The Fairchild SA227-AC is a variant of the successful Metro III regional airliner, a pressurized, twin-turboprop aircraft designed primarily for commuter and cargo operations. The SA227-AC Metro III was introduced in 1980 and featured upgraded engines and foundational improvements, resulting in a higher maximum take-off weight compared to its predecessors. This model proved to be a popular airframe, with 273 units built, including 11 delivered to the US Armed Forces as C-26A transport aircraft. Production of the Metroliner series concluded in 1998, with 714 airframes built across all variants.
The manufacturer, Fairchild, was an American aircraft and aerospace company with a history dating back to its founding by Sherman Fairchild in 1925. Originally focused on aerial photographic equipment, the company evolved into a major aircraft manufacturer. Fairchild acquired Swearingen Aviation Corporation in 1971, leading to the creation of the Fairchild Swearingen Corporation, which produced the Metroliner series. Fairchild ceased operations in 2003 after being acquired by M7 Aerospace.
A wide range of platforms and access solutions are utilized to service the SA227-AC. Access equipment is indispensable for comprehensive maintenance across various sections. For the engine area, cantilever platforms and sturdy trestle scaffolds provide necessary reach for inspecting the engine, pylon, and anti-ice systems. Modular stepover platforms and portable stands enable efficient access to the nose section (radome and avionics), landing gear, and high-wing areas, ensuring detailed inspections and repair tasks can be performed methodically throughout the aircraft’s body and tail section.
