In 1975 he flew the prototype Applebay GA-111 Mescalero, a mixed metal and fiberglass FAI Open Class glider.
[4][5][6] Flight testing of the Zuni started in November 1976 and the aircraft was put into production by a new company Applebay formed for the purpose called Aero Tek.
A fatal accident, as a result of a structural failure, in May 1977 forced Aero Tek out of business in 1978, but a new company was formed to continue Zuni production, Applebay Sailplanes.
The improved Zuni II, with Kevlar construction was introduced, but production ended in 1983 after only 20 Zunis in total had been completed, due to the lack of competitiveness of the design by that date and the high US dollar, that made competition with European imports difficult.
[2][3][6] The Applebay Zia twin-boom motor glider was introduced in 1983 but only four were built, including the prototype.