mtv wrote:Zane,
The notion of on a moment's notice hauling someone for hire isn't going to happen, at least not legally. To do so, you'd have to apply for and acquire an FAR 135 operating certificate. That's a lot of work, money and time. ...............................
MTV

I realized that this isn't exactly true. There's a loophole in the regs, which may be in the process of being plugged, that allows for scenic flights for hire. There is a limitation of (I believe) 25 nm and also no landing other than where you took off-- anything more and you need a part 135 operation (aircraft AND pilot). You need a commercial ticket of course.
Not sure if this is allowed in an experimental. I would think no, except for the fact that a lot of warbirds seem to hop rides and I'm not sure that P-51's for example carry a standard airworthiness certificate,I'd think it'd be an experimental-exhibition.

Eric

No offense to CAB or anyone else, but the Bearhawk to me seems to be just a homebuilt Maule with stick controls. And I guess maybe fabric wings. Haven't flown one or flown in one though, maybe they're the stuff!
If I was looking at new airplanes, I'd check out the sorta new Maule M4-180. Two place side-by-side,180 horse,round tail. Initially the price was supposed to be around $100K, a bit less for fix pitch a bit more for c/s. But the price has apparently gone up a bit since then- but still way lower than CC's $160K and Husky's $200K.
I like what I've seen of it in the magazines and stuff. They came out with it to compete with the CC-18 and the Husky, I guess. Haven't seen it pushed at all or even mentioned since the initial publicity,but recently saw it advertised in the Controller or someplace similar. Seems to me that the price was maybe $115K-ish?

Eric

oops

Awol,
When you fly a 235hp Maule have some one who is good in the plane show you a maximum performance takeoff. The tail comes up, the flaps come down, and the nose of the plane goes way, way up, and you probably won't roll 200ft. If that doesn't hook ya you've had too many carrier landings and your adrenal system is shot.

Looked up the March 2005 AOPA mag where they test flew the M4-180. Sez $96K for fixed pitch, $106K for constant speed. Then fast forwarded to an ad in the Dec 2006 Aviation Hot Line- price is now $129K/$139K. Wow! That's more than 30% increase in two years-- but the prices are still considerably lower than CubCrafters and Husky. Worth a test ride if you're in the market.

Eric

Mike,

You say that the 180/185 and Pa-18 are the benchmark back country airplanes? What about the good 'ol dhc-2??? Especially when we are talking floats!

For what it's worth, the Maule is the best buy. The 235 and 260hp are a bit nose heavy, the 180hp flies much sweeter and those huge door opening in back is incredible. Get the m7. I saw a full IFR panelled (dual 430's, HSI, autopilot, etc) with 3 bladed prop, wide gear, 180hp and 4 year old with 250ttsn NDH sell for something like $120k. Wow.

Husky's, pa18,pa12, maule m7, 180/185 are all great.

Personally, for all around, I would go with the C180 since I think it would be most versatile and hold its value, though for the most fun to fly I would go with the PA18, best value Maule M7, best flying sweetest airplane that can carry more than 2 the Beaver, and the most practical mid priced the cessna - though I don't love them.

AwolArn wrote: One item that has come up that I hadn't thought of was insurability. I'm going to check out the insurance rates on certified vs experimental. Thanks again for the replies, and keep the dialog going.
Cheers!
arn

A $100,000 Maule combined with low time TW pilot will run you in the $4,000 - $6000 range until you get around 100 hours in it. If you have less than 25 hours TW, you will be limited to about 2 companies (if any) willing to write your account.

My advice if you are wanting to go with the Maule is to get your TW rating and build some TW time prior to purchasing.

I love the Maule and think it is a great aircraft, but getting the underwriters to agree can be difficult. My father in law has about 7,000 hours, is an ex-air force instructor and was flying the 737 for UAL, but he had no TW time. We had only one company willing to write him until he got 75 hours in the Maule and with an $85,000 value we were paying $4,500. Now we have 4 markets willing to write the coverage and the cost is cut in half.