Fairchild Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III

30 Jun 2026 · © @yuljets

A classic Fairchild Swearingen Metro III turboprop, still active in small-scale commercial or charter service, seen on the ramp.

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Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner (Metro III/Metro 23 likely)

Aircraft

Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III SW4

White with thin dark blue cheatline, no major airline livery visible

C-GTTM

Registration

Airline

Not clearly marked/No major airline visible

Manufacturer

Fairchild

Gear

Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 back dual wide camera 5.96mm f/1.6

Achievements

Turboprop Tracker, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager

3 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 79.0

Good clarity and full side view, but ground equipment and cords clutter the foreground. Nice light on the fuselage!

Location

Kelowna International Airport

YLW/CYLW

49.9561, -119.3780

Open map

Kelowna International Airport YLW

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Metro III was a popular regional turboprop airliner from the late 1970s through the 1990s, used mainly by commuter/regional airlines and cargo feeders, especially in North America.

Fleet Rarity

Becoming rarer; only a small active fleet remains worldwide, mostly with cargo operators and smaller carriers.

Record Flights

Not typically associated with record flights, but these aircraft have served remote and challenging routes in various regions due to their short-field capabilities.

Safety & Events

Metro III aircraft have been involved in a small number of incidents, but are generally regarded as reliable regional workhorses.

Future Outlook

Most Metros are being retired, converted to cargo, or used for specialized roles; a handful still operate with regional or charter airlines.

Specifications

Garrett TPE331-11U turboprop

Engine

17.37 meters

Wingspan

18.10 meters

Length

2,410 kilometers

Range

482 km/h

Speed

19 passengers

Capacity

7,484 kg

MTOW

5.13 meters

Height

820 shp (shaft horsepower) per engine

Thrust

Approcimately 85 dB, ICAO Chapter 3

Noise