Thurston Teal

Thurston Aircraft · United States · first flew 1968 · light aircraft

The Thurston Teal is a compact two-seat amphibious light aircraft designed for sport and touring use, notable for its pusher-configuration engine mounted atop the fuselage behind the cabin.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• high-wing amphibian with pusher engine above fuselage
• flying-boat hull with retractable undercarriage
• single engine mounted behind the cockpit on a pylon

The single high wing and flying-boat hull immediately identify it as an amphibian; the pusher engine on a short pylon above the rear cabin roof is unique among small amphibians of its era. Compare with the Lake Buccaneer, which has a similar layout but is slightly larger.

Specifications

• The Thurston Teal has a length of 7.19 m (24 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 9.73 m (32 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
• Typical crew: 1 pilot + 1 passenger.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by David Thurston, a veteran Grumman amphibian engineer, the Teal first flew in 1968. Thurston leveraged his experience on the Grumman Goose and Widgeon to create a practical modern personal amphibian. The design was also briefly manufactured by Schweizer Aircraft after Thurston's own production run.

Variants

The basic Teal came in fixed-gear and amphibious configurations; a later Teal II introduced a more powerful engine.

Where you'll see it

Sold to private owners primarily in North America, the Teal appeals to pilots who want lake access and runway capability in one airframe. A small fleet remains active in floatplane country.

Related aircraft

• Beechcraft Bonanza A36
• Beechcraft Queen Air 70
• CAP 10
• Cessna 207 Skywagon

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