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Fairchild Merlin IVA Turbo Prop Specifications and Charter Rates

The Fairchild Merlin IVA is a twin-engine turboprop crafted for reliability and versatility, ideal for regional travel and executive transport. With a cruise speed of over 320 mph and a range exceeding 2,000 miles, this aircraft offers efficient, comfortable flights for groups seeking an exceptional private charter experience.


Renowned for its spacious cabin and robust performance, the Merlin IVA is perfectly suited for business trips, leisure escapes, or accessing remote destinations with ease. This overview details its specifications, interior comforts, operational capabilities, and the reasons discerning travelers choose the Merlin IVA for their private aviation needs.

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Fairchild Merlin IVA Overview

The Fairchild Merlin IVA belongs to the turboprop class, delivering a superb balance of range, speed, and operational efficiency. Typically configured for up to nine passengers, its executive cabin layout allows for comfortable seating, in-flight productivity, and relaxation on journeys up to three hours. Powered by two Garrett TPE331 engines, the Merlin IVA ascends to altitudes of 31,000 feet, ensuring a smooth ride above weather and commercial traffic.


This aircraft’s reputation is built on its fuel efficiency, reliability, and the flexibility to operate from a wide variety of airports, including those with shorter runways. The Merlin IVA’s proven performance and cost-effective operation make it a preferred choice for private flyers seeking a premium experience without the expense of larger jets.


Operators appreciate the Merlin IVA’s straightforward maintenance requirements and enduring airframe. For private charter clients, this means reliable, on-demand access to a comfortable and efficient turboprop for both business and leisure missions.

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Fairchild Merlin IVA Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Turbo Prop

Passenger capacity:

Up to 7 (typical), 9 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 2013 nautical miles (around 2315 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

280 knots (about 322 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 250 knots

Service ceiling:

31000 fee

Engines:

Two Garrett TPE331 turboprops

Thrust:

Roughly 1000 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3284 feet

Landing distance:

About 1970 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 85 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 45 cubic feet

First delivered:

Late 1970s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Fairchild Merlin IVA Range and Performance

With a range of just over 2,000 nautical miles, the Fairchild Merlin IVA effortlessly links major regional centers and many cross-country destinations without the need for a fuel stop. Typical city pairs include Dallas to Chicago, Los Angeles to Denver, or London to Rome, all accomplished with reserves for added peace of mind. | The Merlin IVA’s 280-knot high-speed cruise ensures short flight times, while its ability to operate from runways as short as 3,300 feet gives you access to convenient airports that might be out of reach for larger jets. Its 31,000-foot ceiling allows smooth, weather-avoiding flights, and the efficient Garrett engines deliver strong climb performance with low operating costs. | Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the Merlin IVA’s combination of speed, range, and airport flexibility results in a premium travel experience that leaves commercial schedules far behind.

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Fairchild Merlin IVA Cabin Experience and Interior

The Merlin IVA’s executive cabin offers a stand-up height of nearly 5 feet 8 inches and a width of approximately 5 feet 9 inches, allowing most passengers to move about comfortably during flight. | Standard seating accommodates seven in a double-club configuration, with the option for a ninth seat, making it ideal for business teams or families. The cabin is designed for both productivity and relaxation, featuring large windows for natural light, folding work tables, and a private enclosed lavatory. | With up to 45 cubic feet of baggage space, there’s ample room for luggage, golf bags, or ski equipment. The quiet cabin environment and refined appointments ensure that every journey, whether for work or leisure, is both productive and enjoyable.

Fairchild Merlin IVA Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Fairchild Merlin IVA typically runs in the range of $2100 to $2800 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Fairchild Merlin IVA down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Fairchild Merlin IVA?

The Fairchild Merlin IVA fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While not suited for ultra-long-haul or transoceanic flights, the Merlin IVA excels on regional routes and short-haul hops, particularly for groups of four to nine seeking luxury and convenience. Its speed, efficiency, and cabin space make it a favorite for executive travel, sports teams, and families who value time savings and comfort.

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How the Fairchild Merlin IVA Compares to Other Turbo Prop

The Fairchild Merlin IVA traces its heritage to the Swearingen Merlin series of the late 1960s, evolving through continuous improvements into one of the most respected turboprops in its class. The Merlin IVA, introduced in the late 1970s, featured upgraded engines, pressurization, and avionics that set a new standard for private air travel.


With a robust airframe and advanced systems for its time, the Merlin IVA quickly gained popularity among corporate flight departments and charter operators. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its exceptional build quality and operational versatility, and many examples remain in active service worldwide, supported by a dedicated maintenance and parts network.


Today, the Merlin IVA is celebrated for its unique blend of performance, comfort, and cost-efficiency, standing as a symbol of American turboprop excellence in private aviation.

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Fairchild Merlin IVA History and Background

The Fairchild Merlin IVA traces its heritage to the Swearingen Merlin series of the late 1960s, evolving through continuous improvements into one of the most respected turboprops in its class. The Merlin IVA, introduced in the late 1970s, featured upgraded engines, pressurization, and avionics that set a new standard for private air travel.


With a robust airframe and advanced systems for its time, the Merlin IVA quickly gained popularity among corporate flight departments and charter operators. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its exceptional build quality and operational versatility, and many examples remain in active service worldwide, supported by a dedicated maintenance and parts network.


Today, the Merlin IVA is celebrated for its unique blend of performance, comfort, and cost-efficiency, standing as a symbol of American turboprop excellence in private aviation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Fairchild Merlin IVA Carry?

The Fairchild Merlin IVA typically seats seven passengers in a comfortable executive layout, with some aircraft offering up to nine seats. The double-club arrangement is ideal for both business and leisure travelers seeking a refined cabin experience.

What Is the Range of the Fairchild Merlin IVA?

The Fairchild Merlin IVA has a range of approximately 2013 nautical miles, or roughly 2315 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Fairchild Merlin IVA Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 280 knots (about 322 mph), with a long-range cruise near 250 knots. The aircraft's 31000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Fairchild Merlin IVA?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2100 and $2800 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Fairchild Merlin IVA Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the Merlin IVA cabin provides stand-up headroom for most adults, a fully enclosed lavatory, and about 45 cubic feet of baggage capacity—enough for several large suitcases, golf clubs, or sporting gear.

Is the Fairchild Merlin IVA Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional and cross-country U.S. trips, the Merlin IVA offers nonstop capability and the flexibility to use smaller airports closer to your destination. Its efficient engines and robust design ensure reliable performance on a wide range of routes.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Fairchild Merlin IVA jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Fairchild Merlin IVA, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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