Today’s Top Pick is a 2006 Maule M-4-180V.

Maule Air, the Moultrie, Georgia-based purveyor of modern taildraggers, has been charting its own unique course for decades.

While its aircraft seem old-fashioned because of their rag-and-tube construction, they remain in production and are ideally suited to their customers’ needs, which include carrying loads into the backcountry and operating from short, rough fields. In light of the growing popularity of STOL and off-airport flying, Maule’s lineup feels completely up to date.

The aircraft for sale here offers an attractive combination of capability and economy. While relatively new by general aviation standards, this M-4 feels like a bargain compared with numerous older taildraggers that are popular among short-field enthusiasts. Even though Maules have been around since the 1940s, they are not necessarily well-known among everyday aircraft shoppers. They tend to attract pilots with a strong sense of adventure and tradition.  

This 2006 Maule M-4 has 925 hours on the airframe and on its 180 hp Lycoming O-360-C1F engine since new. Airframe upgrades include observation doors, vortex generators, Cleveland brakes, 8.50-by-6 tires, an Alaskan Bushwheel 3200 tailwheel, and floatplane reinforcement kit. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,300 pounds and a useful load of 882 pounds.

The panel features a Garmin 250XL GPS/Comm, Aera 660 portable GPS with panel mount that displays ADS-B with weather and traffic, PM1000 intercom, Narco AR850 altitude reporter, Garmin GTX 345 transponder, Electronics International SP-8-A engine analyzer, OAT gauge, and fuel totalizer.

Pilots searching for a traditional 1940s-style taildragger with numerous upgrades that make it better-suited to modern times should consider this 2006 Maule M-4-180V, which is available for $125,900 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use its airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Choose Your Mount—The Maules Do It All
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• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Tailwheel Maules

The post This 2006 Maule M-4-180V Is a Backcountry-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2002 Zenith CH 801.

Zenith aircraft and their Zenair relatives sprang from the drawing board of Chris Heintz, an aeronautical engineer who worked in air transport design and manufacturing before moving into kits for GA pilots. His line of two- and four-seat airplanes stretches to the 1970s, while the Zenith CH series of high-wing models has been on the market for more than 30 years.

These airplanes are designed around short-field performance and are known for easy flight characteristics, reliability, and low-maintenance operation. Because they have been popular for a long time, and the manufacturer remains in business, owners can rely on strong factory and club support with repairs, service, and modifications.  

This 2002 Zenith has 86 hours on the airframe and its Lycoming O-360-B2A engine, which has a 2,000-hour TBO. The panel features an MGL Avionics Stratomaster Velocity flight instrument, Icom IC A200 radio, Electronics International CHT gauge, Garmin GTX 320 transponder, and ACK Technologies ELT. Additional equipment includes strobe lights, pitot heat, electric flaps, and electric trim.

Pilots looking for an economical, reliable kitbuilt aircraft with a reputation for good design and performance should consider this 2002 Zenith CH 801, which is available for $120,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Friends Enjoy a Different Kind of ‘Bar Hopping’ in Their Zenith LSAs
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• AVweb: Buying Used: Zenith STOL CH 701

The post This 2002 Zenith CH 801 Is a Sturdy, Short-Field ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.