and on some commercial airlines. The basic stability in all three axes are positive, both in static and dynamic stability. Control harmony is smooth and even for all three surfaces. Roll response is smooth and positive even into stall buffet. Cockpit room is accommodating for both large and small pilots, and visibility is excellent throughout.

The BD-17 Nugget is a single place, single engine, low wing, all metal aircraft. It can be built as a tricycle landing gear or tail dragger. It can utilize engines from 60-80 HP. Its cantilever wings incorporate an extruder tubular spar. The wings can be built with a folding mechanism to allow transportation on a trailer or to require minimum hanger space. Twenty (20) gallons a fuel is carried in the wings with ten (10) on each side. The empty weight will vary between 540- 560 lbs., depending on the selected engine. The normal gross weight is 900 lbs., with a maximum gross weight of 950 lbs., again, depending on the engine. In a tricycle gear configuration, the nose is full castoring allowing fantastic ground manoeuvring. Steering is accomplished by deferential braking or rudder control.