What model Maule should I get????

Neil · Post by **Neil** » Sun May 24, 2009 1:44 pm

Hi Everyone:
I'm new to the site,but not flying I've got alot of experience on c-180's
c-185's & beavers mostly moutain flying.I'm looking at starting my own
air charter serivce in the S.E.area of British Columbia.Having no experience with rag & tube planes I'm looking for as much input from all
you experts on choosing a Maule for my new flying service.In a nutshell
I'm looking for a Maule that I can get into and out of the smallest of LZ's.
I'll be on tundra tires 90% of the time.I will also need to haul as much
weight per trip to make a profit.So,with that said what model Maule should
I be looking for???? Also money IS an issue as with any startup company
so I cannot throw caution to the wind and break the bank with my first
plane.Any and all input no matter how big or small would be most
appreciated.Looking forward to your comments. Thanks. Neil

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Mon May 25, 2009 1:20 pm

M5 or M6 with the 235 Lyc. I say those because of the expense of anything newer. Some of the O-235's can run car gas.
At the risk of having rocks thrown at me on this forum, I think you would be better with either a C-180 or 185 for what you want to do.
You can get more airplane with less money in a Maule than anything else though.
Razorback is fine, check for paint problems and the condition of the wooden stringer in the fuselage, especially the bottom ones.
Look up Jeremy, he is in your neck of the woods, you may save a lot of money paying a little more for an airplane from him, than a real deal somewhere else. He knows what to look for. http://www.mauleak.com/

Neil · Post by **Neil** » Mon May 25, 2009 3:16 pm

Thanks for the input ,64pilot. Without soundingTOO dumb,what is a razorback???

Neil

P.S. Just to let you know the reason I'm looking for a Maule over a C-180 or C-185
is cost,I know I'll get more plane for the buck! Also I maybe wrong,but from what
I've read a Maule has more Mods.I can add.Is that right???

Neil · Post by **Neil** » Mon May 25, 2009 3:22 pm

Just thought of another question.You mentioned an engine that can convert to auto-
gas.This is something that I would like to do.Do you know the type of engine,ie.model
to look for.I know it has to be a carb.model.

Thanks
Neil

TomD · Post by **TomD** » Mon May 25, 2009 5:55 pm

The "B" model of the O540 has the only auto gas stc for a maule.

Jeremy has a model list on his website. If you are looking for an autogas maule look for O540 w/ a B in the model # cannot remember the full model, someone??

One very nice thing about the Maule vs 180/185 is the whole right side opens for loading.

TD

ComputerAndPhotoGuy · Post by **ComputerAndPhotoGuy** » Mon May 25, 2009 7:36 pm

I believe the engine is the B4B5.

However, can one get auto fuel without ethnol (sp?) in it?

I believe ANY ethnol voids the auto fuel stc.

There is a new movement to increase the amount of ethnol in auto fuel to 15 % or more from the current 10 %. Do not know if it will be successful.

I have heard different stories if the ethnol can damage the engine. It appears it can damage the rubber, but not for sure.

The IO 540 is suppose to get about 1 mpg better than the O-540, but is not as good for floats.

Lowflybye · Post by **Lowflybye** » Tue May 26, 2009 9:28 am

ComputerAndPhotoGuy wrote:I believe the engine is the B4B5.

However, can one get auto fuel without ethnol (sp?) in it?

We can still get it here in the Nashville area and run it about 90% of the time.

YELLOWMAULE · Post by **YELLOWMAULE** » Tue May 26, 2009 9:31 am

If you wish to get to get an operators opinion on the true cost comparisions, contact Barry Stanley @ Denali Air in Willow, AK. He has operated an M-7 260 and a 206 for years. Both on wheels and skis. I would recommend following the weather online before calling him. When it's flyable, he's always on the run.

Neil · Post by **Neil** » Tue May 26, 2009 11:44 am

Thanks for your comments.Once I'm up and running hopefully next
season I'll post it.We have some of the best hunting & fishing in all of B.C.
I'll be based in the foothills of the "Rockies",it's very wild & beautiful
country and any of you outdoors-type would love it!

Neil

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Tue May 26, 2009 6:09 pm

Razorback is fabric, I think it's fiberglass and essentially will last forever, but it's heavy. Even if it lasted forever, you end up recovering because of the paint or because of the wooden stringers or something else. A lot of the older Maules are covered in Razorback. Some say avoid it, I think it's like anything else, if properly maintained, it's fine. Just don't believe it lasts forever because you will eventually have to recover for some reason or another.

montana maule · Post by **montana maule** » Tue May 26, 2009 7:20 pm

At least in the States using auto fuel is not an option for a Part 135 commercial operation. The FAA won't allow it, even though you can get an STC for it on the B4B5 engine.

I'm located at Cut Bank Montana about 90 miles south of Lethbridge. If you want to fly a M-6-235 give me a call. 406-949-5709

Rick Geiger

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