I am looking at various platforms for aerial photography and am very interested in the Maule. I was curious how much of an issue the dual wing strut is to work around for taking pictures. I've taken photos from a Cessna 172, which of course has a strut, and am able to shoot behind that pretty easily as it is far enough forward. When I look at the Maule I am concerned as to whether I would be able to take photos without the strut being in the way. If anyone has any feedback, it would be greatly appreciated!

Just throwing this out there. Have you looked at a Cessna 177 (Cardinal)? It's a strut less plane. I'm not sure about specs and performance, though.

Struts are an issue with aerial photography, but it's more the relative position of the struts to the pilot's seating position.

Secondly, if you are taking ANY kind of decent images, you REALLY need an opening window, that can LEGALLY and safely be opened in flight.

If I were seriously looking to do VERY much aerial photography, I'd look at a two seat, tandem seating airplane, so I could shoot out either side. The new Huskys have a "Munson" window on the left, which side window extends all the way up to the windshield, allowing you to shoot out the front. Well known photographer Russ Munson asked Aviat to design that window for him, and I think that's all they've built since then....it really is VERY nice.

Super Cubs, Huskys, Scout, etc you can shoot out either side. I know, you can always turn around, but having done a fair amount of this work, I can tell you that if you HAVE to shoot out one side, you're going to be maneuvering a LOT more than if you could shoot out both sides. And that requires gas....

MTV

You can legally remove a door and fly with a Maule. There is a guy here in Rio Vista that does just that with his Maule and he runs an aerial photography business with it. I can pm you his contact info if you like.

As an aside.
I had chance to test a FLIR system attached to the wingstruts and had no vibration.
The control/feed cable was routed to the cabin.
Having locked on to a stationary object or a moving car, the camera stayed on target regardless of the maneuvers I put the Maule through.
Jeremy

MTV has some good points...it all depends on your mission. If aerial photography is your primary mission, a Maule is probably not the best choice. It's a good one, but not the best.

I've gotten some great aerial shots from my Maule (with the window open, legally) both air-to-air and air-to-ground shooting around the strut. Being able to shoot out both sides in some "other" aircraft may be advantage...but if lighting is a consideration at all, you'll likely only be shooting out one side anyway.

I'm no pro, so take my advice at what you paid for it...

Like MTV has said before, the Maule is a great "Tweener"...

One of my favorite things about my 1951 PA-22 is the sliding windows on both sides...makes photography very enjoyable and easy. I can't take a photo through a window without cringing, and in my plane I don't have to. Windows that open are definitely my main concerns long before I worry about wing struts.

Thanks for all of the great feedback! @58Skylane, yes, a Cardinal is on my list for the very reason you have stated. I appreciate your pointing it out! @robw56, yes, please pm contact info.

A Cardinal does not have an openable window like the rest of the Cessna's. It's a small wing type which does not work well.
I used to do aerial photography a lot. I liked the 172 about the best, just remove the screw holding the window and it will stay up by the wing in flight. Flaps 10 and use the rudders a little to yaw the strut out of the way.

172 works fine but you will sometimes get a buffet and have to open the right side door. I have just started using a champ with a citabria left window and a seaplane door on the right. That works real well also. It won't get anywhere quick though.

We looked at Maules before we bought our current plane, but I never shot out of one. It seems like I remember thinking they would work well for us, but we almost always shoot with a pilot and a photographer.

We almost bought a fixed gear 177, too. Test flew it a couple of times and shot with it as well. We didn't get it because we found our plane which worked better for our particular needs. Many aerial photographers use Cessna 177's for their work because of the strut-less wing. LP Aero Plastics make a couple of different Photo Windows for it that make it easy to shoot out of, so the standard windows are no problem at all. http://www.lpaero.com (page 54 of their catalog)

I also know guys using 150's, 170's, 172's, 180's, 210's, Super Cubs, Mooneys, Barons, R22s, R44s, etc. Each has it's benefits and drawbacks depending on what type of photography you want to use it for, and if you want to use it for anything else - like backcountry flying for instance. If you want to shoot Orthographs (vertical mapping pictures), check into the feasibility in your location of getting FAA approval for a hole in the belly, or adding a new "inspection port". Some planes came with camera holes as a factory option, and some have stc's available. Others do not and getting approval can be a challenge. We found our 170b and it already had a camera port in it that was done through a field approval years ago when you could actually get the FAA to agree to that type of thing. The 170's also came from the factory with a camera port as an option, but it was located in the back under the pilots side rear passenger seat, which I believe (not positive) makes that seat unusable. But all you have to do is get a hold of the original plans for it and install it, then have your IA sign it off. Anyway, that is something to consider as well.

I know of an excellent plane........ How about a Breezy? That would be perfect! Don't you think?

Maule has the Camera Hole for an option noted on there website:

Optional Equipment
(Available on ALL MODELS, Unless Otherwise Noted)
Observation Enhancements
Camera Hole – Vertical camera port installed behind co-pilot seat for air to ground photography

The plans are available and it doesn't seem to be too intrusive. Windows can open, doors can come off (prior to flight), it all depends on what your photographic application might be. They slow down pretty good and with flaps it pitches the nose down and so there is good visibility. Patroller doors and skylights give you some extra visual reference ability. I would definitely try it before you buy it.

like Wup, $.02, ha, ha

I used a Luscombe 8 a lot, extended the window latch so opened all the way, run the stick w/ your knees, plus rudder, can use both hands to shoot camera.

Maule has the Camera Hole for an option noted on there website:

Is there anything a Maule can't do???????

Well, I love taking pics with the Old Birddog. Both the front & rear windows open in flight. There is a camera pod that mounts on the bomb rack, no STC needed. The rear seat has a huge range of view, unobstructed by struts and the wing in the rear quadrant. So it really wins in obliques. It can fly at silly low airspeeds.

Canyon Diablo from the Dog. Hard to get the right angle with the train and airplane in the right place at the same time. That and fly with your knees at 300'.