Deckie11 wrote:In doing some research and talking with friends, the Maule has come up numerous times. They look fairly reasonable to get into and are said to be great back country planes. What is the visibility like over the nose on the ground? How is ground handling and is it true they are not the easiest to land straight?
The PA 22/20 looks like a side by side Cub and that is great. It got me thinking about the absolute blast of a time I had flying a Cub around with the door open mid summer. Are there mods to the Maule, PA 22/20 or even a Cessna to allow this?
The lineup of Maules is quite diverse, but some of the earlier models represent some of the best bang for the buck in tailwheel airplanes. The M4 and M5-210 or 220, for example, are very capable and versatile airplanes that can be bought in the price range of many basic trainers.
If left on stock gear and small tires, vis over the nose is really good. I'd say as good as you can expect in any tailwheel airplane on the ground. Obviously, as the main gear gets bigger, it begins to deteriorate. I have extended gear and 35s and I can't see anything...
If one is a proficient tailwheel pilot, I think ground handling a Maule is nothing special. You've owned a 170, I've owned a 170. I find the Maule to be no more difficult to handle than the 170. Different, yes. Difficult, no. In fact, I greatly prefer the Maule, but likely due to the proportion of my time spent in each.
Landing straight....? My thoughts keep going back to the proficiency of the pilot. The airplane is a pussycat and will do whatever you make it do. I cannot begin to say that it is a difficult airplane to land, even in wind. I have found them to be quite forgiving and good teachers. Can it bite you? Absolutely. But what won't if you don't pay it due respect?
The Maule is certified for flight with doors removed. Legally, you may remove one (either side) front door, or one or both back doors. I've heard that they won't fall out of the sky if you take both front doors off at the same time....
