Fred Choate wrote:

How much is too much over gross weight?

In the 10 years I owned my Maule, I never once operated it over MGW. I
carelessly took my 150 off overweight once.

What about airframe age, prop age...etc? Does it make a difference on
decision to "carry a little extra"?

Since I bought the Maule new, I would say that it made no difference to me.

George Patterson
Why do men's hearts beat faster, knees get weak, throats become dry,
and they think irrationally when a woman wears leather clothing?
Because she smells like a new truck.