Earthstar Aircraft
USA Part 103 Buyer’s GuideEarthstar Aircraft
Stall and spin resistant, with 5,400 hours of prototype testing behind it. Mark Beierle’s Thunder Gull is built around short grass and slow flight, and it is stressed to +6 and -4 G yield with a 120 mph V-NE. Roughly 66 have ever been built. This is a small shop and a rare aeroplane.
5,400HOURS OF PROTOTYPE TESTING
On a design that fewer than seventy people own. The engineering here is out of proportion to the production run, which is the argument for buying one and the reason there is a waitlist.
Published today: around $15,000 built. Kit historically around $10,000. Confirm both.
What it can and cannot do
The capability table.
Yes published as standard · Optional factory option or variant · No not available
The lineup
Two Gulls.
The one usually listed as Part 103. STOL focused, stall and spin resistant, with optional STOL tips and a cantilevered wing that trailers quickly.
The soaring-oriented sibling. Ask Mark how it differs and whether your intended configuration stays inside Part 103.
The Odyssey is not Part 103
Earthstar also builds the Odyssey, a two-seat sport trainer. Two seats means it is not an ultralight, whatever else it is. Flaps are standard on that one, not on the Gulls.
Who it suits
- Pilots flying off short grass who need the aircraft to stop where they put it.
- Owners who want slow flight and low landing speeds above cruise numbers.
- Buyers who want a stall and spin resistant airframe and will pay attention to why that matters.
- Anyone who wants a hands-on relationship with the person who designed the aeroplane.
What you give up
- Around 66 built, ever. The owner community is small and the fleet history is thin.
- Pricing is a direct conversation, not a sheet. The numbers here are approximate and old.
- Small shop means longer lead times.
- Contact is an AOL address and confirming it takes manual outreach.
Verified contact
How to reach them directly.
Note the spelling: thundergul@aol.com, one L. Confirm current pricing and lead time directly.
Part 103 compliance is yours
An aircraft marketed as Part 103 capable can exceed the 254 lb powered empty-weight limit once engines, instruments, and options are added. You weigh the finished vehicle and you confirm compliance with 14 CFR 103 before you fly it. See the Part 103 disclaimer.
Are you Earthstar Aircraft? This listing is free and independent, and our pricing here is old. Send current numbers through the contact page and we will update it. The free listing is not conditional on any paid engagement.
Your buyer just configured an airplane. Could they do that on your site?
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