When you walk onto the tarmac of a regional airport or a cargo hub, one aircraft stands out for its unmistakably long, slender profile. Often affectionately (and sometimes not-so-affectionately) referred to as the "San Antonio Sewer Pipe," the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner is a legend of the turboprop era. Despite its narrow cabin and demanding flight characteristics, it has remained a workhorse of the skies for over five decades.

What is the Fairchild Metroliner?

The Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner is a 19-seat, pressurized, twin-turboprop airliner designed for regional commutes and high-frequency cargo operations. Born in the late 1960s, it was the brainchild of Ed Swearingen, a Texas-based aeronautical engineer who saw a gap in the market for a fast, efficient commuter aircraft. Today, it remains a staple for cargo giants like Ameriflight and regional operators across the globe.

The Evolution from Business Turboprop to Commuter Workhorse

The Metroliner didn’t start as a 19-seat airliner. Its DNA traces back to the Swearingen Merlin, a luxury business turboprop. Ed Swearingen’s genius lay in his ability to modify existing designs—specifically the Beechcraft Twin Bonanza and Queen Air—into something entirely new. By stretching the fuselage and adding powerful Garrett TPE331 engines, the Merlin evolved into the Metro.

In 1971, Fairchild Aircraft acquired a majority stake in Swearingen, providing the financial muscle needed to bring the Metro into mass production. This partnership birthed several generations of the aircraft, each more capable than the last.

Model	Key Improvements
Metro II	Introduced larger, squared-oval windows and optional JATO (rocket-assisted takeoff) for "hot and high" airports.
Metro III	Featured a 10-foot wingspan increase, four-bladed propellers, and a significantly higher takeoff weight.
Metro 23	The final evolution, certified under stricter FAR Part 23 standards with more powerful engines and improved systems.

Why Pilots Call It the "Sewer Pipe"

The Metroliner’s nickname comes from its unique fuselage. To maximize speed and efficiency while staying within weight limits, the aircraft was designed with a very small cross-section. Inside, the cabin is just 4 feet 9 inches tall, meaning most adults have to stoop significantly while boarding. This narrow, tube-like shape led to the "Sewer Pipe" moniker, a name that has stuck with the aircraft throughout its long career.

However, don't let the nickname fool you. The Metroliner is a high-performance machine. It is known for being exceptionally fast for a turboprop, often outrunning its competitors. But that speed comes at a price: the Metroliner is famously difficult to fly. It lacks an autopilot in many configurations and requires a "hands-on" approach from pilots, earning it a reputation as a true "pilot’s airplane."

The Power Behind the Prop: The Garrett TPE331

One of the most defining features of the Metroliner is its engines. The Garrett TPE331 turboprops are "direct-drive" engines, meaning the propeller is connected directly to the engine's compressor. This makes the Metroliner incredibly loud on the ground, as the engines must run at high RPMs even when idling. While the noise is a challenge for ground crews and passengers, the TPE331 is praised for its reliability and instant power response, which is critical for the short-haul, high-cycle missions the Metro typically flies.

The Metroliner vs. The Beechcraft 1900

In the world of 19-seat turboprops, the Metroliner’s primary rival has always been the Beechcraft 1900. While the Beechcraft offers a "stand-up" cabin and more forgiving handling, the Metroliner often wins on pure economics. The Metro is generally faster and more fuel-efficient, making it the preferred choice for cargo operators who prioritize the bottom line over passenger comfort.

Is the Fairchild Metroliner Still Safe?

Safety is a common question for an aircraft that has been in service since the 1970s. Like any older airframe, the Metroliner requires meticulous maintenance. Its safety record is comparable to other aircraft in its class, provided it is operated by experienced crews. Many of the accidents associated with the Metro in the past were attributed to the high-intensity nature of regional and cargo flying rather than inherent flaws in the design.

A Turboprop Legend

As we move further into the 21st century, the Fairchild Metroliner continues to defy retirement. While most major airlines have moved to larger regional jets, the Metro has found a second life in the cargo industry. Its ability to carry heavy loads into short, unimproved strips makes it irreplaceable for overnight freight and medical transport.

Whether you view it as a cramped "sewer pipe" or a masterpiece of Texas engineering, there is no denying the Fairchild Metroliner’s impact on aviation. It remains a testament to a time when speed and efficiency were the ultimate goals, and flying was a task reserved for those who truly loved the challenge of the cockpit.

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