Delta Air Lines once held the Fairchild-Hiller FH-227B in the early 1970s. However, the carrier did not necessarily want the plane before he tackled it. In addition, the aircraft did not last long. Let’s see how the carrier ended up with the type and why it went so fast.
For whom was the order?
The high-wing turboprop is manufactured for speed, convenience and cost-effectiveness when operating at smaller airports. They were developed from the hugely popular Fokker F27 friendship and built under license by Fairchild in Hagerstown, Maryland.
It was not Delta that ordered these units. They arrived at the Atlanta airline after merging the company with Northeast Airlines in the summer of 1972.
Northeast commissioned its first of seven FH-227Bs from Boston on September 7, 1966. The aircraft replaced the Douglas DC-3 and DC-6B propeller aircraft.
For its time, there were significant technological advantages of the aircraft. Passengers would have been impressed with the air-conditioned cabin under pressure. There were also high wings that could place extraordinarily large windows with unobstructed views. Those traveling on board were therefore treated to fantastic views while in the air.
High expectations
Northeast was undoubtedly excited to get its hands on the plane. According to a brochure shared by the Delta Flight Museum, the carrier wanted to deploy the aircraft across New England.
“The FH-227 is a product of one of the largest aircraft companies in the world, Fairchild Miller, and contains the latest innovations in the field of comfort and safety for passengers. The prop-jet, “Dart” engines that drive the FH-227 are built by Rolls-Royce precision. Noted for their reliability, Dart engines have more than 30,000,000 hours of civilian flying to their credit. You will be delighted to know that all Northeast Fairchild “Yellowbirds” are completely air conditioned. (The cabin is just as comfortable on the ground as in the air.) They are also under pressure so you can sail comfortably from sea level, even at an altitude of 12,000 feet (no more popping!). ” the brochure reads as shared by the Delta Flight Museum.
The seats are wide, shaped and comfortable and have enough legroom. The tasteful interiors were designed by Raymond Loewy / William Snaith, one of the world’s best industrial design firms. Interiors in the cabin have textures and wool fabrics that have been specially chosen to be beautiful and harmonious. Custom rugs, curtains and seating in patterned and oatmeal tapestries in warm, golden colors that suggest the richness of a New England crop is blended and interwoven into an imaginative décor designed to please you. ‘
Change of hands
Early kites on the Northeastern FH-277Bs appreciated the aircraft’s ability to travel more smoothly. They were fans, for example, that they could walk on board without climbing on a ramp.
However, the Boston-based airline quickly experienced financial difficulties. Therefore, it was looking for a partner to merge with. Thereafter, Delta and Northeast fully merged on August 1, 1972.
With the move, Delta at the time made it the fifth largest carrier in the United States. It had routes that stretched over 33,300 miles. In addition, the airline subsequently flew to new international destinations in Canada, the Bahamas and Bermuda. It also formed regular operations from the U.S. northeast to Florida.
After acquisition, the FH-227B was the only turboprop passenger type Delta ever flew. However, the airline also owned the overall Lockheed L-100.
The FH-227B had a range of 450 miles and could reach a speed of 295 mph. 43 passengers were able to board when flying from New York to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. The turboprop also has a length of 83 feet, a wingspan of 95 feet 2 and a height of 27 feet 6 in.
Different plans
Delta would only fly the plane for two years. The airline retired the type in 1974 and sold its entire fleet The FH-227B to Air New England at the end of the year. This company was a suitable buyer because it meant that the planes would be used on the tried and tested routes in the northeast.
Eventually, Delta wanted to standardize its fleet and consolidate its routes after the merger with Northeast. The FH-227B does not fit in with the carrier’s plans. The aircraft joined at a time when jets such as the Convair 880, DC-8, DC-9, DC-10, Boeing 727 and Boeing 747 hit the air for the operator.
All in all, the plane was a major arrival when it joined Northeast in the mid-1960s. By the time it was part of Delta’s participation, however, it had a difficult challenge to compete with the jet power stations on the scene, as the airline had different plans with its routes.
What do you think of the Fairchild-Hiller FH-227B aircraft operated by Northeast Airlines and Delta Air Lines? Have you ever had the chance to fly on that type over the years? Let us know what you think of the aircraft in the comments section