Delta Air Lines already performed the Fairchild-Hiller FH-227B in the early 1970s. However, the carrier was not necessarily looking to have the plane before boarding. In addition, it did not operate the aircraft for a long time. Let’s take a look at how the operator ended up with the guy and why he let him go so soon.
Who was the order for?
The high-wing turboprop was produced for speed, comfort and economy when operating at smaller airports. They were developed from the popular Fokker F27 Friendship and built under license by Fairchild in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Delta did not order these units. They arrived at the Atlanta-based airline after the company’s merger with Northeast Airlines in the summer of 1972.
Northeast introduced its first of seven FH-227Bs in a Boston service on September 7, 1966. The plane replaced the aircraft carrier’s Douglas DC-3 and DC-6B propeller aircraft.
In turn, there were significant technological benefits from the plane. Passengers would have been impressed with the fully pressurized and air-conditioned cabin. There were also tall wings that allowed the placement of exceptionally large windows with unobstructed views. Those on board were therefore treated to fantastic views while in the air.
High hopes
Undoubtedly, the Northeast was excited to get their hands on the aircraft. According to a brochure shared by the Delta Flight Museum, the carrier was eager to deploy the planes throughout New England.
“The FH-227 is a product of one of the largest aircraft companies in the world, Fairchild Miller, and features the latest innovations in passenger comfort and safety. The “Dart” propeller jet engines that power the FH-227 are built with precision by Rolls-Royce. Noted for their reliability, Dart engines have more than 30 million hours of civilian flight to their credit. You will be pleased to know that all Northeast Fairchild “Yellowbirds” are fully air conditioned. (The cabin is as comfortable on the ground as it is in the air.) They are also fully pressurized so you can navigate comfortably at sea level, even at 12,000 feet (No more earsplitting!). “ the brochure states, as shared by the Delta Flight Museum.
“The seats are wide, rounded and comfortable, with ample legroom. The tasteful interiors were styled by Raymond Loewy / William Snaith, one of the best industrial design companies in the world. The cabins’ interiors feature wool textures and fabrics specially selected to be beautiful and harmonious. Custom carpets, curtains and seats in patterned tapestries and oat tweeds in warm, golden colors, suggesting the richness of a New England harvest, are all combined and interwoven into a creative decor designed to please you. “
Changing hands
The first pilots of the FH-277Bs in the Northeast appreciated the aircraft’s ability to allow for smoother travel. For example, they were fans of being able to ride on board without having to climb a ramp.
However, the Boston-based airline soon ran into significant financial problems. Therefore, she looked for a partner to merge. Subsequently, Delta and the Northeast were fully united on August 1, 1972.
The move made Delta the fifth largest carrier in the United States at the time. It had routes that spanned 33,300 miles. In addition, the airline flew to new international destinations in Canada, the Bahamas and Bermuda. It also formed frequent operations from the Northeastern United States to Florida.
After the acquisition, the FH-227B was the only type of turboprop passenger ever piloted by Delta. However, the airline also insured the Lockheed L-100 fully loaded.
The FH-227B had a range of 450 statutory miles and could reach a speed of 295 mph. 43 passengers could fit on board when flying from New York to places like Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. The turboprop also had a length of 83 feet, a wingspan of 95 feet 2 inches and a height of 27 feet 6 inches.
Different plans
Delta would only fly the plane for two years. The airline retired the model in 1974 and, at the end of the year, sold the entire FH-227B fleet to Air New England. This company was a suitable buyer, as it meant that the planes would continue to be deployed on tried and tested routes in the Northeast.
Ultimately, Delta was looking to standardize its fleet and consolidate its routes after the merger with Northeast. The FH-227B did not fit the operator’s plans. The aircraft entered a time when jets such as the Convair 880, DC-8, DC-9, DC-10, Boeing 727 and Boeing 747 were flying through the sky for the operator.
Altogether, the plane was a great arrival when entering the Northeast in the mid-1960s. However, at the time when it became part of Delta’s holding companies, it had a great challenge to compete with the powers of the jets on the scene, since 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 had a chance to fly this type over the years? Let us know what you think of the plane in the comments section