New to group

[danpete5]

Hi, I'm new to the group. I'm interested in either a Thundergull or
Titan single seater with a longer wing than the standard 20 footer.
Does anyone have experience with both of these planes that can give
the pros and cons of them. How's the factory support on them and how
long is the typical delivery? Thanks, Dan

[Ron E]

I have a 1997 Thunder Gull-J (single place)
for sale. I live in Oregon, so if you're somewhat
near & interested I can send info & pictures. It
is a factory built beauty with all the bell & whistles,
including the 24' wing.

Ron Carroll
Ron.Carroll@a...

[ansieman]

I own a Thundergull J. Have flown both. Titan builds a heavier
plane, flys like a heavier plane - more Cessna like. IMHO that's why
you see so many Titans with big heavy engines. If you like speed and
don't care about efficiency or STOL, either one will work.

Mark (Earthstar) has worked out all the little bugs out. Building
per plans gets you a remarkably trouble free plane. Don't know about
Titan in this area, but Mark is the original designer/engineer.
Titan modified the older Earthstar J model design a little and
marketed it heavily.

I get the impression that Earthstar wants to remain a small business
with personal relationships with their customers. Titan is more
impersonal business like. With that in mind, I haven't heard bad
customer service stories about either company. There's pluses and
minuses to each business model. I know Earthstar has good quality
control. That's a real plus in my mind.

The Gull 2000 is an updated version of the original J model
Thundergull. Titan sells a modified J model for both their 1 and 2
seat versions. The Earthstar Odyssey is a superior 2 seater.

I have a J model with the standard 20' wing and a 447 Rotax. I can
fly and land with any ultralight except the slowest single surface
wing ultralights (who land and take-off at a walking speed). I also
cruise faster and burn less gas than ALL other 503 powered
ultralights. My top speed is the same as a 582 powered Carrera. I
can also climb with most 503 powered ultralights, and outclimb some.

I haven't seen any comparable Titans. They all are heavier, with
bigger engines, cruise props and lots of GA type of options.

Many years ago, (right after my 503 powered Falcon XP seized an
engine) I decided that flying a plane that can land in cow pastures
and dirt roads without damage is a good thing. The Earthstar planes
do that better than the Titans.

A bigger wing is nice, but the Thundergull flys so well with the 20'
wing that I think you're it's losing out on some of the fun to get
the longer wing. I love the incredible roll rate of the 20' wing.
And with the manual flaps, you can land and take-off as short as
other ultralights. I can get off the ground in 100' if I work the
manual flaps right. The Titans I've flown take 300' or more.