1993 Maule MXT7-180 Star Rocket

Wilco Aviation is pleased to present for sale the Maule MXT-7-180 Star Rocket, registration G-CROL an excellent example of this respected aircraft. Currently based at our facility at Henstridge Airfield in the South West of England, it is available for viewing by appointment. The Maule MXT-7-180 may not be the sleekest or fastest aircraft, but it offers the reliable short-field performance typical of the Maule range, all at a relatively modest cost. Crucially, it avoids the more demanding ground-handling characteristics of taildragger models. The tri-gear Maule marked the company s first move into direct competition with mainstream four-seat, fixed-gear singles. Introduced in 1991 around the same time as the AGAC Tiger it didn t revolutionise the market, though few designs have in recent decades. Notably, Maule remains in business and continues to produce the MXT-7-180, unlike AGAC. Several factors have contributed to Maule s continued success. One is its niche appeal. Compared with the similarly powered Tiger, the tri-gear Maule offers almost identical useful load. Although slower, it provides significantly better short-field performance, climb rate, service ceiling, and range. Structurally, the aircraft closely resembles its taildragger counterparts, featuring a tube-and-fabric fuselage with metal wings and stabiliser. The forward fuselage, from the rear of the doors forward, is also metal-skinned. The landing gear differs substantially: instead of the taildragger s shock-absorber main gear and steerable tailwheel, the tri-gear model has aluminium leaf-spring main gear and an oleo-strut nose gear. Interestingly, the nose gear adds no measurable drag compared to the conventional gear arrangement. The tri-gear Maule s wing is roughly three feet longer than that of the MX-7 taildragger, effectively sharing the same design as the M-6. The increased span allows for larger ailerons and flaps. Factory pilots recommend a short-field take-off technique of accelerating to Vx, deploying full flaps, and rotating achieving a 50-foot obstacle clearance in around 600 feet at maximum weight on a standard day. The aircraft s performance comes not from complex aerodynamics but from straightforward power-to-weight efficiency and low wing loading. Rudder trim is managed via a simple T-handle pulled until pedal pressure is neutral and then locked typical of Maule s practical design philosophy. Based on the Maule M-4, the MXT-7-180 is a high-wing, strut-braced monoplane of conventional design, available with either tailwheel or tricycle undercarriage, as fitted to G-CROL. The M-7 series features a lengthened cabin compared with earlier M-5 and M-6 models, with two front seats and a rear bench for up to three passengers. Optional third-row kiddie seats and additional windows can also be fitted. The MX-7 uses the same modified M-5 fuselage as the M-6 but with the M-5 s wingspan, larger fuel capacity, Hoerner-style wingtips, and five-position flaps introduced with the M-7 series. The MXT-7 variant extends the cabin further and offers the optional third row of seats with additional windows. Total fuel 276 L (73 USG) 120kt cruise Interior: Blue fabric Exterior: Cream with Light Blue and Navy Trim Bendix King KA 134 Audio Panel Sigtronics Intercom Bendix King SkyMap Bendix King KX 125 Transciever Trig TY96 (8.33 spaced) Transceiver Garrecht Avionik VT-2000 Transponder Air Speed Indicator (ASI) Attitude Indicator (AI) 2x Altimeters Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) Turn Coordinator Direction Indicator (DI) Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) RPM Gauge Manifold Pressure gauge Fuel Pressure gauge Exhaust Gas Temperature gauge (EGT) Oil Temperature gauge Oil pressure gauge Suction gauge Ammeter Landing light NAV lights 12v power socket Compass Clock CO Alarm Interior - 7 Exterior - 8 Year: 1993 Make: Maule Aircraft Corporation Model: MXT-7-180 Star Rocket Reg Number: G-CROL Aircraft Type: Single Engine Fixed Wing Airframe Hours: 558 (+/- 5hrs) Engine Make: Lycoming 0-360-C1F Engine Hours: 151 (+/- 5hrs) Engine Overhauled: 2015 Prop Make: Hartzell HC-C2YR-1BF/F7666A Prop Hours: 270 (+/- 5hrs) ARC: 18/04/2027 Annual: 17/08/2026 Empty Weight: 639.6kg (1410lbs) MTOW: 1134kg (2500lbs) Price: 83,000.00 GBP TeleEmail: [email protected] Airplane time state: Year: 1993 Airframe Hours: 558 (+/- 5hrs) Engine Hours: 151 (+/- 5hrs) Engine Overhauled: 2015 Prop Hours: 270 (+/- 5hrs) ARC: 18/04/2027 Annual: 17/08/2026