Why do you like/dislike the Maule?

Question

And what do you think? Should I pick a Maule (M-7-235C Orion) or a STOL CH 801?
See this link for more info about the CH 801: http://www.zenithair.com/stolch801/index1.html

Answer 1

I leased a maul for towing gliders back in the seventies. It was a tail dragger though so I was surprised to see a trike in your link. The Maule that I flew was an absolute kick to fly. Takeoff and landing were super short and it was pretty darn fast and could climb like a rocket. Don't know if the same people make these new ones or not. I guess I'm not much help huh, but I like talking about Maules.

Answer 2

This is one of those questions like should I drink water or milk.
The CH 801 is tricycle gear with 180 hp. The Maule is a taildragger with 235 hp. Maule also makes a tricycle gear 180 hp model which would be closer for comparison purposes.
With out getting into the actual performance, the Maule has an advantage of being already built when you get it, so you can fly it away today. The CH 801 is a kit plane and may be months or even years before you can fly it depending on how fast a builder you are, assuming you have the skill to assemble one. If I had the choice, I would go with the Maule, but wouldn't quit at 235, I would get the 260.
That is my take on the subject, but it is still up to you what to do. Good flying either way.

Answer 3

I looked at a Maule 180 horse trike before purchasing my present plane, a 172XP. I liked the Maule because of its power to weight ratio, short field abilties etc. They're also one of the better buys, particularly if you can find one just a few years old.
On the downside, the doors were pretty small and seemed to butt up against the wing strut on entry and exit making those actions a bit on the contortionist side. I knew my wife would hate that.
But the real killer for me was insurance. The first year's insurance was about triple what the XP's was because I have zero time in Maules. My insurance company told me rather indirectly that they didn't care for Maules although they didn't really say why. I'm guessing it has to do with the tube and fabric (ceconite) covering and the cost of tears in the fabric, etc.
Our Highway Patrol here in CA used Maules for years before switching to Cessna 206's. Personally, I think the Maule is a great airplane and delivers a lot of plane for the money.

Answer 4

Hiya they are BOTH good solid dependable airplanes built in a Small town in GA. The Company is currently run by June. Maule, the late B.D. Maule's wife, and her Kids and Grand-kids.

The plane is Well constructed and Dirt Simple, when if comes to maintenance. I personally love 'em

Answer 5

Dislike because it's ugly