Okay guys and gals,
I am thinking of purchasing a 1977 Maule M5-210C. They Are asking around $60,000 and I thought about offering less. However first I wanted to ask a question that only you guys could answer sufficiently for me. Besides having an A&P take a look at it first all, on just the basis of this: I am a new flying student...no actual air time (well, half an hour in a CFI friends' champ doesn't count and our ground school has yet to purchase an airplane and one doesn't look to come anytime soon) so on this aspect of judgment would you recommend my purchase of this airplane?

This Maule is IFR equiped, TTAF is 2530, SMOH 790...heck its possible its one of BP's readers because it has some mucho nice 31" Alaskan Bushwheels on it!

Its my goal in the end to be able to fly a bush style plane so my question is instead of purchasing a cheap c150 somewhere (since the groundschool is dilly dallying around), would this plane be an smart move to train in and after I have my Private Pilot, I can get IFR and Commercial (last i heard all M5 Maules were certified)?

Thanks

Having done the same thing Maule first plane no time etc ... it can be done, others will tell you different but that is most likely the way THEY did and some one told them the same. It is up to YOU and the way you learn. And knowing the plane you are looking at it is a nice bird and I have flown it it does well. The big thing is to get an instructor that KNOWS Maules and you will be fine.

I think a 790hr M5 210C would be in the $40k range. Of course they can ask what they want.

where is the plane.. I think I know who it is.and if so the damn thing is worth every penny. learn in what you plan to fly ... Yeah a taildragger is a bit more challenging but if that's what you are ultimately striving for and can get into a taildragger now do it... You'll learn from a taildragger instructor, preferably a Maule instructor, and know your airplane that much better..Somebody like Jeremy can show you things in a Maule you didn't think could be done... I wish I had done it that way.. would have saved a bunch of money and time...PM me if you have questions...Iceman

iceman wrote:where is the plane.. [...]

I guess it's her: http://www.controller.com/listingsdetai ... 267927.htm

Nice...

Check insurance cost! I love my Maule.

Cheers

+1 to oregonmaule, I pay 3400 a year on 40k hull coverage. That was zero tailwheel time. I would pay more to continue to fly my maule. Don't tell Avemco!

Is there a CFI that you think would be a good teacher for you AND has considerable experience in a Maule? Can you get liability and hull insurance?

If you hesitate it at all before answering yes, then I'd recommend against it. The most important thing is to get your pilot certificate, and for that, you need a CFI that you can learn from. If that CFI will teach you in a conventional gear airplane then great, but the certificate is your first goal.

Remember, the DPE is going to expect you to be competent in all aircraft systems when you go for your checkride. Having the bare minimum of instruments in a simple plane will work in your favor. The mnimally equipped plane also allows you become masterful of that plane that much sooner.

Maintenance and repairs are just going to distract you at this point (or at least should); plane ownership is wonderful but one of the things that make it bearable is having the certificate to just go flying whenever the mood strikes you (and the weather is good, and the plane doesn't need repairs, and your health is good).

Insurance.... SHOP AROUND!! I went from $2800.00 w/ 70K Hull (not enuff btw) to $1800.00 You do the Math...


http://www.gustafsonins.com/ Tim or Scott Both Maule guys (Father son) Tell them Wup sent you. You may not do any better but it always pays to check into it.

You could certainly do a lot worse. If the aircraft Oliver linked to is the one, I remember it being pretty decent. Iceman and Hotshot are friends with the owner. Do your due diligence on any aircraft before buying though, that includes pre-buy/annual with your own A&P who's working for your interests.

That model aircraft would last you for a long time, but like others have said, low time Maule insurance can be costlier than other models. But what costs more? Buying an aircraft that is lower performance and then trading up years later to the one you actually want? Or paying high premiums on your dream plane for a few years?

Zzz wrote:. Do your due diligence on any aircraft before buying though, that includes pre-buy/annual with your own A&P who's working for your interests.

What he said!

I have no personal experience with the Continental IO-360. But I have heard a few opinions here and there that claim this engine is more maintenance-intensive than the Lycoming. So before you pull the trigger, definitely speak to owners and mechanics who know that engine, and can give you the straight scoop on it. I have no idea if this engine is a maintenance hog or not... I'm just saying check into it and be educated before you buy.

Yes, Oliver, that is the one...I didnt link it because well...its SWEET...and figured one of ya'll would get it before I could...hee hee...no just joking.

Yes its the one. As for insurance, I am an AOPA member and figured I would look for insurance through AVEMCO but I am always open to better options. I also will be financing this aircraft...assuming i pull the trigger that is...and will be using the AOPA financing. I applied first and figured if I am approved then I will start doing all the dirty work of getting insurance costs and getting my A&P there to look at it.

rjb, I do have a CFI who is tailwheel rated...but I am almost 100% positive he has no experience with Maule or with bush wheels (I would probably have to put regular tires on during primary training). That being said, I am not opposed to going somewhere to get training but funds are limited...especially if I bought that airplane!

Guys this Airplane is my dream airplane! This is what I wanted to eventually fly after primary training!

Hottshot, I'll look into Tim and Scotts Insurance co! (UPDATE: Sent them a inquiry for a free quote and linked the plane. I dont know if they can insure from a different state)

Zane, Thanks for your input. I do have a friend who is an A&P and offered to go look at a plane for me for a lower cost. Yes I agree with you on the costs.

EZFlap, Thanks! I will check into the IO-360. Maybe someone here knows a thing or two about it?

Thanks again guys...I am looking forward to hearing more advice.

EZFlap wrote:I have no personal experience with the Continental IO-360. But I have heard a few opinions here and there that claim this engine is more maintenance-intensive than the Lycoming. So before you pull the trigger, definitely speak to owners and mechanics who know that engine, and can give you the straight scoop on it. I have no idea if this engine is a maintenance hog or not... I'm just saying check into it and be educated before you buy.

X2 - From what I have heard, the top end on these engines typically need work at mid-time. The lower end is very similar to that of the O-300, which is very well designed and bulletproof. I have found that there is usually something behind the reputations that most aviation products gain.

For a low time pilot learning in a Maule, I would recommend spending lots of time ground handling the machine without touching the control wheel in order to wake your feet up. I would practice all sorts of maneuvers in calm winds. It would be best to throw some 850s on before training exercises on pavement, because Bushwheels are just too expensive to wear out this way.

Ahh I know that plane well. The owner and I have smoke many cigars and drank a lot of whiskey under the wing of that plane. Both out in the back country and in the hangar. I had heard the IO-360 was a bad engine but I have been proven wrong. I helped the owner do annuals and the engine was very reliable. He takes good care of it. I have flown it as well and it is a nice flying plane. I have many air to air pics from my c180 with that Maule.

Oooh Yeah Can you post a few SuperDave?

That guy is higher than giraffe vagina if he thinks he's going to get 60K for that Mall!!

Just kiddin!! That's a great specimen there! I wouldn't hesitate to buy that one.

Good luck!

I will see what I can find. Been a while. The pics were before the Bushwheels.

There are some pics of it before the 31s on AKBushwheel.

http://www.akbushwheels.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=89

Ditto the positive on that airplane...

Gump

You might take a look at this as well xcalibersword:
http://brentpahls.wix.com/triple3eightzulu
Sweet BC plane!