Swearingen Metro III Aircraft 1980s

1980s turboprop twins are dominantly Beechcraft King Air 200 (the volume King Air of the era), King Air 90 series (C90, E90), and Cessna 441 Conquest II. PT6A engines from this era remain reliable with proper hot-section maintenance; airframes are well-supported via Textron/Beechcraft. Avionics typically Honeywell Primus or Collins; ADS-B and FANS retrofits are essentially universal on active aircraft. Mid-life airframes with current engine programs.

The Swearingen (Fairchild) Metro III is a pressurised twin-turboprop commuter and cargo aircraft — a long, slender SA227 powered by Garrett/Honeywell TPE331 engines, fast and efficient for its class. A workhorse of regional airlines and cargo operators, the Metro III is now valued as capable utility and freight aircraft, defined by its engine status, cycles and configuration.

Swearingen Metro III aircraft for sale

2 used Swearingen Metro III aircraft for sale 1980s · 19-seat · Reference price ~$650,000 ($350,000–$1,200,000) · updated 4 hours ago

Swearingen Metro III Specifications

Model spec

The Swearingen Metro III is a 19-seat multi engine turboprop with a cruise speed of 278 kt (515 km/h), a range of 594 nm (1,100 km), and a useful load of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).

Performance
Cruise278 kt (515 km/h)
Range594 nm (1,100 km)
Service Ceiling25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Engine & Fuel
Horsepower1,000 HP
Fuel Burn100.0 GPH (378 L/h)
Weights & Seats
Seats19
Max Gross Weight14,500 lbs (6,577 kg)
Useful Load5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)

Swearingen Metro III for Sale

1982 Swearingen Metro III

1982 Swearingen Metro III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 39,345
Reg# N3108B US
Location Springfield (), MO
Via Coleman Jet Solutions
Multiple sources

1988 Swearingen Metro III

1988 Swearingen Metro III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 37,756
Reg# N430MA US
Location Springfield (), MO
Via Coleman Jet Solutions
Multiple sources

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Swearingen Metro III Price & Cost

Swearingen Metro III Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Swearingen Metro III Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (100.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$62,000/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.
Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Swearingen Metro III

Buying a Swearingen Metro III comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

  • TPE331 engines — hot-section/overhaul history, hours and cycles (dominant value drivers).
  • Variant — Metro III vs Metro 23 (higher weights); verify which.
  • Pressurisation & systems — verify integrity and service history.
  • Role/configuration — cargo vs commuter; verify conversions and fit.
  • Corrosion & cycles — high-cycle airframes; thorough structural inspection and complete records.

Frequently Asked Questions — Swearingen Metro III

Cost?
From — to —, median — across 2 listings.
Who buys a Metro III?
Cargo and utility operators (and some commuter roles) — it's a high-cycle commercial

Swearingen Metro III Inventory by Country

United States2

Swearingen Metro III Inventory by State

Missouri2

Swearingen Metro III Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Swearingen Metro III. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 4 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data