At a time when four engine aircraft were still relatively rare, the Heron was well received by flight crews and by passengers who appreciated the additional safety when operating into more remote locations. Some 150 were built and exported to around 30 countries. Later, a number of Herons were fitted with 290 hp (216 kW) Lycoming IO-540 flat-six piston engines.The modifications were carried out by the Riley Turbostream Corporation of the USA and so became known as the Riley Heron. Due to clutter it was difficult to get a nice side on shot but this view shows the flat engine conversion nicely.

Delivered to Devlet Hava Yollari as TC-HAK in 1955 who were renamed to Turk Havak Yollari in 1956. Sold as N481R 1966. To Wright Airlines as N506FW and converted to a Riley Heron in 1967. To Swift Aire as N414SA in 1974. then to Pacific Alaska Airlines in 1983. To Sunflower Airlines as DQ-FEF and destroyed in a fatal crash on approach to Nadi, Fiji in 1986.

Built as standard Heron 2D with Gipsy Queen engines and delivered to the WGAF as CA+001, this was one of two for the Chief of Staff and Chancellor, returning as G-ASFI in 1964. It was sold on to Transportes Aereos de Guinea Portuguesa as CR-GAT and bought by Connellan Airways in 1970, who rebuilt VH-CLW at Alice Springs in 1972 as a Riley Heron with four Lycoming IO-540 engines and 3 blade props. It was leased to Kendell Airlines in 1976 and sold to Air Tungaru, Kirabati becoming T3-ATA in 1981 and then DQ-FDY with Sunflower Airlines, Fiji in 1984. Back to Australia in 1997 and to CAAM in 2012

CA001 (WGAF), G-ASFI, CR-GAT. To VH-CLW (1970) Converted to Heron 2E/A1, fitted with Lycoming Engines in 1972. To T3-ATA 1981, then DQ-FDY 1984. Acquired from Bankstown and restored.

ex. CA001 (WGAF), G-ASFI, CR-GAT. To VH-CLW (1970) Converted to Heron 2E/A1, fitted with Lycoming Engines in 1972. To T3-ATA 1981,then DQ-FDY 1984. Acquired from Bankstown and restored. Photo by S.Surman.