De Havilland - De Havilland D.H. 114 Heron

About De Havilland - De Havilland D.H. 114 Heron

The De Havilland DH.114 Heron is a small, propeller-driven British airliner, notably developed from the twin-engine De Havilland Dove. This rugged, low-wing monoplane was designed with tricycle undercarriage for regional and commuter routes, first flying on May 10, 1950. Approximately 150 units were built and exported to around 30 countries, highlighting its global presence and reliability in demanding operational environments. This particular aircraft, N415SA, is a significant variant known as the Riley Turbo Skyliner. It underwent a crucial modification by the Riley Turbostream Corporation, replacing its original engines with more powerful and reliable Lycoming IO-540 flat-six piston engines. This enhancement greatly improved its performance, making it faster and more dependable. Originally built in 1954 for Turkish Airlines, N415SA has had a storied career, serving with various airlines in the USA and Hawaii and even crossing the Pacific and Atlantic oceans twice. It currently resides in Sweden, where it has undergone extensive restoration, ensuring it meets current airworthiness standards. The aircraft can accommodate up to 16 passengers, features large picture windows, and is certified for single-pilot operation. Its airframe includes a special "spar strap" modification by Winters Engineering, extending its total airframe life from 15,000 to 30,000 hours, allowing for legal operations under FAA, UK CAA, and EASA regulations. This aircraft offers a cruise speed of 170 knots with a fuel burn of 50-60 US gallons per hour. HISTORY This De Havilland DH-114 “Heron” is the last flying example of the type. Originally built and sold to Turkish Airlines in the 1950’s, N415SA has a long and storied career serving with small airlines in mainland USA and Hawaii. It has crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic twice. N415SA is presently hangered in Sweden, where over the past 4 years it has undergone a detailed inspection and repair as necessary (IRAN) to return this wonderful aircraft back to flight. N415SA has been flying continuously since its manufacture in England in 1954 The aircraft is fully up to date with all required airframe and engines AD’s and modifications completed. This version of Heron is the DH-114-2X which was modified by Riley Aeronautical Engineering replacing the problematic Gypsy Engines with high performing and infinitely reliable Lycoming IO-540 engines with 3 blade full feathering Hartzell propellers. Of important note: Original DH-114 models had a maximum wing spar life of 15,000 hours. At that point the aircraft were grounded and or scrapped. However Swift Aire Lines, which operated six DH-114’s in California in the 1970’s (including N415SA), commissioned an FAA approved life extension “spar strap” by Winters Engineering for their Heron’s. This STC was installed on all six Swift Aire Lines DH-114 Herons including N415SA. This modification increased airframe total time limits from the original 15,000 hours to 30,000 hours. The FAA approved STC allows legal operations of this aircraft with the UK CAA and EASA and FAA. N415SA presently has 20,000 hours total airframe time. A visually beautiful and classic design, N415SA carries 15 passengers with scenic windows, 1 Flight Attendant and two Pilots, cruising at 170 knots and 50-60 US gallons an hour. This model is certificated to 11,499 pounds and is legal to fly with only one pilot. Single Pilot Certified No type rating required 12,499 lbs Max Gross Weight 16 Passenger seats and picture windows Passenger seats are quickly changeable for executive seating or spacing Full set of manuals No spar AD Aircraft resides in heated hangar Great for fly along experiences with Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mustangs, etc.

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