Guided by a company goal of efficient use
of assets, SAM developed several test vehicles, and utilizing its newly
gained expertise, offered systematic flight test programs to other
ultralight manufacturers. Various programs such as developing one of the
first replica WW1 ultralight fighters (Fokker-lite E III), designing and
building the first low wing ultralight (L.Y.N.X.) and applying radio
controlled dynamic flight models for evaluation and analysis kept SAM
solvent through its early years of activity.Key to the company's
successful activity was the concept of a team centered on each programs
development. Select talented members, hand picked by Mr. Mahrle and
allowed to do the job without being encumbered with a conventional 'suit
and tie' mentality, fostered an environment of creativity during a time of
national economic upheaval. The company's 'up front' and pragmatic
approach was also a departure: "If it can be done, we'll do it. If it
can't be done by us, we will tell you so, and see if we can find someone
else for you."
Guided by the acquired skills of design, engineering maintenance, and
flight, Mr. Mahrle and his team kept hard at work during the early years
of SAM.
A contract to develop, build and test fly a series of replica
ultralight and standard aircraft based on the design of the Ryan STA
required Mr. Mahrle to move from Southern California to Texas in 1984. The
project was literally from the ground up. Starting from an empty
warehouse, Mr. Mahrle recruited the required personnel, designed craft #1,
trained the crew, built the required fixtures and had the first prototype
airworthy in 60 days. He successfully test flew this first ship and
immediately began work on the 2-seat version which was also personally
test flown. A total of nine craft (6 single place, 2 two seat, and 1 test
airframe) were constructed.
Due to family needs and requirements in Southern California, Mr. Mahrle
left the operation in 1985 to return to Southern California. Unfortunately
without the creative talents and drive of Mr. Mahrle no more aircraft were
completed and the Texas company's operations crashed.
Upon return to his Southern California shop, new space was acquired and
work commenced on reestablishing SAM with a three-fold business
development program. First, design and research on new aircraft; second,
restoration and maintenance of standard category aircraft; and third,
development of radio control application to special motion picture
projects.
Upon return to his Southern California shop, new space was acquired and
work commenced on reestablishing SAM with a three-fold business
development program. First, design and research on new aircraft; second,
restoration and maintenance of standard category aircraft; and third,
development of radio control application to special motion picture
projects.
Then in April of 1992 disaster struck, in the form of the Los Angeles
riots in the aftermath of the Rodney King trial. SAM's shop was located in
the path of the destruction. With the loss of the shop due to the
resulting inferno and the increase of violence and general lack of safety
a personal decision was made.
A move to the Midwest and the serene environment of Oshkosh, Wisconsin
to take advantage of better schools for his two daughters and a less
hectic environment for his wife Tricia Mahrle, H.R.N. C.C.R.N., meant that
a new shop was opened to continue SAM operations from the heartland of
America.
