First flown in 1968, production began after certification was gained in August 1969; the 16th and subsequent aircraft, which introduced some refinements, were designated TSC-1A1 Teal.

[3] The Teal design features a high wing with tip floats for lateral stability.

The horizontally opposed engine is mounted tractor fashion in a strut-supported pylon above the wing root.

One unusual characteristic of the Teal design is that it cruises slightly faster with the landing gear in the down position than with it up.

The Teal's wheels do not retract, but instead swing to the rear until the gear is horizontal and clear of the water.

The aircraft was to have no landing gear to save weight and folding wings were to be incorporated to aid storage.

[5] The TSC-1A was the first to the series to actually be completed and featured retractable conventional landing gear and non-folding wings.

The TSC-1A certified under FAA Type Certificate A15AE on 28 August 1969 at a gross weight of 1,850 lb (840 kg), land and water.

[5] The TSC-1A1/EW/EP was a project to convert existing TSC-1A1s to TSC-1A1/EW status by incorporating the EW's wing and tail extensions and upgrading the engine to a 160 horsepower (120 kW) Lycoming O-320-B3B.

[5] The TSC-1A2 Teal II was a development of the TSC-1A1, It incorporated slotted flaps, a change in horizontal stabilizer incidence and larger elevator trim tab travel.

[5] In 1983 there was a proposal to form a new company, to be called Advanced Aircraft, which would develop a tricycle version of the Teal, to be designated the TSC-1A2T.