Flight Notes— how to fly the Maule M-7

The Maule M-7-260C Orion is a product of a family business that has been building light aircraft for more than forty years. Maules are known for their ruggedness and simplicity. These traits, along with their STOL (short takeoff or landing) capability, make them a popular aircraft among bush pilots and people who want to fly into remote areas. Their roominess, power, and load-carrying ability add up to a lot of airplane at a comparatively affordable price.

The 260C is a taildragger with spring-aluminum landing gear and a wide stance, suitable for taking off from and landing on rough, unprepared surfaces. Its 260-horsepower Lycoming engine provides power to transport up to five people at a relatively fast cruise speed. Ease of handling (with the usual caveats about landing taildraggers in a crosswind) and economical operation round out this plane's sturdy virtues. Float and ski options add to the 260C's versatility, and its ability to land just about anywhere.

Specifications

	U.S.	Metric
Cruise Speed	164 mph	264 km/h
Engine	Lycoming IS-540-V4A5 six-cylinder liquid-cooled, 260 hp
Propeller	Two-blade McCauley constant speed
Maximum Range	600 nm	1,092 km
Service Ceiling	20,000 feet	6,096 meters
Fuel Capacity	73 gallons	277 liters
Empty Weight	1,671 pounds	760 kilograms
Maximum Gross Weight	2,500 pounds	1,136 kilograms
Length	23 feet, 6 inches	7.2 meters
Wingspan	32 feet, 11 inches	10 meters
Height	6 feet, 4 inches	1.9 meters
Seating	5
Useful Load	829 pounds	377 kilograms