N505GM

N505GM is a Fairchild Swearingen SA-226T/TB Merlin 3, a twin-engine turboprop operated by NATIONAL AIRPLANE SALES & LEASING CORP. SkyMeter has tracked 94 flights totalling 106 hours of airtime via ADS-B across 2 callsigns. The most frequent segment is KGTU to KGTU. Service window in our records spans 344 days. The Fairchild Swearingen SA-226T/TB Merlin 3 has a 46 ft wingspan, a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 lb.

About the Fairchild Swearingen SA-226T/TB Merlin 3

The Fairchild Metro III (SA227-AC) is a pressurized twin-turboprop commuter aircraft that became the workhorse of regional airlines and cargo operators from the early 1980s onward. Built by Fairchild Aircraft (later Fairchild Dornier), the Metro III evolved from the earlier Swearingen Metroliner series and introduced more powerful Garrett TPE331-11 engines, improved systems, and a distinctive T-tail configuration. With seating for 19 passengers in airline service, the Metro III carved out a niche as a rugged, reliable short-haul transport capable of operating from shorter runways and in challenging weather conditions that grounded many competitors. Its unpressurized cargo variant, the Expediter, became equally popular for freight and express parcel operations.

The Metro III's operating envelope reflects its commuter mission: a maximum cruise speed around 290 knots, service ceiling of 25,000 feet, and range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles with full payload. While not glamorous, the type earned a reputation for dispatch reliability and low operating costs, making it a favorite among regional carriers throughout North America, Australia, and parts of Europe during the 1980s and 1990s. The aircraft's relatively high approach speed (around 110 knots) and spirited handling characteristics demanded proficient crew skills, contributing to its professional mystique among turboprop pilots.

Today, the Metro III has largely retired from scheduled passenger service, replaced by newer regional jets and turboprops, but it remains active in cargo, charter, medical evacuation, and specialized roles where its combination of speed, payload, and short-field performance still proves valuable. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators over routes, with () the largest observed operator.