Swearingen Merlin Insurance Cost Examples
Pro Pilot and Experienced
| Coverage | Limits | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Damage | $500,000 Agreed Value | $12,000 |
| Aircraft Liability | $5,000,000 Per Occurrence | $3,000 |
| Total Annual Premium | $15,000 |
Owner Pilot and Experienced
| Coverage | Limits | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Damage | $500,000 Agreed Value | $13,000 |
| Aircraft Liability | $2,000,000 Per Occurrence | $4,000 |
| Total Annual Premium | $17,000 |
Owner Pilot and Experienced but less than 1,000TT
| Coverage | Limits | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Damage | $500,000 Agreed Value | $18,000 |
| Aircraft Liability | $1,000,000 Per Occurrence | $4,000 |
| Total Annual Premium | $22,000 |
Aircraft Summary
The Merlin 300 is built to provide superior flight performance. Its aerodynamic design features winglets for improved stability and decreased drag, as well as newly shaped ailerons to enhance roll control, ultimately boosting its speed.
Swearingen Aircraft created the Merlin in 1964, inspired by the Beechcraft Queen Air for which Swearingen had designed an engine conversion. Later in 1968, Fairchild collaborated with Swearingen to produce the Metro, a commuter version of the Merlin. In 1971, Fairchild acquired Swearingen’s assets and in 1981, the newly formed Fairchild Swearingen Corporation was born.
The Merlins III series offered a stand-out design difference from its II series predecessors. Not only was the fuselage stretched 25 inches to seat two more passengers, but both wing span and tail height were extended by 30 and 6 inches respectively. Additionally, the upgraded landing gear added an extra 2500 lbs. of weight. This all resulted in an impressive 2000+ mile range due to an additional 262 gallons of fuel capacity for the III series. The IIIA further improved the range and passenger comfort with the addition of three extra cabin windows.
The Merlins III series was a remarkable evolution from the II series, with 25 additional inches added to the fuselage for two more passengers, a 30 inch greater wingspan, a 6 inch taller tail and new landing gear. This model boasts an impressive 2000+ mile range due to the 2,500-pound weight increase and 262 gallon fuel capacity upgrade, while the IIIA features an extra three cabin windows.
The Merlin IIIB boasted a number of advancements over its predecessor, the IIIA. This included TPE-331-10U series motors – resulting in a 60 shp power increase per engine – as well as Hartzell 4-blade propellers with synchophasers, a revised wing root design and tailplane and improved interior fittings.
The Merlin IIIC is designed to SFAR-41 specifications, featuring 12500 lb. or 13230 lb. gross weight options, plus enhanced -503G motors and Dowdy Rotor 4-blade propellers. Note that the “”A”” designation following the serial number means the aircraft does not qualify for SFAR 41 approval of weights above 12,500 lbs.
The Merlins III series offered a stand-out design difference from its II series predecessors. Not only was the fuselage stretched 25 inches to seat two more passengers, but both wing span and tail height were extended by 30 and 6 inches respectively. Additionally, the upgraded landing gear added an extra 2500 lbs. of weight. This all resulted in an impressive 2000+ mile range due to an additional 262 gallons of fuel capacity for the III series. The IIIA further improved the range and passenger comfort with the addition of three extra cabin windows.
The Merlins III series was a remarkable evolution from the II series, with 25 additional inches added to the fuselage for two more passengers, a 30 inch greater wingspan, a 6 inch taller tail and new landing gear. This model boasts an impressive 2000+ mile range due to the 2,500-pound weight increase and 262 gallon fuel capacity upgrade, while the IIIA features an extra three cabin windows.
The Merlin IIIB boasted a number of advancements over its predecessor, the IIIA. This included TPE-331-10U series motors – resulting in a 60 shp power increase per engine – as well as Hartzell 4-blade propellers with synchophasers, a revised wing root design and tailplane and improved interior fittings.
The Merlin IIIC is designed to SFAR-41 specifications, featuring 12500 lb. or 13230 lb. gross weight options, plus enhanced -503G motors and Dowdy Rotor 4-blade propellers. Note that the “”A”” designation following the serial number means the aircraft does not qualify for SFAR 41 approval of weights above 12,500 lbs.
The Merlin IV series – the corporate variation of the Metro commuter aircraft. The Metro has been stretched 17.2′ and modified to hold a reduced fuel capacity, optimizing it for larger loads over shorter trips.
The Merlin IV series is a modified Metro commuter aircraft, with an extended length of 17.2′, a reduced fuel capacity and various new features, such as cockpit control and fuel system changes and rectangular cabin windows.
The Merlin IV suite of corporate aircraft is an extended version of the popular Metro commuter. The Merlin III has been elongated by 17.2′ and its fuel capacity reduced to make room for larger payloads on shorter trips. The IV-C is SFAR-41 certified and can accommodate a gross weight of 14500 to 16000 pounds. Its upgraded wings, more powerful engines and four-blade propellers give it additional range, while 104 extra gallons of fuel add even more reach.
Models We Cover
Valuation
The Swearingen Merlin may be bought for between $190,000 and $780,000 as of the year 2023. The first Merlin IIB went into production in 1969, and the final Merlin 300 was made in 1985. 179 Swearingen Merlins are flying today.
Risk Areas
Claim History
Many mishaps have befallen the Swearingen Merlin throughout the years. A twin-engine Swearingen SA226-T(B) aircraft crashed and burned in Winslow, Arizona, on April 23, 2021. Both the pilot and the passenger perished in the crash. The right wing of a Swearingen SA226-T Merlin IIIB was severely damaged after the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway on May 6, 2022.
On February 2, 2005, two pilots were killed when the Swearingen Merlin IIIB aircraft they were flying crashed soon after takeoff from Teterboro Airport to Morristown Municipal Airport. Loss of control from ice buildup on the aircraft was blamed as the root cause of the disaster.
Safety Features
Depending on the model, the Swearingen Merlin has two turboprop engines, either Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20 or Garrett AiResearch TPE-331-10U-503G engines. It has several flight instruments, including an autopilot and GPS navigation system, that enhance situational awareness and improve safety during flight.
The de-icing technology used on the Merlin III reduces the likelihood of stalls and accidents caused by ice buildup on the wings, propellers, and windshields. If a fire breaks out in the aircraft’s engine, cabin, or anywhere else, the aircraft’s fire suppression system can put it out rapidly. Passengers have extra safeguards in the form of the emergency exits.
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