David Thurston (20 September 1918 – 10 December 2013) was an American aircraft designer noted for his work on small amphibious aircraft, including the Colonial Skimmer, Lake Buccaneer, Thurston Teal and AeroMarine Seafire.
In June 1940 he received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from New York University- NYU.
The aircraft included the G-65 Tadpole amphibian, as well as the G-63 and G-72 Kitten sport airplanes.
From December 1947 to June 1953 Thurston was in charge of Grumman Rigel guided missile development program followed by the F11F Tiger naval jet fighter.
At his resignation from Grumman in January 1955, Thurston was in charge of the design and development of propeller driven aircraft at Grumman, being a senior member of a staff responsible for the operation of a 1500-man engineering department.