I've got to run a 2006 Maule M-4-180 from Florida to Arizona this weekend but would like a heads up on the airplane. Any quirks or idiosyncrasies about a Maule that are unique? I flew an M-5 about 10 years ago for 30 minutes; so it'd be nice for a quick refresher.

What I know about the airplane so far:
2006 M-4
180hp (Lyc. I believe but not sure)
2 place
Long Range tanks

Thanks!

nkh

- Do not trim it for hands free in the pattern...it can use full aft on the trim for slow flight and it will run out of elevator authority left to flare...if this happens a simple shot of power will flare for you. In this scenario you must also be ready with strong forward yoke if you have to go around.
- Use 0 or negative flaps if equipped for stronger crosswinds...I typically only use no more than the first notch on landings unless I need really short field performance.
- The plane is designed for the 3-point landing...wheel landings are routinely possible, but can be tricky if you are not proficient with it.
- Make sure that you don't mistake the parking brake for the carb heat. In some models it is the same type / color knob.
- Don't forget to switch fuel tanks...there is not an option for BOTH...and transfer the fuel from the outer tanks as soon as you have room in the inboards. If you have a transfer pump problem you do not want to find out when you need the fuel. The pumps transfer at 1/2 gallon per minute which is fast enough to meet the fuel burn of the engine, but I would not bet on it. Also, if you have a failed pump, shut the other one off and leave both tips full so you do not have an unequal load on landing. Landing with the tips full makes it more squirrelly, but landing with only 1 of them full can make it a true handful.

There was a write-up on this airplane in the March 2005 issue of AOPA Pilot magazine-- unfortunately not much ink was used to describe how this airplane flies.
I thought the M4-180V was a good idea, to allow Maule to compete in the 2-place taildragger market with Husky, Cub Crafters, & American Champion. The side-by-side seating versus the competition's tandem seating could be either a drawback or an advantage, depending on the customer. (personally I like side-by-side, for a variety of reasons.)
The magazine article cites list prices of $96K for a fixed-pitch version, with the constant speed model at $106K. I have a magazine ad dated Dec 2006 that shows them priced at $129K & $137K- considerably more expensive than originally stated, but more in line with the competition. Unfortunately they didn't seem to make very many of these 2-seaters, maybe the anticipated demand didn't materialize?

Eric

Thanks Lowflyby.
With your gouge the flight went good, but had a transfer switch fail intermittently trapping fuel in the wingtip.
Also, while it was stable in smooth air; pitch stability in turbulence left something to be desired. Twice it developed
a pitch occilation at about a half second frequency, which would throw you around the cabin. Other than that, an
okay airplane.

nkh