Look the designer in the eye. Your pleasure and safety depend on his
Capability.
Designed and engineered by Mark H. Beierle, the first prototype was flown in
1976. Prototypes were flown over 5,400 hours. Considerable care has been taken
in the design and testing process. The result is a stall and spin resistant
aircraft with superior handling qualities both on the ground and in the air.
The responsive ailerons provide roll control throughout a stall attempt. The
beginning flyer will find an easy to fly, stable and forgiving aircraft.
The Thunder Gull designs maintain the responsive and nimble control necessary
for the demanding pilot. The Thunder Gull is a fun cross country machine
which has been flown coast to coast many times. Flight tested to a
"G" loading of +6 and -3 and designed to +6 and -4 yield. The ultralight
model has been certified to meet the FAA's FAR-103 requirements. VNE for all
models is 120mph. All kits can be registered experimental. Options include
engine, instuments, propeller, side windows, parachute and others upon
request. Available as a kit or ready-to-fly.
Mark Beierle has a very unique background of aircraft design. Mark took his
first airplane ride at the age of 5, his first flying lesson at 15, he soloed
his first airplane at 16, and received his private pilots license at age 17
with over 200 hours of logged flying time. During this period of time he
financed his lessons and his interest in aviation by building and testing
radio-controlled airplanes for the publication Radio Control News. This helped
finance his first airplane, a 1946 Taylor Craft, which he modified for
aerobatics. He then became self-employed and broadened his experience at the
controls of a variety of airplanes which he flew and worked on. He restored
antique aircraft for others, occationally doing custom alterations and
modifications. During this same time he developed and tested models of his own
design which he markedted kits and plans for. In addition to self-employment
he worked many years for aircraft companies such as Teledyne Ryan and General
Dynamics, Marketing Aids, and Matrix. He headed and worked on projects such as
building models for wind tunnel testing, the cruise missiles, and radar and
computer equipment. As a tool and die maker Mark learned to work with his hands,
Mark is a thinker and a doer. Mark began building his own designed light
aircraft when he became discouraged with the unsafe light airplanes that were
on the market. His first prototypes where similar to many of the "state of the
art" aircraft claims that are currently available. Mark's aircraft have
continously been a leader in the light aircraft market and his current model
is the trend of the future. Mark's indepth experience and interest in aviation
has resulted in quality aircraft that are practical and fun to fly; which
today's pilots and beginners are proud to own.