MAULE HISTORY CONTINUED (Page 3 of 4)
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In 1968, B.D. and his family moved the company to Spence Air Base in Moultrie, Georgia, where the company still resides. By this time, the airplane had evolved from 145 hp. with fixed pitch propeller, to 220 hp. with a constant speed propeller and approximately 250 had been delivered. The new plant was located at Spence Air Base, an ex-World War II training field, and offered an ideal site to construct and test aircraft. The Georgia location also offered good flying weather in a region where labor costs were lower than up north. New manufacturing buildings were constructed, along with a lake for float planes, and a roomy lodge home, designed by wife June.
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In the years that followed, the Maule planes spread to every continent of the globe, gaining a reputation as a superb aircraft at a reasonable price. Rugged, simple and reliable, the Maule aircraft has been chosen by pilots throughout the world. Whether on wheels, floats or skis, there is no region in the world where the takeoff or landing of a Maule is impossible.
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B.D. was never one to rest on his laurels; he constantly evaluated his planes to find new ways of improving them. Through the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, B.D. , his son David, and many others at the plant worked many long hours to improve nearly every aspect of the Maule design. Often, lights could be seen in the plant at night, where B.D. and son David would collaborate on all sorts of design projects. Performance of the plane has been enhanced through their efforts with various flap, aileron, wingtip, and landing gear changes. Other changes have been minor, usually to improve the aesthetics, interiors, paint jobs, and the overall versatility of the airplane.
Under B.D.'s guidance, the airplane has gained a variety of powerplants, with recent models utilizing a 420 shp Allison Turboprop Engine. The structural design has remained the same, with the original fuselage jig still being used. The Maule airplane has developed a worldwide reputation for its ruggedness.
Only the highest quality raw materials are used and a constant F.A.A.- approved quality control procedure is maintained. All parts of the Maule are crafted in Moultrie, except the avionics, engines, and propellers.
In 1995 Maule was the third largest producer of single engine aircraft in the U.S. In 1996, the Maule factory produced 64 aircraft, and employs 76 people. Some employees have been with the company over 29 years. This experience is realized in the quality of each handcrafted Maule airplane. Maule has produced over 1800 aircraft since it’s inception.
